i have this vague memory of two friends....... thanks for the postcard - it looks awesome, wish I could be there. Nice to see you've got rid of your overdramatic tendencies and played it cool about the leg. (hehe)
Good to hear from you. Hope it all goes well.
interesting Age and weight are viewed differently in asian countries than they are in western countries. So because they are with and older man, doesn't always mean they are so unlucky. Many of those men treat them better than locals men ever would, and they are also able and willing to help their families. Many women in the Philippines, when given a choice, would chose the caucasion over the filipino simply because they are treated better by them, and given opportunites that they would otherwise never have in life.
Sleeping boy I like the sleeping boy photo and his background story. You can find this type of child in Philippine rural areas who would follow and admire you from the distance, whether you are a foreign or a local visitor from the big city. You have captured an island's culture so astutely.
Well off the Tourist Track What a great experience, I'm very jealous! Unless you have a lot of time in a country (like Tao) it's almost impossible to find places and people like you have, you're lucky to have met him!
Fellow Blogger, Carrol
an amazing journey I haven't yet read any of your other blog entries, but this was a great story. As a fellow blogger, I know it is often difficult to capture experiences in words. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures on a road less traveled.
whew! your story is terribly amazing.. i really admire you for being so true to yourself, without any pretensions whatsoever.. that had been one great experience for you.. i am just wondering what island in the Philippines had you been...cant wait to experience the same :) go emily
I have to agree with Mum here sis. That was the dumbest thing you've ever done.....BUT it did sound like a blast and i'm glad it all went well! hehe
Another thing....not sure about phillipines but in thailand expect more of the same old western men and their 12 year old looking wives. It made me sick at first but then i was told the deal and it didn't seem as bad. Aparently they had very very shit lives beforehand and these (usually) fat gits actually support their whole families. I guess it's taking one for the team so to speak! Still, It's not as bad as being a prostitute!
Fantastic Hi Em,
Your trip sounds really fantastic - really glad you are enjoying yourself and making the most of your travels. Your photos are great by the way.
Tim and I send our best wishes and enjoy China x
very nice!!! go on, tell me how to get there, you know you want to!
i did a similar thing to my foot over in south africa a few years back and i have to admit i started to cry when the 'pharmacist' told me how much he wanted for some medicine for it. I just let it rot for a while and it wnt away after a few days. here endeth the lesson. sound like youre having a great time! nice one!
Hi Emily
Was getting worried hadnt heard anything from you for awhile
How well you write about your experience in the Philippines. Next best thing to actually being there..
The pictures are great
love
Maureen
Awesome Hi Emily
That sounded absolutely awesome. We thought we had had some amazing travel experiences, but I have to say that yours just shows how touristy they really were. We went through a similar depression as you I think when we got back from the Antartic, and it took a good 6 weeks, some sunshine and a few whales to get through it. Glad you have. Let the good times roll.
Brilliant... Makes me think of "The Beach", only without Leonardo DiCaprio and all that craziness.
Can't wait to hear some first hand stories about the island.
Kx
Amazing Asia Emily, the Philipine island sounds simply amazing. We have been home for 5 weeks now and reading it makes me so jealous. Enjoy Asia its just amazing. You will be starred at everywhere and have to pose for lots of pictures, but just learn to get used to it. Happy travels in China, our favourite country. Hope your sign language skills are good, you're going to need then. Oh and sign language for "you choose the food from the menu for us" results in the most amazing food - enjoy!!!
Beautiful Philippines Hi Emily
I am so glad you got to expereince a great time in Philippines. I always love hearing good comments on it and hate the bad ones. I am half Filipino and I love spending the time with my family and the attention you described is exactly what I receive whenever I go to visit. You can ready my blog on it if you are interested.
As for the marrying thing. I agree about the women being sad and I feel sorry for them especially the fact that they are doing it to help their families. I grew up with a lot of people who were half Filipino and half english/irish/bangladesh (me)/pakistan/arab and the mothers and fathers were in it together for love. I guess the big difference is that the meeting happened in London (where they lived and worked) and not in the Philippines which is were what you described happens.
Anyway thanks for the great blog and great pictures. I know my little cousins all love getting their pictures taken.
Regards
Mysha
Very Inspiring ! What an inspiring story ! You've captured the true essence of the Filipino culture and way of life........great blog !...cheers!...joh
wow!! hey emily, fantastic to read your adventures in philippines. sounds likes it was just what you needed!! i'm back in the uk in jun. lets hook up and swap stories!!
bazza
Emily, Amazing! I am thoroughly inspired after reading that. I have heard about a number of people's trips to the Philippines but your wonderful island experience there, and your evocative way of describing it, make me want to get on the next plane :-)
What recklessness!! Wow Em, what a mixed bag of emotions that was. Fabulous photos, quite stunning. Glad you are safe and well and have met up with Antony now. Is the foot better? Glad you had the opportunity to show off and perform, albeit in not quite your usual venue! Keep safe and enjoy. xxx
trophy wives I saw a lot of this when I was in the military (USAF). The reality is that marrying a Filipina means marrying the entire family. Marrying an American was a sure-fire ticket to the USA for the bride's family. They seemed resigned to their lot in life. Their husbands were guys that probably wouldn't have been as successful landing an American wife in the looks department. I think that poverty and family loyalty plays a major role in these situations.
There are camels in australia?? heya emily,
Am incredibly jealous of the kangaroo feeding experience... could u bring one back for me as well?? i will add to the accumulating compliments, your writing really is fantastic as are the pics! By my calulations you're in Hong Kong! i hope to get an update soon.
Love!
Speechless WoW Emily you can almost smell and taste the images you've captured. How fantastic and how the hell will you EVER be able to settle anywhere ever again after an experience of this magnitute?. ( and i haven't even cought up with the complete journal as yet). Total respect and love to you. Speechless . take care x x x
Hi!
I embarked on a solo round the world trip from September 2006 - June 2007, and this is documented in words and pictures over the following pages. I will also be adding tales of future trips, as and when they come up.
Enjoy!
Visited Countries Map
... full info
Richard from Lamma Island
non-member comment
It Was Good Havin' Yez
Sorry about the mix-up on the China visa. We'll get up to the countryside next trip. Have a great further trip!