Wednesday September 19, 2001 : Leaving Manila Again
I woke up at 6:30 am. Small L ran a fever all night and was coughing quite bad. I just let her sleep.
I got up and packed some of my things, then had breakfast with Brooke before she headed to work. At 9:00 am I took a cab to the Airline and got my refund. It took far less time than I'd expected it would. I was back at the house by 9:30 am. Small L was still asleep. I finished packing and made Small L some toast and honey which we ate out by the pool. I took one last swim, then prepared for my flight. Rene showed up at 12:00 noon and off we went.
I hate saying goodbye. I will miss hanging out with Rene. He's a good friend.
Saying goodbye to Small L was also difficult for me. She is dear to me.
The flight was uneventful. I was not scared despite the events of last week.
Anand met me in the airport and we drove to Superdry's. I had intended to go to Evergreen tonight, but as we were driving to Superdry's we were hit by a major storm. The result was a speed of 20 meters an hour. I am not joking. Unlike Manila, or North America for that matter... no one honked. Everyone just sat there in the traffic waiting for the traffic to start moving again.
Eventually it did. I got to Superdry's at 7:45 pm... We had left the airport at 5:30 pm... Normally the trip would have taken about 30 minutes.
Tuesday September 18, 2001 : Last Day Goodbyes
I used Rene's handphone to with my SIM card to send out some messages that I was leaving. I don't think I reached everyone though. Mhel was quick to respond and wanted to spend the day with me, even though I told her it would mean running around Makati on preflight errands.
She came over before noon and we managed to have a nice swim together and hang out by the pool until around 2:30 pm. I had a refund coming to me from a plane ticket I had not used so I had to go to see my friend Manny at Sharp Travel to get the receipt to take to the Airline. We walked to Sharp, stopping at McDonald's for a quick bite. Mhel was not happy with my quick depature and less happy when I told her that it might be a long time before I return. But who knows what will happen.
We parted ways at around 5:00 pm and I met Susie at Starbucks at Greenbelt. Susie had bought me a gift, a nice set of candle holders and some candles. She certainly didn't have to do that but its appreciated none the less. I went back to the Last Homely House and packed up Small L's stuff. I haven't seen her since she was last over. Rene came by at 7:30 pm and we met up with Jason Millions for a bit then headed over to Small L's work and waited for her. She's been sick and wasn't planning to go in but came in to meet me. Small L ended up coming back with to the Last Homely House. We watched a bit of TV, but she was running a fever so I gave her some aspirin and put her to bed.
Monday September 17, 2001 : Aqua-Phone
Today I accidently knocked my handphone into the swimming pool. I would not recommend this trick to anyone who actually wants to use their handphone afterwards. My trusty Ericsson put up a struggle to live, but by 3:00pm, the keypad was not functional, although it still could pick up a signal.
I changed my flight to Bangkok to Wednesday. It is Geri's birthday on Thursday and the 19th was the only flight available. I will be able to attend her big 21st Birthday bash.
I spent the afternoon making arrangements, then came back to the Last Homely House and had a swim... without my phone.
Brooke got in at around 10:00 pm. She was quite jet lagged from her 18 hour flight from Canada.
Sunday Sept 16, 2001 : One Week
I met up with Jason Millions, NG Dave, Jenn, NYC Aaron and Barman Neil at Cuddles last night. Mhel and Erica sat with us as well. I only stayed until 1:00am then walked back to The Last Homely House.
Small L showed up at about 5:00 am. I let her in and we crashed until noon. She was in one of her strange moods today. She had to leave at around 2:00 pm so we walked out of the village together.
It had rained in the morning but by the time we had left the house it was clearing. Now its sunny and bright and time for me to go back and have a swim.
I only have one week left in Manila. Brooke returns tomorrow night. It will be nice to hang out with her again.
The afternoon was nice. I swam, wrote a letter, and enjoyed the solitude of the day. I feel oddly sad. I'm not sure if its some melancholy from the events in the USA this week, or the knowledge that my little vacation in Rivendell is almost over. Perhaps its the bitter-sweetness of knowing that I will have to say "Good bye" to all my friends in Manila... again... It was difficult to leave in February. It is equally difficult now. Saying farewell to Small L will be truly difficult.
I know once I am back in Bangkok I will be glad to see Superdry and Geri and of course K. But... then a few weeks later I will have to go through this all over again when say my goodbye to South East Asia. I am not certain how I will adjust to returning to North America. I am looking forward to seeing BC and the Fraser Valley in the Autumn, and seeing my friends and family in both BC and Alberta.
But still...
Goodbyes are difficult for me. For someone who's moved as much as I have you'd think I'd be used to them by now.
Saturday September 15, 2001 : Cuddles
Last night I met Nice Guy Dave, Barman Neil, and NYC Aaron at a bar called "Fibs" on P. Burgos. We hung out there while Neil and Aaron went off somewhere. NG Dave's girlfriend Jenny showed up and we went to the 4th Anniversary party that was being held at "Cuddles", which is the bar Jenny used to work at. NG Dave had to go to the bank machine, so Jenn took me to "Cuddles" and we waited for NG Dave to show up I ordered the absolutely worst nachos I've had in my life. It was like eating broken horse teeth covered in Elmers white glue.
I texted Rene and invited him to meet us, and Jenn asked me about M, who she'd met in Boracay in January. Since I am single, she introduced me to her friend Mhel. NG Dave showed up, as did Rene and eventually we were joined by NYC Aaron. They all got drunk. As I haven't drank since May, I stuck to soda waters while Mhel fussed over me. She gave me her handphone number and asked me to text her before I go away. That was okay. Eventually they headed out to another bar. Rene and I stuck around, but went searching for them afterwards. I called NG Dave to find out where he was, but couldn't understand what he was saying. Right about then Noreen texted me saying the Currency Angels would be at Chili's Restaurant at midnight, so Rene and I gave up on looking for the others and went there. We had a meal and talked. Rene drove me back to the Last Lonely House at around 1:30 am.
The good thing about NOT drinking is NOT having a hangover the next day. I managed to get up earlier, not wanting to miss any time splashing about in the pool. The gardener and Lydia were doing their stuff and I had a nice coffee out by the pool. I had a swim and read and did all the things I won't be able to do in 7 days. Mhel called me and wanted to see me so I invited her over for a swim before she went to work. She and her friend Erica showed up at around 3:00pm and we spent the afternoon in the pool. They worked very hard on drowning each other. Lydia had made some excellent beef in a sauce, so we had that with rice and watched "Star Wars: Phantom Menace" on TV. They had to leave at 7:00 pm, so I walked them to the gate and they caught a cab. I walked to the mall to check my email.
Small L texted me after many days of silence and wants to come over later...
Friday September 14, 2001 : Recording
Last night just as I was ready for bed, Saint N texted me and insisted I go to Zaydee's Birthday bash. I grumped and grouched at not being informed sooner, but 15 minutes later they picked me up in a cab and away we went. It was held at a bar next to their office and it everyone was having a great time playing billards, dancing and drinking.
I talked to the Currency Angel's boss for a while. Saint N and I had a game of billards. I must admit it is a game that I dislike. I find it both frustrating and uninteresting. Yet I've played it (badly) all my life because someone somewhere decided that its a cool game.
Saint N later surprised me with her powerful voice when the Karaoke came on. The party ended at around 2:00am when the staff kicked us out. The Currency Angels dumped me off at The Last Homely House and I went to bed.
