Greetings from the Philippines

Like every other trip to Asia, my trip begins in the Philippines.

After two days of no sleep, i finally got onto my Korean Air flight bound for Manila. The only news to report was that I had a brief, scarey situation at the Incheon Airport during my six hour stop over in Korea. I dropped my passport while sleeping on a bench and a very kind American man from Atlanta watched my things as I tried to retrace my steps, 20 minutes prior to boarding the airplane. The Korean Air staff found it and it was waiting for me at my gate. This all happened in five minutes, but it felt like two hours!! I believe that karma was on my side.

I landed on Oct 29 and my mom and dad picked me up at Ninoy Aquino International Airport to take me to Luisana, Laguna, a provencial village where my Grandfather Jesus (who turns 100 years old on Nov 11) and step grandmother live. My grandfather is bed ridden with a broken hip and he's frail, but he immediately recognized me and gave me a blessing. Then I slept for three straight days!

The end of October always brings about "All Saints Day", the celebration of the dead, when Filinos go to there hometowns and party for three days at the cemeteries where their dead relatives are buried. So I went to my parents' hometown of Cavinti, Laguna, where it seems life hasn't cahanged for about 40 years. I hung out with my cousins Andy and Danny and we indulged in some San Miguel beer.

By the way, when it rains her in the Philippines, it's quite forceful!

I am now at an internet cafe in Marikina, Metro Manila, where I am visiting with my cousin Judy, her husband Andy and their beautiful new adopted baby Anjali (who I have been named Godfather to!)

I am still waiting on some paper work for Japan and I just bought my ticket to Tokyo for November 12, where my firends and former students will meet and have a party...I can't wait!

Stay tuned, y'all

Nemeste!
xo
Jess