Apparently, living in Manila is going to provide plenty of material for me to write about. Here goes:
We have been provided several books to help us adapt to life in the Philippines. Something we read was very beneficial for us yesterday. We went to SM which is a department store, furniture store, grocery store, and several restaurants all in one. Danae had to use the bathroom and guess what? There was no toilet tissue. No, they didn't run out. They don't put tissue in the bathrooms at all. No empty tissue holder or anything. Because I read about that, I had a little tissue stowed in my bag to use.
In the grocery store, the most overwhelming shock was the stench. The entire back of the store is basically a butcher shop. Surprisingly, there were no flies or anything. But, the smell was gross. Danae held her nose while we looked around in there. I wasn't bold enough to purchase any meat yet. One day, maybe. Or, we'll just become vegetarians while we're here.
In the clothes section, we were pleasantly surprised by the low prices. Dwayne saw a pair of very nice linen shorts for P300 which is roughly about US$7. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts were around $17 for men and $12 for women. A lot of kids clothing for less than $10. We just might come back to the states broke but with a fabulous wardrobe. Speaking of that, I have yet to see a Philipino looking raggedy or with just a t-shirt and jeans thrown on. These people are always well put together from the makeup to the clothing to the shoes.
Now, in reference to the title for this post. These folks are SERIOUS about Christmas. Our driver from the airport told us it's the biggest holiday. But while we were out, we saw Christmas trees and fake Santas for sale already. And, the craziest thing is that they are playing christmas music in the stores. Yep, we heard "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "The Little Drummer Boy". For real, y'all! It was September 30th but felt like it was at least December 20th. Crazy!
That's enough about this place for today. If you're interested, I'm attaching a couple of little videos of the kids playing with each other. Just so you know they aren't sad or anything. By the way, Brayden smells like a Philipino already. I think it's because all of the ladies like to play with him so their smells have rubbed off.
We have been provided several books to help us adapt to life in the Philippines. Something we read was very beneficial for us yesterday. We went to SM which is a department store, furniture store, grocery store, and several restaurants all in one. Danae had to use the bathroom and guess what? There was no toilet tissue. No, they didn't run out. They don't put tissue in the bathrooms at all. No empty tissue holder or anything. Because I read about that, I had a little tissue stowed in my bag to use.
In the grocery store, the most overwhelming shock was the stench. The entire back of the store is basically a butcher shop. Surprisingly, there were no flies or anything. But, the smell was gross. Danae held her nose while we looked around in there. I wasn't bold enough to purchase any meat yet. One day, maybe. Or, we'll just become vegetarians while we're here.
In the clothes section, we were pleasantly surprised by the low prices. Dwayne saw a pair of very nice linen shorts for P300 which is roughly about US$7. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts were around $17 for men and $12 for women. A lot of kids clothing for less than $10. We just might come back to the states broke but with a fabulous wardrobe. Speaking of that, I have yet to see a Philipino looking raggedy or with just a t-shirt and jeans thrown on. These people are always well put together from the makeup to the clothing to the shoes.
Now, in reference to the title for this post. These folks are SERIOUS about Christmas. Our driver from the airport told us it's the biggest holiday. But while we were out, we saw Christmas trees and fake Santas for sale already. And, the craziest thing is that they are playing christmas music in the stores. Yep, we heard "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "The Little Drummer Boy". For real, y'all! It was September 30th but felt like it was at least December 20th. Crazy!
That's enough about this place for today. If you're interested, I'm attaching a couple of little videos of the kids playing with each other. Just so you know they aren't sad or anything. By the way, Brayden smells like a Philipino already. I think it's because all of the ladies like to play with him so their smells have rubbed off.
Comments
Should I send you some money to bring me back some clothes? :)
Ayana
Glad you are adjusting. The meat smell? Yup, that might make me a vegetarian too. UGH.
The kids are adorable.
As for as becoming a vegetarian. I can understand. Enjoy yourselves. Deidra
What is you all's bank account so you all can purchase us some clothes. Did Dwayne tell you we want you all to bring us back some foreign money for our Currency Honor? We also would like pins(the ones that you attach to your shirt, hat, etc.
The 2nd video is too cute. Be safe. You all are in our prayers.
Crissy P.S. I was so excited about the clothes that I forgot to say I am glad you all are safe and happy.
Ayana