Our First Three Days

I have been meaning to blog our “first impressions” since arriving. Every day there has been more to take in which then add to those first impressions and I just haven’t been able to sort it all out. So far we have mostly been just settling in to Manila, resting, and eating! The food is fantastic and abundant. The temperatures are high and so is the humidity...still in the midst of the rainy season. Manila is impressive and overwhelming at same time. There is a lot to take in.

Now it’s no secret that I am something of a "planner". I like things all settled, squared-away, and organized. With just a few days under our belt here in Manila, it is clear that this trip is going to be "immersion therapy" for me – “Learning to live without a plan: A Four Month Program”.

We still aren't decided about where to live. Andy assures us that we were welcome to stay here with his family. Since our arrival, they have completely cared for us – meals, beds, cleaning, transportation…everything. To ask that of their family for four months seems a bit much. The house is in Makati which is on the south end of Manila and a bit far from the university. That may make it more difficult for Hans to get to the university – though so far he has been able to ride with Andy’s daughter who attends UP now. Makati is also somewhat distant from other friends/family in Manila. I worry about that mostly for Jordan - down here there are fewer opportunities for him to interact with other kids – either other “cousins” or sports teams, etc. We did find a fully furnished condo we could rent closer to the university. It’s a bit more expensive than I'd budgeted but nicely equipped and located. We would certainly be immersed more in life here if we were on our own. That's a big leap too...as Manila is definitely different that Seattle or Edmonds!

Other things are a bit topsy turvy too. Hans’ research project and schedule is completely up in the air - the funding for the planned project is not going to be available so it just won't happen. Nice to find that out after we arrive, huh? So, Hans is going to the university today to see if there is an existing project he can jump in on. We haven't made any final decisions about formal school (if any) for Jordan. And, I'm still unsure how I will schedule my time for work – it’s hard to see those two days a week fitting into our schedule right now so I need to figure that out. Of course I'm concerned about having promised more than I will really be able to manage (what’s new about that though…). And, though we hope/intend to see more of the Philippines, the traffic here is completely insane. It’s not just the volume but the very different approach here to basic traffic rules which seem to be somewhat “optional”! The idea of driving here is disconcerting to say the least, yet so is the idea of not being able to get out of Manila and explore freely and widely.

Those are the things on my worry list. The very bright upside of all of that is that we are surrounded by so many people here who are ready to help us every step of the way. For now, we have a very comfortable and friendly place to be as we figure out how to make our own life here for the next few months. So, despite that long list of worries, we are doing very well, excited and happy to be here, and ready to face each day’s adventures!