This morning, I got up at around 11:30 am and had some coffee by the pool. I was going to have a swim but in the ten minutes between getting changed and putting on a CD the weather went from clear skies and sunshine to torrential downpour... The rain lasted for a while, then backed off. I walked to the mall and did some shopping then headed back to the house.
This afternoon, Mike T came over and we recorded the beds to whatever this new song is on my PS02. He may not be able to come in to the studio on Tuesday, so I recorded a drum loop off of his effects box and a track of Mike strumming away. It will be unlike the other stuff I've recorded this summer, however it will fit with "Fooling" and "Purring". We worked on that from around 4:00pm until about 6:00pm.
Haven't heard from Small L recently. Strange.
Thursday September 13, 2001 : Helm's Deep
Pryed myself away from the TV after an hour this morning. How many times do I need to see that footage?
I spent the day outside. I put on some uplifting Donovan, Badly Drawn Boy and Cold Play and alternated between swimming, drinking coffee and reading. I only have 10 more days left here so I want to spend as much time enjoying what The Last Lonely House has to offer me as I can... Before I start my journey home.
Home?
Wednesday September 12 : A Terrible Night
What cruel irony that I had originally called yesterday "the perfect day". Remember, though, that my day starts 12 hours ahead of eastern standard time... So at 9:00 pm I was in Chili's with Saint N and the Currency Angels, Polly-Ann and Zaydee when we saw the live CNN footage of the second plane hitting the Twin Towers. I can't even begin to express my horror at this unspeakable event. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much. I was worried for M since she has family in New York who work in Manhattan. I have got an email from her today, though, that they are okay but shaken.
It was a difficult day. Brooke's maid Lydia was very upset at the whole thing and we watched the news broadcasts together. Security here seems to have returned to the level it was at last summer when the Islamic separatists were blowing up things.
In other events...
My session at Perfect Mix last night didn't work out very well. I just can't seem to find a vocal to work with "Latedrums". Or a set of lyrics worthy of the music. I gave up at about 8:00pm and left to meet the Currency Angels.
Michael Terry came over this afternoon and we worked on a new idea, but to be truthful... My heart is not in it. I am just so saddened by what has happened and by the unbelievable loss of life.
Tuesday September 11, 2001 :
The week continues on much like the weekend had. The only difference is Small L has been around more. She texted me after work on Monday morning wanting to see me. I sent her the directions to The Last Homely House and she made her way over. We ended up sleeping most of Monday away. We got up and had toast with honey and coffee out on the patio by the pool. Small L was surprisingly timid around the maid Lydia; however, Lydia was far more accepting of her than my former maid Susie would have been. Small L had a dance rehearsal at 3:00pm, so I walked her to the gate and she caught a cab. I went back to The Last Homely House and had some food, and talked to Lydia for a while.
Small L surprised me by wanting to come back over last night. She brought over several movies as well as some Karaoke VCD's and her mic so we could sing. The only song I knew well enough to sing was Radiohead's "Creep". Still, it was fun.
We made a run to the 7-11 in a cab and stocked up on junk food and popcorn, then returned to the house and watched "Con-Air" on VCD. It was entertaining. I have expected the Coyote from Bugs Bunny to have penned the screenplay. After the movie we crashed, Small L making the same observation I made last week.. "This is a great place to fall asleep".
Today we managed to get up earlier, however, not as early as we'd intended. I made coffee and toast with honey again and we listened to music by the pool. The gardener was around cleaning the pool and Lydia was doing her maidly things. Later Small L and I spent about two hours splashing around in the pool. Giving her a cup of really strong coffee had her wound up like a top. Fortunately, trying to hit me in the head with a ball or drown me provided an outlet for all that energy. It was in most ways the perfect day. I felt like some teenager who's parents were away and had an opportunity to get up to all sort of things. The sun, the pool, Small L in a swim suit... what more does one need?
Small L had a rehearsal at 3:00pm so we walked together to the gate. Actually she feels it's better if I carry her on my back or in my arms like the creature from the black lagoon to the gate. I am uncertain why she thinks I can carry her for 15 minutes... But it certainly amuses her a lot. She may be small but she's NOT that small.
Tonight I am in the Studio. I am not sure what I will be working on.
I haven't seen Saint N lately either. I may try and hook up with her after the studio.
Sunday September 9, 2001 : Back Yard
On Friday night I went out with Rene and his new girlfriend who's name is Girlie. When he kept referring to her as "girlie", I thought this was just some strange pet name... but it wasn't.
We went to a place called The Cowboy Barbeque... It was a true Pinoy bar, and I was the ONLY white in the whole place. As the name suggests, the bar had a cowboy theme. On the wall behind the stage, there was a big painting of three cowboys riding, the staff wore cowboy hats and denim clothes... but that's as far as the thing went. There was NO country music coming from the cover bands that played; just the same old cover tunes that I have grown weary of hearing over the last year. When I get home, I am going to have to lock myself in a room and play Colin Newman's "A-Z" 100 times over to clear all the pop pooh from my head. As usual, the bands all featured excellent players, despite the crap they were playing. The first band had a guitar player with a pre-mullet rock hair-do right out of my grade 10 class photo. It was like seeing a creature long thought extinct! We were there until about 2:30am, then Rene dropped me off at The Last Homely House.
I spent all of yesterday lazing about. The day consisted of making tea, drinking it, listening to Cold Play "Parachutes" CD over and over, swimming, reading, writing, having some food and then making more tea.
Lydia, the maid, was around for most of the day. Michael Terry, my old guitar teacher, stopped by and we worked on an idea I want to record. It's a strummy acoustic thing at this point. That may change. He left at about 8:00pm and I returned to my previous routine of making tea etc.
I woke up today at 6:00am and got up. I watched the sun come up and spent the morning alternating between swimming and reading... Considering this is "rainy season" I have been very fortunate the last few days with endless sunshine to help me relax.
This week marks my sister Anne's birthday as well as something more somber. It was two years ago this week that my Mom passed away. This realization hit me yesterday.
My ears are clearing, but I feel a scratchiness in my left eye which indicates a possible RETURN of the eye infection. I will wait a day or so and see if it develops then... spend more money on doctors.
Friday September 7, 2001 : Super Champ's Revenge
Last night I met Saint N and the Currency Angels at Jollibee... the Pinoy fast food chain that outsells even McDonalds! I have been making cruel sport of Jollibee for a year and a half, and Saint N felt I should not be allowed to leave the Philippines without at least tasting some Jollibee food. This event provided the Angels endless amusement. Saint N took me up to the counter, where I ordered what seemed like the best meal while she ordered for herself and the others (enough food, I might add, to feed a small village). I made sure I got a special Jollibee toy; Mr Jollibee himself on a swing. Then we went back to our seats and ate.
I ordered the SUPER CHAMP burger and it was... well... it tasted funny.
It tasted like a hotdog. Biting into a burger and tasting hotdog is not good. It wasn't bad... It just didn't taste like a burger to me. Now, the fries were great. As good as if not better than McDonalds... and the fried chicken Saint N had was also quite tasty. But I must say that the Super Champ for me was a super flop.
Saint N and I went to see Jackie Chan's "Rush Hour 2"... A movie that was a good harmless laugh and that in Canada would be a "renter"... but at 100 pisos a ticket... well, I won't feel cheated. The best part, actually, was the blooper reel at the end.
Saint N had to go back to work and trade her accounts. I walked back to San Lorenzo and the Last Homely House. Brooke was in when I got back. She had not being feeling well and had stayed in. I watched the tail end of "Star Wars: Phantom Menace" with her and some other stuff. She will be away for about a week seeing her boyfriend Karl, who is in Canada right now. She left early this morning, as she said, "Long before you're likely to wake up!"
