I Can't Believe I'm Actually Here

We have had two whirlwind days in Quezon City, and it's only just begun! Rebecca did a great job reviewing our activities, so I won't repeat. I would like to share some of the things I've observed and/or learned since arriving.

First and foremost, I have never met a more gracious, more hospitable people than I have since landing in the Philippines. While we were still standing in the line for Customs, we caught sight of our welcoming committee, complete with a 4x6' banner of our names and faces celebrating our visit. It took me from weary to wonderful in the blink of an eye.

And then there's the food... what can I say? We are being fed 6 times a day! 6 times a day people! I'm already finding myself getting hungry every 2.5 hours--it's hilarious! I've eaten jellyfish, grouper, monkfish, mangoes, and the sweetest cucumbers I've ever tasted. I even ate fish for breakfast, and it was soooooo delicious.

Jamie and I are being hosted by Tess Araneta (in the tan tank) this week. Such a lovely lady! Her home is very beautiful, and she has made us feel like it is our own home. She has gone above and beyond to care for us and anticipate our needs. We even were treated to a trip to the spa today after fulfilling our ambitious agenda!

Traffic. Okay, fellow Americans, you think our traffic is challenging? Come drive around here for a day. And yet we haven't seen a single fight, obscene gesture, or accident. Truly amazing.

As Rebecca mentioned, we were privileged to meet Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte-Alimurung, Vice Mayor of Quezon City, and her father, the Hon. Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. The diplomacy I have witnessed has been inspiring. After presenting each of them with our gifts of local handmade crafts and cookies, they in turn had lovely gifts prepared for us. It was touching to be received so warmly.


All this in 2 days, and I even have a good 7 hours ahead of me to actually sleep. Yay! Life is good.