"The older I get the better I used to be"Who said that?
It has been a year now since we left Canada on this adventure and, on the eve of our departure on “home leave”, it seems to be a time of reflection on the past, present and future.
The Year’s Travels
We have been doing exactly what we said we were coming here to do – exploring southeast Asia. Over the past year, I’ve been to Bangkok a few times, Hua Hin in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore and Palawan in the Philippines. Further afield have been trips to Australia, Spain and Amsterdam.
I knew when I came that my ignorance of Asia knew no bounds. A year later, I know just a little bit more. Surprises? With the exception of the Philippines, the places I’ve been to have a feeling of great change underway. Thailand is very developed, as of course is Singapore, Cambodia is on the way and even Laos seems to be on the verge of change. The latter concerns me a bit as I love the quiet atmosphere – no doubt this will change. In December the New York Times named Laos as the top “hot” destination (of 50) for 2008 (damn them) and magazines are full of it. I hope the development is thoughtful – one can only hope.
There are jarring sights as well, especially in Cambodia, and most especially in the Philippines. This planet is literally choking in plastic. On the ride in to the town of Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) from the airport, the fields and ditches beside the road are strewn with plastic bags. In Manila every time it rains heavily (and now is rainy season so this is very frequent) the roads and neighbourhoods flood because the drainage channels and gutters are clogged with garbage. Plastic, plastic, plastic. I’m trying to train myself to take canvas bags to the market.
What do I love about the places I’ve seen outside of Manila? Well apart from the plastic, just about everything! Especially the design. Textiles in Laos and Cambodia are outstanding, Thai silk is awesome, Bangkok has amazing sculpture and architecture everywhere you look, even in the midst of the most dense and modern areas. Just look at the spirit houses in every yard, balcony or office building courtyard. Colours are fantastic, food is great and the history and temples are fascinating. Tropical vegetation is wonderful and I love the rivers.There’s lots more to see.
A Day in a Life in Manila
In the Philippines, the history is different and the design pleasures are not as obvious. You have to search for beauty, especially in Manila. It’s there for the looking, but sometimes you have to look very long and hard.
What is wonderful about life in Manila is the lifestyle. I’ve made so many great friends from literally all over the world and there is always so much to do. It’s very social. Lunches, dinners, galleries, museum exhibits and shopping as sport. Tours to places around and just outside the city and, recently, sailing on Manila Bay. Friday afternoons I play mah jong, which is totally addictive and great fun. I also have a couple of art projects on the go as well as taking pictures and writing when the mood strikes.After a year here, I have finally taken on a volunteer activity for the coming year (September to April). No – not service clubs or diseased body parts this time. What I’m going to do is lead a section of the Museum Volunteers of the Philippines history course – the same class I took this past year. My section is called the “Independent Period” which is from 1946 to 1986. This covers the post-war reconstruction after the devastation and destruction of Manila in 1945 through the Marcos years and martial law to kicking out Marcos through “People Power” in 1986. My job is to learn all about it, do some presentations, help organize the student research and presentations, decide on the guest speakers and the tours, as well as participate in the organizing committee.
I’m also on a quest. When I was recently at the doctor’s office, the nurse was doing the weighing and measuring thing and announced that I was 5 feet 4 and a wee bit. “That can’t be so!” I protested, but it seemed it was. I was shocked. Shocked and appalled, as they say. All my adult life I’ve been 5 feet 5 ½ inches. So where did I lose that inch?
So, in addition to my usual treadmill, I’ve now taken up weekly yoga classes as well as private pilates lessons in a pilates studio in the neighbourhood and also sessions with a private trainer at the fitness center downstairs in my building, Both trainers are excellent and I’m a great student. VERY motivated. After six weeks of pilates I can already see a difference in posture. I’m going to retrieve that lost inch if it’s the last thing I do!
In a few days we depart on a three-week vacation to my second favourite place on the planet – Vancouver Island. Guess what #1 is. When we return, our confirmed travel plans include Thailand and Cambodia again at the end of August, Shanghai in October, two weeks in Laos over Christmas and Bali in April. We also look forward to the arrival of visitors from Canada.
It’s been a great year and I look forward to the next great year to come.