Actually, I woke up at 10:00 am today. The maid Lydia was off today, and with Brooke gone, the house was sort of empty-feeling. Still, with Badly Drawn Boy on the stereo, a cup of tea, and a hammock by the pool, who am I to complain. I spent the whole day outside, alternating from swimming to reading to sitting pondering things to swimming. At one point I sat in the pool with my tea, reading and pondering. I went to the Mall at around 5:00 pm and walked around. I've checked my email, and now I will go find a bite to eat. It will not be a Super Champ burger.
Thursday September 6, 2001 : Resting In Rivendell
Last night was possibly the BEST sleep I've had since I was last in Canada, a year ago. I woke up to the sound of birds, the rustling of the leaves and palms, feeling rested and relaxed. My ear infection is almost completely cleared now.
I spent the day out on the patio. I had a tea, ate some cereal, and read more of the first "Lord Of The Rings" book, "Fellowship Of The Ring"... Frodo and his friends have just reached the town of Bree and are staying at the Prancing Pony Inn...
I took a swim, relaxed more in the sunshine and now I'm off to meet Saint N and the Currency Angels for my first meal at Jolibee!! The Philippines' own national fast food chain...
Wednesday September 5, 2001 : The Last Homely House
I am finally out of Olympia Suites, or as Rene called my hotel room, "the prison cell"...
Last night I went into Perfect Mix Studio and got a perfect mix of "Surprised?"... despite my clogged infected ears. I attempted to lay vocals down on a track called "Latedrums", but couldn't find the right lyrics or melody to use. After several attempts I called it a day.
Eddie and I hopped in a cab and headed back to Makati. I met Saint N and her friends at "Fridays" later and talked to them. I walked to San Lorenzo Village afterwards. Walking alone, the empty tree-lined and well-paved streets was like being in Toronto.
Today I hung out at the Last Homely House in San Lorenzo. Brooke is having renovations done, so there were workmen about. It was really great to sit out in the back patio this morning with a cup of tea and a book. The heat, humidity, sunshine and suburban feel of the village remind me so much of being a teenager in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. The fact that I am re-reading "Lord Of The Rings" also adds to that feeling.
The other night when Rene and I moved some of my stuff over in the red car, I felt like I was sneaking into my parents' house. It was late, Brooke was asleep, and we were fumbling around in the kitchen trying to get the ice cubes out of the tray and into our glasses. Any attempts to be quiet in a situation like that inevitably result in noise and giggling.
I have booked my ticket back to Bangkok. I believe I will be staying with Superdry until the end of September. This will allow me to store my 3.5 cubic meters of stuff for future shipping to Canada. From there my current plan is to fly back to Canada.
Yes, folks.
I am leaving South East Asia.
Surprised?
So was I.
Sunday September 2, 2001 : Habipti
Last night Rene and I went to the Arabic bar that Small L works in. It was the one year anniversary party, so besides the live Arabic band that performs every night there was a table of free food and a big "show" for our entertainment. Small L was one of the dancers, which is why I wanted to go, and why she didn't want me to come. I was surprised that she was actually shy and nervous about me seeing her perform.
We were there early and got a good booth to sit in. We had some drinks and were joined by Small L, her friend Babes and the Sergeant Major — a 45 year old woman named Jacky who has probably been in the bars since the Vietnam war, and had no doubt broken the hearts (among other things) of many a GI far from home. Small L was quite unpleased at my haircut (a number one on the remington) and decided that I am "An Egg". Rene was startled when the extremely androgenous fellow who choreographed the dance show came and sat with us. The band went on stage and the singer Michael sang away on the round center stage while a few belly dancers in authentic garb joined him. They weren't as good as Kim's instructor who I saw at Justin & Kim's wedding, however they were good. Small L disappeared and then returned with her troupe of dancers dressed in these sparkly get-ups. They sat with us until it was time for them to dance.
I have always loved watching Small L dance. She loves dancing like few people I've met. This, however, was more than I expected. It was like a MTV video. There were 3 girls and one guy in the troupe and they were excellent. Small L being... small (4 foot 11 inches) was the one who was lifted up in the air, spun around, and so forth. It was great and the place was packed, so the response was a huge buzz for the dancers.
There were several other routines afterwards, but to be honest I wasn't as interested, since Small L wasn't involved. There was a weird dance with this one girl dressed in a feathery get-up frolicking about with the fit male dancer. It was choreographed to be "provocative", but after having seen what I have seen in Bangkok it was just sort of tame. The crowd loved it, though.
Small L and Babes changed and eventually when Small L was sick of the Arabic music we went to another bar for a few more drinks. Babes joined us and talked with Rene while Small L chattered away with that energy and enthusiasm that only post-performance excitement can bring. I listened to her and watched guys a few years older than me dance around drunkenly in tight 80's jeans to bad 80's music with their girls. Do I look that ridiculous and just don't know? Perhaps.
I gave Small L a 90 minute massage. She's been rehearsing for two hours or more a day for the last two weeks, so she was in need. We talked about our lives and I am amazed at how she has no anger or bitterness regarding the conditions she lived in as a kid.
Small L left early this morning to spend the day with her family. She describes her born-again Christian Mother as being like an "Armalite" (What we North Americans call a M-16) when she talks. I'm sure that her dancing, pierced tongue and tattoos drive Mrs. Armalite to distraction in the same way my parents had been by the antics of some of my siblings (I was the good one... how is that possible??).
I had an excellent afternoon with Brooke and MC wandering around a book store at the very nice Power plant shopping mall near the gated community of Rockford. I bought several post cards and a copy of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. We went to a really excellent restaurant called Long Grain and had lunch. I really enjoy the conversations I have with them. If they were from Toronto I'm sure they would be hanging out at the Grapefruit Moon. We had planned to catch a movie but by the time we got to the theater everything had already started so we split. Brooke had a migraine so we went back to San Lorenzo and MC headed home. I am living in two places right now, although I intend to be out of the hotel by Tuesday.
Saturday September 1, 2001 : First Move
I can see!!!!!
I can't hear... BUT I CAN SEE!!!
Hopefully this will last longer than some Middle East ceasefire.
In other news...
I have made arrangements to stay at Craig's old house with Brooke since there is a spare room. This is much nicer an arrangement than the hotel I am currently in. The house is in what North Americans would call a "gated community" called San Lorenzo Village, which is located just at the end of Makati Ave. The gate is actually footsteps from Bruno's Barbershop... which is convenient! Once you've passed through the security check, you find yourself in an area that is almost like a North American suburb. There are lots of trees and it is quite nice. The house itself is large with a garage, three bedrooms, a nice patio area and a small sunken pool shaped like a peanut.
I moved some of my things over there this afternoon, and the maid, Lydia, showed me my new room. I relaxed for a bit, then at around 3:00pm Brooke showed up. We talked for a bit, then I headed to Bruno's to have my hair removed. I will move the rest of my items over either tomorrow or Monday. It feels good to be getting out of the hotel I'm in. I have to also make arrangements to fly to Bangkok at the end of the month to deal with my stuff at Superdry's.
Friday August 31, 2001 : Unexpected Guest
Small L made a surprise visit today... REALLY EARLY IN THE MORNING. Its been a while since I've seen her and I'd sort of forgotten how irresistable she is. She is like some kitten who runs through your apartment destroying furniture and curtains, and JUST as you've had about enough curls up in your lap and purrs sweetly... you cannot be angry. It was wonderful to see her. The cynics would say "She's playing you..." but I don't remember any cynics holding my hand and putting cool towels on my brow when I was burning up with fever in July.
