Oh, yes we have been here for nearly two weeks … attempting to adjust to the strange world of Manila … the traffic is far worse than I ever thought … the smell of the city is strangely like a sewer (the human waste just runs into the river flowing through the city freely and then onto the harbor) and some type of garlic rice – regularly eaten (nearly every morning by one of our neighbors) … and the people speak neither English nor Tagalog, but some mix of languages – often called Tagalish. Our apartment is one the 28th floor of a condo complex (many of these in our area) and was absolutely filthy with many layers of dust everywhere atop things, apparently the senior couple having lived here before had a Filipino maid (who only hit only the high spots) and have been gone for a few months before our arrival, with one of them having a critical medical problem. They had the leave on short notice and have been gone since May. We have washed, and re-washed everything again and again including nearly daily the floors. Several days our hot water hasn’t worked, so cold showers have been the order of the day – I took them when I was much younger but these days – they just don’t fit the bill – very well. The electrical systems here "sort of work and sort of don’t" with lights going ON/OFF without notice. I have had many of them replaced with new ballast, since they are all florescent. Our bed looks like an "old horses’ back" with a deep dip in the middle, but we are hopes of replacing that. Lastly, we have had many challenges getting Internet and Cable TV, both removed during this absence. They say they are coming (that is the technicians from these companies) but work from 8am to 8pm and our building will only let you in between 9am to 5pm, neither will compromise with the other, so it takes days of staying home – just waiting for someone to come (hopefully) We have building security and building engineering (maintenance) both won’t talk to the either as well. And to think this is one of the better places to live here.
Oh, the joy of living abroad … and we just love it.
Last night we attended a short films contest for "national family week" where they were promoting eating together at night as families, something our Church fully supports at a local theater. This theater was on the six floor of a mega mall, and I mean mega mall. Their shopping is either small, independent shops or these several football field sized, multi-story super shopping complexes. This was at one of the super-sized shopping malls. The finalists all receive cash awards and several of them were very touching.
We have eaten at "SHAKEY’S Pizza", "Wendy’s" and "Johnny Rockets" thus far sort of like home but with an Asian twist.
The cable TV man just left our apartment complex and finally now we have both Internet (installed on Monday) and now Cable TV (just installed) … almost starting to be like home.
Lastly both our Apartment Agent and Real Estate Broker were here and visited us this morning - while we waited for the Cable TV man to arrive for his installation and we might even get some "hot water" and a "new bed" (the mattress - after 14 years of tenant use), so finally we are beginning to adjust to our new environment here but still there are many challenges to face – but we are great! (Just one side note: There are an half dozen middle men involved in renting property in the Philippines and no one really - knows what they do for you)
Love you and may the Lord bless you and your family,
Elder Morello
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