On the health front, my eyes were still not normal this morning, but tonight they seem almost completely better. I'm almost afraid to say that... My ears are the same. It will take a few days for them to clear, but now that my eyes seem better I have more hope. I have booked Perfect Mix next week in an attempt to get a perfect mix of "Surprised?"
Thursday August 30, 2001 : Ears
My eyes are clearing... but now I have infections in both ears.
More pills and more expense...
I grow weary of this.
Monday August 27, 2001 : Frame By Frame
Well... The weekend was rainy and odd. Saturday Small L was supposed to come by but cancelled on me. My eyes were gunkafied beyond belief so I sort of moped about.
Sunday I expected more of the same, however it turned into a good day. I ran into Crocodile Craiggie's old housemate, Aussie Brooke and her French Canadian friend MC (Marie Claude) at Starbucks. I ended up spending most of the afternoon with them. It was great to have a conversation with someone from home and with people who speak English as a first language... It didn't cure my eyes but it definitely lifted my spirits.
Later Sunday night I went to see "Shrek" with Saint N at the mall. I couldn't see much as my eyes were done for the day, but I enjoyed it anyways. It was weird to watch "the muffin man" scene with Filipinos instead of expats. When I saw it in Bangkok that scene brought the house down... Here not one single person besides myself laughed. Anyways it was good fun to go out with Saint N.
I am now on antibiotics for my ear. Hopefully this will help my eyes too, because nothing else has. I have to go to Bangkok soon to move my stuff from Superdry's... I am unsure when I can do this. I don't exactly want to go over if I am sick like this.... but then again... I have to move my stuff before the end of September.
Also...
I recently had a Pinoy musician who I lent my King Crimson mix tape to make a comment that has kind of bugged me. He said Crimson didn't have "catchy lyrics..." Now, I've thought about that for two days... and though I'm not really sure what it means, I found it sort of insulting and dismissive of something I hold very highly. Tonight as I was walking over here, listening to the tape, it hit me...
Of course Belew's lyrics aren't "CATCHY" ... they're POETRY. And if English is your second language, how would you know that or understand the brilliance of lyrics like "Waiting Man" or "Matte Kudasai"? If you've never read "On The Road" how would you understand the meaning of "Neil & Jack & Me"?
Thank God for my King Crimson 1981-1984 mix tape!!! It serves as a ground and reminder of WHERE I am from and who I am, and a sonic filter to keep out the Top 40 noise pollution, dated rock guitar hero posturings, and Hip Hop posing that everyone in Asia seems to take seriously. Yikes. If I hadn't DJ'd weddings for a year I never would have survived here.
Saturday August 25, 2001 : Official Year Of Frustration
I had forgotten how unenjoyable Manila is in the rainy season. It's depressing in that Vancouver sort of way. My eyes are no longer red or sore but the cloudiness continues, rendering me blind half the time. This I am tired of, and frustrated by.
I am at a loss as to my next move. Suddenly the sunshine of The Island doesn't seem so bad. Superdry arrives back in Bangkok today, so I will have to find out his intentions. My belongings are still at his place, and since he and Apple have decided to part ways, I will have to relocate it or try and ship it home. I don't know if coming back to Manila was the best choice and I am not sure how much longer I will stay.
I have learned that the fellow I sublet my apartment to in Toronto skooted off owing the landlord money... thus I have basically lost my place there. So if I return to Toronto I am homeless. My belongings are in the basement, but need to be moved. But to where? Another frustrating thing in a frustrating year.
Wednesday August 23, 2001 : Eye Goo
My "infection" is basically gone... My eyes are no longer red, and are only sore in the morning however... I can't see due to this disgusting layer of Elmers' glue-like slime that coats my eyeballs and makes wearing contacts pointless. This problem has been complicated by some kind of sinus ear thing. So I am effectively blind and deaf. If I can just catch a sore throat I could be dumb too.
In other news...
I went out the other day (in a fog) with Saint N and her pals and had an excellent time. I also visited with Jason Millions at his pad and had some good conversation, something my life has lacked lately.
It raining. This I remember hating last summer. Endless rain.
Blah. How depressing.
I haven't seen Small L at all lately. I must admit I miss going to see movies and hanging out with her.
Sunday August 19, 2001: Seeing
The sun actually came out for much of today. We did have some rain, but.... it's been a week or so since it's been this sunny.
I can see better than I have in two weeks. The new medication is working rapidly.
I spent most of the day just hanging about. I walked to the mall and bought some note paper and envelopes, then checked my email. I hope that tomorrow my eyes will be 100 percent.
Hardly the most exciting journal entry I guess... but today I appreciate walking around and being able to see more than I might have before all this eye trouble started.
Saturday August 18, 2001 : Doctor
I wandered in the rain and visual fog to Greenbelt this morning. I went to a optical store and bought new contacts... a pack of 6 disposable lenses for only 1000 pisos...
I headed over to Starbucks at 12:30 and met up with Hot Knife Joes' ex-girlfriend Saint N. She took me to Makati Med and I saw yet another doctor. I must say this visit was the most satisfying of the many many doctor encounters I've had over the last 4 months.
He perscribed a different medication and suggested that if the condition doesn't clear up within 10 days that it may be something serious and tropical, either connected to the Ebstein Bar Virus or even possibly the big M. Another possiblity is that I have been putting too much of my previous medication in my eyes. Something the other doctor failed to warn me of... Thanks doc...
From there Saint N and I went to Chillis' restaurant and had lunch. She is looking to move to Vancouver in the next few months so I told her about Canada (and that Toronto is better than Vancouver). After lunch we went our seperate directions. I went back to the apartment and feel asleep for a bit. Susie came by with some washing, and made me some food to last for the next few days.
I watched "Joe Verses The Volcano" yet again... and I actually saw it from the very beginning... Then I walked over to Starbucks and Park Square One to check my Email. I ran into an old friend from Toronto who I haven't seen since Snowmelter's second gig... Jason Millions. He's passing through, but we exchanged numbers.
Now its time to wander back to the apartment.
Friday August 17, 2001 : BLIND BLIND BLIND
I AM WRITING IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE THAT WAY I CAN SEE WHAT I'M WRITING.
WHAT A WEEK. A TYPHOON IS PASSING BY SO WE ARE GETTING LOTS OF RAIN.
SMALL L CAME OVER THURSDAY NIGHT. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE HER AGAIN.
MY EYES ARE STILL BAD. I MISSED MY APPOINTMENT WITH SAINT N'S DOCTOR. I WAS 10 MINUTES LATE AND HE'D LEFT. I WAS LATE BECAUSE I WAS WANDERING AROUND MAKATI IN THE RAIN, UNABLE TO SEE WHERE I WAS GOING AND UNABLE TO FIND MAKATI MEDICAL IN THE LABYRINTH OF ONE WAY STREETS. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND THOUGH.
I WILL REMAIN OUT OF THE STUDIO UNTIL MY EYES ARE BETTER. I HAVE MET A BASS PLAYER NAMED DANIEL WHO WORKS AT STARBUCKS. I MIGHT EMPLOY HIS PLAYING ON FUTURE RECORDINGS.
I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE NEW VOCALS ON "SURPRISED"... I JUST HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING WORTHY OF THE MUSIC CALLED "LATEDRUMS"...
TIME TO WANDER BACK TO THE APARTMENT AND PUT IN MY DROPS.
Thursday August 16, 2001 : H R Puff N Stuf
My eyes seem to be finally clearing. I have spent a lot of time wandering around my apartment in a visionless fog, though...
On Tuesday night I went to Perfect Mix and re-recorded the vocal tracks for "Surprised?" as they required some lyrical changes and some minor fixes. The new vocals are much better and the mix worked really well. I still have several beds to add vocals to, and I will probably be back in next week, weather and authorities permitting...
Eddie and I went to a place called "Fridays" after the studio. I met up with the legendary Hot Knife Joes' former girlfriend Norine and her currency trading coworkers. We sat with them and chatted. I had some much needed food. Norine has given me her doctor's number so I may go see him about this eye thing soon.
Small L seems to have run off with the Japanese version of the Duke from Moulin Rouge. How fitting. Maybe if I looked more like Ewan McGregor... Oh well. I'm a pennyless writer, I should have seen it coming.
Now a few words about television.
H R PUF N STUF was on TV and in my illness I actually watched it. Perhaps Sid and Marty Croft are to blame for my generations many short comings...
Russian TV... Now that's entertainment. Endless beer commercials, and American Movies where they don't even try to properly overdub the voices. They just have someone speak the dialog in Russian overtop of the still audible English... I watched "Tron" in this fashion. "Tron" in Russian, with only one contact lens during a tropical rain storm in the Philippines.. who'd have thought it was possible.
Why was the movie "Stop Or My Mum Will Shoot" made? How can we prevent more such movies from being released? Think about it please.
Monday August 13, 2001 : Eye Goo
Not much new. It rains. It clears. It's sunny. It clouds over. Then it rains. My eyes follow a similar routine. The drops seem to be less effective in the long run than the ones I got in Bangkok. You get what you pay for, I suppose.
I spent much of the day listening to what I've recorded since I've been over in this part of the world. Tomorrow night I'm in at Perfect Mix Studios, but I have no idea what I'll be recording. I may re-record the vocals on "Surprised"... or I may work on something else. I'm not sure.
Saturday August 11, 2001 : Out
I was sick most of the week. I pretty much stayed indoors except on Wednesday night when I took Small L to see "The Animal" at Greenbelt. Not a movie I would pay to see in a theatre in North America, but since it cost me about 10 dollars for both of us - that includes popcorn and pop - it's no big deal.
The rest of the week consisted of sleeping endlessly, putting in eye drops, and wishing I wasn't here.
My definitions of homesickness...
Watching any bad made for TV crap just because you recognize that it was filmed in Toronto...
Watching the French TV5 channel just because they have a French CBC news feed.
Endlessly listening to the Rheostatics double live CD on your Walkman.
You get the idea.
Today I wandered aimlessly around Makati. There was an amazing thunderstorm. I went to Bruno's Barber shop and saw Wilson for a cut. Now it's time to go back to the apartment and eat some of the very good chicken soup I made.
I have booked 3 hours at Perfect Mix studios for next week. I must try and finish up recording before I move on again.
Monday August 6, 2001 : Eye Doctor
Last night I had comforting dreams of the Grapefruit Moon. Small L came over this morning. I think she likes me best when I'm ill. It brings some weird 3rd World maternal thing in her. Today she got to lead me around like the blind Preacher in the movie "Wise Blood". I was unable to wear my contacts so I couldn't see a thing. I had my sunglasses on so I felt like a pale Ray Charles.
We went over to Makati Medical and I spend an eternity waiting to see a doctor. I was afraid it would be as expensive as it had been in Bangkok. This was not the case. I saw the good Doctor, he poured some stinging potions in my eyes, and then I went to the hospital pharmacy to collect my prescribed eye drops. Then it was back to my place. I picked up some disinfecting solutions for my contacts so I can hopefully wear them without reinfecting myself.
Small L headed out at around 6:00 pm and Susie showed up with my laundry. She made me some amazing curried chicken and rice. MMMMMMM...
I put in one contact later and wandered over to the cyber cafe to check my email. Try crossing the street in Manila without the use of both eyes... Hopefully I'll make it home.
Sunday August 5, 2001 : Quiet Sunday
Last night I met up with my old friend Mark G and went out to a few places. Giraffe is closed now, so the "place to be" is a Japanese restaurant called Wasabi. It was crowded. We ran into a fellow who's nickname is Johnny Bravo due to his physical condition. I didn't stay late as my eyes were bothering me.
I didn't do much today. Susie came by briefly in the afternoon. I watched "Joe vs. The Volcano" on HBO for the 100th time. I also saw this really weird video with this guy in a super hero get up going around punching out anyone and everyone who said "Whatsup". The music was based on MC Hammers' "U Can't Touch This" version of "Super Freak". The hero, who was called THE PERMINATOR, was searching for someone named MULLET. It was truly brilliant. I had some Susie food, then slept for a couple of hours.
I watched a bit of "Bridge On The River Kwai" then headed out to check my email. I ran into Mark G. He was on his way back from shopping. My Walkman finally croaked today after a year of heavy use and numerous droppings... So I bought a new one in Park Square One for 1590 Pisos. It is this year's version of the same model.
Saturday August 4, 2001 : Eye Infection Returns
I must be allergic to the 3rd World. My left eye has become infected again. So far it's the early stages... I loath the thought of spending MORE MONEY on doctors and medicines.
I spent the day with Small L. We cooked a brunch in my place, and then watched the movie "Pleasantville" on HBO. As much as its nice to be around her... It difficult. She speaks English well enough but there are huge cultural differences. She can't even begin to understand where I am from. I may as well have landed in a balloon from the merry old Land of Oz... and try as I might, I doubt I can ever understand what it is to grow up with my family in a 10 X 10 plywood shack beside a railway line.
My home-sickness reaches new levels.
August 2, 2001 : Movie Night
Small L came over at around 8:30 pm. I didn't feel like hanging around the tiny hotel room so we went out to see Moulin Rouge at Greenbelt Cinemas.
It was enjoyable in a Bugs Bunny kind of way. Certainly not the genius thing that its hyped up to be. There were moments in the movie that were brilliant, but only in a rock video context. The use of familiar pop songs reflects the current state of creativity... Nothing is original, everything is derivative.
Oh well. Small L loved it and I guess that's all that really matters in the end.
Today it is raining. I am still not feeling 100 percent at home. I am uncertain how long I will remain here.
Wednesday August 1, 2001 : Good Bad
Still adjusting to being back. Susie is working for me part-time with laundry and some cooking. I had my first Susie food in 5 months last night and it was amazing. She gave me a heaping plate of food to which I said "Susie, that's too much! I can't eat all that..." Once I tasted it though... Well... I ate it all.
I briefly saw Small L yesterday. She acted... odd.
Last night I wasn't well. Fever/chills at about 3:30 am. I slept poorly to say the least. I felt off most of the day.
Monday July 30,2001 : Definitely back
Last night I pulled my PS02 Palm Studio out and dusted off my small Yamaha sampler. I messed with them and sampled the musical box that K gave me. I came up with some interesting things.
Today I had a wonderful lunch at The Mandarin Hotel...
I met up later with Susie who's going to work for me part-time.
I saw a live Björk concert on TV. She had a guy mixing beats and so forth and he had a Sherman Filterbank amongst his many things... I thought to myself... Wow... I have one of those... and I've never seen it!!!
Björk reminds me of M. This made me sort of sad. So I called her. It was nice to talk after not hearing her voice for so long. I miss my conversations with her.
Small L called tonight. I don't know when I'll see her though. Tonight I just want to be alone.
Sunday July 29, 2001 : A Makati Afternoon
I slept into the unheard of hour of 12:00 noon! When I woke I was totally confused as to where I was. I decided to walk over to the mall and pick up a few things.
I'd forgotten that when there's a nice breeze on the weekend, the air in Manila is actually quite nice. It's a noticable thing when you are used to the smell of raw sewage pouring into the canal system.
First stop, though, was Starbucks for a nice hot tea. Then I hit the confusion and crowds of Landmark department store. The highlight of the afternoon was of course going to Bruno's Barber Shop for a proper haircut and shave from Wilson. It made me feel a lot more at home.
I strolled around Park Square mall and looked at stuff I won't buy. My main object right now is to get all the crap I've accumulated over the last year back to Canada. So buying more is not in the cards.
Saturday July 28, 2001 : Back And Forth
My eyes cleared on Thursday, and sort of suddenly while I was eating at Fresh Milk. I had run into Apple on the street just beforehand, so maybe that's part of it.
K came over Thursday night. I gave her my ghetto blaster, as I can't be bothered to drag it around the planet with me.
Friday was my last day in Bangkok. It was one of those typical last days where you try to cram as many places and people in as possible... and still have time to pack...
I had a great brunch with Superdry and Croca Craiggie (there's a name he'll like!) at The Bull's Head. Have I ever mentioned the greatness of their sausages? It was a good "boys only" brunch and we tormented the lunch crowd by endlessly pumping 5 Baht coins into the jukebox. Craiggie was the biggest button pushing cowboy of all. We thought we had total control over the jukebox until it began to skip and stutter when ever Superdry approached it, and later when it spat out Carlos Santana's mega hit "Smooth" and we all shrieked in horror. I haven't heard that song since my wedding DJ'ing days and it was truly upsetting. I tried to find Supertramps' "Dreamer" to wind up Superdry but it was not to be found. Superdry has a particular dislike for that song and his reaction to it and his monologue about "the tightness of the lead singer's white tennis shorts" is true comedy.
Later that afternoon I had a brief visit with Geri and J which was good. We had a tasty meal and watched some excellent trash TV Cop car chase footage. Watching drunk drivers smash into road signs makes for excellent pre-dinner entetainment!
K and I hooked up later. We watched the movie version of Animal Farm which I think she found disappointing. I believe she had expected Pig In The City or something funny, NOT a Orwellian satire of communism with talking animals. She fell asleep and I packed my bags.
Saying goodbye was difficult. I am not sure when I will be back in Bangkok again. She gave me a photo of herself, and insisted on one of me. I had to root around and then unpack one bag to find one of me alone (without M. in it)... She gave me another gift (she'd already given me a candle holder upon my return): a strange wind-up musical box which at any other point in my life I would have looked at in cynical scorn. It was though, a gift from the heart, and probably a costly one for a third-world girl with a kid. She had to leave to pick up her kid from the sitter, but she promised me she'd see me at the airport. I was skeptical at her being able to find me, but I told her which Terminal I was at, and that I'd wait around the KFC kiosk until 9:30 am. Then off she went.
I slept poorly.
This morning I was up at 6:45 am. I showered, finished packing, and then had one last tea. I will miss The Evergreen Apartments. I checked out, the staff once again wishing me well and asking when I'd be back. Anand was waiting outside. We got to the airport in good time and I wandered around Terminal One with too much stuff, looking for the Thai Airways ticket office. Eventually I found it, and lined up to check in. I was making good time, as it was only 9:00 am, and my flight wouldn't board until 10:30 am. I was standing there waiting to have my check in baggage x-rayed when suddenly someone punches me in the shoulder!
K.
She laughed at my surprise and waited (with lots of rolling of eyes making faces at me from a distance) while I checked in. Once that was done we went and sat in a coffee shop and had some orange juice. We laughed at some white guy in shorts who was wearing a straw hat that looked like he'd stolen it off a donkey, she laughed at my passport photo, we struggled with our conversation and we watched the clock tick down to the time when I had to go through security.
Why is it every time I get to like someone, or feel at home somewhere I have to leave?
I hate goodbyes.
The flight to Manila was fine. I slept through most of it. EmmyLou Harris on the walkman again. The worst part of the flight was the landing. Not because it was bumpy or the fact we sort of landed one side at a time and wobbled around alot... But because I had my walkman off and I had to listen to this white guy in front of me "give it the large one" as he tried to chat up the girl beside him. I'm certain if you poured 6 beers into this guy he'd start saying "Whatsup..." in that annoying voice. I wanted to hit him with a clipboard or something.
He just went on and on and on and on... She nodded politely but I'm sure she would have loved to have gone down the inflatable slide to get away from him.
Rene picked me up in the red car as he is on vacation. His first words were "Welcome home buddy!". We drove into town and I checked into the place I'm staying. Its okay, but I think I liked the Citadel better. I may move over there next week. Once I dumped my stuff off in my room, Rene and I went to Chilli's for dinner. I was beat, so I went back to the hotel afterwards and slept for a few hours. Rene is on early morning shift starting tomorrow so tonight I was on my own.
I woke up at around 9:00 pm and wandered over to the mall... Feeling sort of at home and not at home at the same time. I went to The Universe Cyber Cafe to check my email and do my journal. It's like a weird time warp being in here.
How can I be homesick for so many different places? How can I be lonely for so many different friends?
Wednesday July 25, 2001 : Leaving Soon
The operation to move all of my stuff from Geri's unused apartment to Apple and Superdry's spare room went off quite well. Anand picked me up at 2:00 pm and we had all the stuff at its final destination by 3:40 pm. The journey to Geri's was the longest part, due to the bad traffic.
It took about 30 minutes to get back to Evergreen. I had to put potions in my eyes and I promptly fell asleep afterwards until about 6:30 pm. K showed up at 7:00 pm bearing food... We settled into what has become our routine of having dinner, then watching a movie.
Tuesday July 24, 2001 : On second thought...
I'm going to write my journal as I see fit. Why should someone's pathetic whisperings wreck it for those who care to read what I'm up to... (Thanks for the many emails of support by the way!)
Updates...
Well, K didn't expect to see me until September, so she was both surprised and pleased to have me back in town. It's nice to be with her even if it's only until August.
I have gone to the hospital regarding my eyes. The doctor scolded me for wearing a contact lens then gave me a bunch of drops, pills and ointments to hopefully cure me. Today my eyes are less red and less sore, but the right (which was the worse of the two) is still infected. The left is almost normal again.
The Hospital was a far cry from the disorder and confusion of the Makati Medical Center's Emergency Ward. It was like a shopping mall. It even had a food court with a McDonalds, and a place to buy designer glasses.
Today I move my stuff from Geri's unused apartment to Superdry and Apples' spare room. I'm not sure of my plans, so for now it will stay there until I decide how I'm going to ship it back to Canada.
The Original Chris Chiasson sent me a photo of THE APPLICATORS. This blast from the past was the band that Chris, Richard Forsley and I had from 1995 until 1997. To see this photo of a healthier me click HERE...
Sunday July 22, 2001 : Omitting Things
It has come to my attention via a highly reliable source that certain people have expressed a view that my recent bouts of sickness are "in my head" or "fabrications". Unfortunately for my bank account, the bills I've had for Doctors, tests, pills, and medicines have not been "in my head". There has also been the suggestion that I "jazz up" my journal entries with either fictional events or embellishments. I have no response to that other than I'm hurt and insulted by the suggestion.
With these things in mind I am going to henceforth omit the following:
- If, when or how I am sick or ill.
- Whom I am involved with.
- Anything that is interesting.
Perhaps a dull boring journal, or a happy-everything-is-great journal will satisfy everyone that my life is as uninteresting and as unspectacular as theirs.
You know who you are...
Saturday July 21, 2001 : Back In Bangkok
I have escaped The Island!!! I can't think of anywhere that I've been as happy to leave. I'm not even sure WHAT it was exactly that repulsed me... The whole place just felt.... bad.
The flight out was fine. Geri and I got a ride to the airport from her friend. My eyes were so bad... Both are infected now. We were last to check our luggage so it was the first pieces to come off. We grabbed our stuff (NEVER WILL I TRAVEL THAT HEAVY AGAIN...) and met our rides... J picked up Geri and I met Anand. Then it was back to Evergreen. I am staying in a room exactly the same as my old except it's 5 floors above it. It was sort of weird walking into it.
Waking this morning was truly weird. If it hadn't been for my eyes being all stuck together the last 2 weeks would have seemed like some realy unpleasant dream. As for dreams... I had plenty of those last night. I saw some friends in them, which was oddly comforting. Who?
Anne, Toby and I met Small L at an amusement park... Sandy and Sunni sat in a garden and talked to me... Brengun came by for a Kevin Quain show...
OH HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO BE BACK IN A NICE APARTMENT!!!
No bugs. No sand. No biting creatures. No shifty Thais. No construction... Just friendly smiles from all the staff and the lovely Sunny at the front desk...
I had PANCAKES for breakfast on the 8th floor... something I've had dreams about several times recently...
I went to the Siam Centre and did all the things I would normally do here on a Saturday... except see clearly.
I bought the soundtrack to SHREK, specifically for one cover of a Leonard Cohen song... During the movie it made me miss M. so much... Oddly it turns out that the song is performed by Rufus Wainwright, who's first album serves as a soundtrack for those wonderful Autumn weeks I spent with M. in Ottawa. It seems oddly appropriate that the song is sung by him.
Its good to be back in Bangkok, but I don't think I'll be here long.
Friday July 20, 2001 : Escape From Devil-Bug Island
Last night while I walked to dinner, some Slim Shady wannabe purposely walked into me to prove his macho-ness to his groovoid pals, then said "oh, sorry..." My very-Superdry like response to his insincere apology made him recoil.
After dinner, I walked home through the shanty near my bug-infested apartment and was yapped and snarled at by the same dog that's yapped and snarled at me for 2 weeks now. Last night it bared its teeth and I gave it a boot. Not something I'd normally do, but I'd had it with tourists, yapping dogs, shifty Thais, and this island in general.
Geri and I had lunch at a little restaurant on the beach today. It was nice to look out over the sand and waves... Until THE SCARIEST FREAK OF ALL TIME WALKED BY IN A DENTAL FLOSS-LIKE THONG!
It was truly horrifying. A man in his 60s, his lumpy little Paul Williams body so over-tanned that he looked like an overcooked potato marching along for all to see. He had a bald-topped mullet of white stringy hair, and looked like some weird witch doctor or one of those troll dolls, so popular in the 70's. I felt like I'd seen some weird creature from the Island of Doctor Moreau... I may need therapy from the sight.
Geri and I leave for Bangkok tonight at 8:30 pm. Anand will be picking me up and taking me to the Evergreen! I will be staying there until I decide my next move. I now know why people who get stranded on tropical islands always try to get rescued or escape.
Next entry from Bangkok!
Hurray!!!
Thursday July 19, 2001 : Ants And Other Unwanted Guests
Ants!!! Ants!!!! Tiny little red ants that get into everything and BITE.
Last night I had another unwanted guest. I was just about to go to bed when a knock came at the door. I opened it up to see Roberto and some Thai guy. The Thai guy had told Roberto that he "knew" me. I looked at him and said "Who the hell are you?" The shifty bastard then tried to spin some story about he knows my friend blah blah blah and is trying to look in my apartment. I just said "OKAY GOODBYE..." and started to close the door, the shifty guy then tries to push the door open and give me a plastic bag with whiskey in it... I said "Okay... GOODNIGHT!!!" and forced the door closed, leaving Roberto to expel him from the apartment building.
My hand is better.
But the eye infection is in both eyes now.
This place gives me the creeps.
I think its time to leave this island.
Wednesday July 18, 2001 : Drill Drill Drill
Last night I went out with Geri and her friend for dinner. We went to the Italian restaurant near Starbucks. It was quite good. I started to feel ill by about 10:00 pm. I got dropped off and was in bed by 10:30 pm. Unfortunately, the Thai construction workers decided it would be a good idea to drill, saw, and hammer in the apartment above me at about 11:00 pm. Somehow I managed to fall asleep.
I had a very rough night.
I was up and about by 8:30 am. Geri and I had a nice lunch at a beachside resort. I started feeling weird at about 1:30 pm, so I went back to the apartment and slept until 6:30 pm. I got up, had a bath, then took some clothes to the laundry mat. I have just checked my email, and now will go to eat some food.
My hand is better, but my eye is still infected.
Tuesday July 17, 2001 : Coconut Trees
The sun came up today at about 6:30 am.
The wind blew the palm trees around a little... But not too much.
Some birds made weird Adrian Belew jungle bird noises. This dog barked.
The Thai construction guys worked a little. But not much.
I had a salad for lunch.
Monday July 16, 2001 : Paging Agent Scully
The stars are all out tonight. Very beautiful.
I think I can see a planet, probably Mars. I bet that's where the secret One World Government has its mind control devices. You know the ones that make us all WANT to see a movie with John Travolta in it... or actually CARE about something as corrupt and irrelevant as the Olympic games. I know its a far-fetched theory but it would explain a lot of things.
It might explain the fat drunken bald middle aged white men stumbling around shouting "Whatsup!!??" in an annoying voice. Exactly why they were doing this has baffled me for some time. According to our on the spot reporter Mr Smallbridge its from some beer advertising.
I should have guessed as much.
Lots of fireworks let off last night. Or maybe that was the US Missile Shield test program. It's hard to tell with just one eye working.
Sunday July 15, 2001 : Some Things I Miss While In Paradise...
It is Sunday and its raining.
Here are some things I miss today.
I miss my Sunday morning brunch with Apple, Superdry, Snowy, Crocodile Craiggie and associates. I miss the conversation (not that Superdry and I would get to say much with Apple and Snowy there), I miss the big plate of yummy food, I miss the blood pudding and the best sausages in South East Asia. I miss listening to Superdry talk about football and his Championship Manager game, which I have no understanding of. I miss the BTS. I miss the fancy comfy movie theatre. I miss my place at Evergreen. I miss eating Pho for lunch. I miss my computer.
I also miss being able to see out of my right eye, and I miss the proper use of my right hand.
and dare I say...?
I miss K.
Saturday July 14, 2001 : Beach and Bug bite
Last night I went to a small Italian restaurant up the way from me (not the same one I went to Geri with). I wasn't feeling so well, and needed what I consider comfort food. There seems to be a large Italian expat community here. The owner of the Italian restaurant recognized me from where I am staying, as the people running there seem to all be Italians as well.
After I ate I had a one hour Thai massage for 150 Baht. When I say "Thai massage", I'm sure you imagine some 20 year old long haired Thai beauty in a form-fitting gown oiling me up and fussing over me. That couldn't be further from the truth. The woman giving me the massage may have looked like that... 35 years ago. Despite her age I would not want to get in a fight with her. She was strong like an WWF wrestler. The traditional Thai massage seems to be a cross between Shiatsu and Judo. I was jabbed with thumbs and elbows, bent around like a Stretch Armstrong toy, and had my joints snapped, cracked and popped. The only down point of the whole experience was I began to get the chills towards the end of the massage. This resulted in a lot of fussing by all the Thai women, who gave me aspirin to take and brought me a bottle of water and insisted that I drink it all. Two of them began rubbing my hands which oddly seemed to help the chills fade. Their English was only slightly better than my Thai so I couldn't communicate with them what was wrong with me (not that I really know). They relayed to me through Sunday School like sign language that I should go home and sleep. Which is what I did. I was asleep by 9:00 pm.
I woke up at around 7:30 am. I went to the beach, which is an interesting thing to do here. The beach seems to be divided up among the various "resorts" each stretch having a sign posted that its for "guests only". In order to enjoy it, you basically have to sneak on a section and pretend you are one of the guests. I managed to do this, however it made the experience less enjoyable. I was constantly aware of the security guard although he never questioned me. One of the hotel staff asked for my room number so he could give me a towel, I just shrugged and pretended I didn't understand. This worked, as he would question his own English before my right to be there. By 10:30 am the beach was beginning to fill up with tourists. I'd had a swim and listened to a mix tape, so I decided to leave. I walked down to what seems to be the public access to the beach and headed back towards my place. I stopped at the internet cafe and checked my email, then headed back to my apartment for breakfast.
On the main floor of where I live is a bar/restaurant. It's sort of run in a half-hearted way, with a very limited menu. I always feel as if I'm interrupting them when I order food. The fellow who usually serves me reminds me of that Italian actor who was in the movie "Down By Law"... except with long bleached blond hair and tattoos on his shoulders. He makes a mean espresso though. Who I assume is his Thai wife/girlfriend usually cooks. The idea of cooking the eggs then FLIPPING them over was some strange new thing for her.
Among my many recent discomforts (including an infection of some sort in my right eye) I have had a weird problem with my right hand. Specifically, for the last few days I've had trouble with using the ring finger and pinky on my right hand. It is as if they are constantly asleep. I thought perhaps this was some form of tennis elbow from too much Sony Playstation, but when I complained of it too the Italian who serves me breakfast he called over one of the Thai construction workers to look at my hand. He immediately pointed out a bug bite that is on my right wrist and then pulled out some little vial of foul smelling stuff and began smearing it on my arm and then rubbing it in from my hand to my elbow. Apparently I've been bitten by something that is "sort of a bee, but not a bee and sort of an ant"... and that it would be "a week" before the feeling would return. Whatever he put on my arm seems to have helped. The feeling has returned to my pinky although my whole arm still aches.
I spent the afternoon puttering around my apartment. I had a tea, sat out on my balcony and watched the wind blow the palm trees. The laundry gave me some bonus clothes with my wash, so at 3:00 pm I returned them. I am tempted to swim in the pool but it sort of looks like no one has actually used it since WW2.
It is beginning to cloud over, and it may rain.
Friday July 13, 2001 : Bad Night
I woke up at about 4:00 am freezing cold. I don't think I've ever been that cold, not even when I fell through the ice on my 17th birthday. I wrapped myself up in blankets, and fell back to sleep, having weird dreams about Mr Spock and Captain Kirk riding on motorcycles. I woke up later soaked in sweat, and feverish.
I had a headache most of the day.
Wednesday July 11, 2001 : Around The Island
Not much to report. I wake up at about 7:30 am. My room is very bright and its usually quite sunny first thing in the morning. I listen to Donovan, have a bath, have a tea, look out the window...
Yesterday at lunch I was riding on the back of Geri's motor scooter and we almost crashed. Some stupid tourist was trying to take a picture of a Ronald McDonald statue as we were coming out of the parking zone of the mini-mall. He walked backwards, directly in front of us, despite our honking and yelling. Unable to stop, we left knocked over a pilon, hopped on to the road and were almost hit by an oncoming pickup truck. The tourist just looked over at us like we were at fault.
Last night I joined Geri and some friends of hers at a little Italian restaurant. There were about 9 of us. The food was excellent.
I have bought groceries at the corner shop, and now I will head home before the sun sets. I tend to be in bed and asleep before 11:00 pm. I haven't actually gone to the beach yet. I'm sure I'll get around to it.
Monday July 9, 2001 : First Day
I fell asleep at around 11:00 pm last night. I woke to beautiful sunlight this morning at about 7:30 am. My place is very bright. It was nice to make a tea, and sit out on my balcony and just look at the palm trees. I am a distance from the beach here, so I am not looking out over any water. I am just looking out over what for lack of a better name is "jungle". The morning had a summer camp feel to it. I'm not sure exactly why.
At lunch Geri and I rode around on a moped. I am highly suspect of the things although Geri insists she will teach me how to drive on. Its the gear clutch brake thing that seems overwhelmingly complicated to me. Anyway, we rode about and went along a more touristy section of road full of struggling backpackers and venders selling trinkets and t-shirts.
For those worried that I am living like Tom Hanks in Castaway... There is a McDonald's and a Starbucks on this Island.
It clouded over this afternoon, threatening rain, but as of yet it hasn't started. I will now take an evening walk and see what I can see.
Sunday July 8, 2001 : Leaving Bangkok
My alarm went off at 7:30 am. All my stuff to be moved was already packed, so I simply dealt with the stuff that I was taking to The Island with me.
I continued to try and call Superdry but oddly couldn't reach him. I had failed last night to reach him as well. In the end, with Anand waiting in the car, I moved to plan B. Geri is already on The Island so I arranged to put my stuff in her Bangkok apartment. J has the key so he met me and Anand there and we carted it up and dropped it off.
We sped back to Evergreen and I had a quick shower. Anand waited for me at the 8th floor Cafe. I paid my remaining room bill and met him there for one last children's portion of spagetti with beef sauce. I said goodbye to the staff and Joom told me I had to come and visit them when I'm back in Bangkok. I'm certain I will. I checked out and said some further goodbyes. The staff all seemed genuinely sad to see me go. I must admit I felt a little pang going. I liked it there, and it was home to me for some difficult times.
Anand drove me to the domestic airport. We were stopped on the on ramp when a cavelcade of VIP cars and their security escourt passed. Anand pointed out the platoon of King's Guards standing to present arms at the enterance of their regimental base to our left. He said this indicated it was probably the Crown Prince of Thailand that was driving by. They all snapped to attention and presented their clipless M16s as the black vehicles sped past us. After a few moments, we were allowed to resume our trip.
I got to the gate with literally no time to spare. I gave them my boarding pass and was immediately whisked out the door, where I boarded a bus that took me out to the turbo prop. I climbed up the staircase to the tail of the plane and took my seat. We were off a few moments later.
The flight was featureless at 17,000 feet. We seemed to fly through mostly cloud, leftover bits of Utor's dissipating fury. It was a bumpy ride, but I find myself much more comfortable in a small turbo prop than a rattley Airbus. I listened to my walkman and fell asleep to Air's droney song "Radium". We arrived at The Island at 4:00 pm. It was beautiful flying in over the coral, which gave off a pearl shimmer as we passed above it, despite the cloud. It must be breathtaking in the sunlight.
Geri and her friend Graham met me at the "terminal", which looked like it had been designed by The Professor, decorated by Maryann and built by Gilligan and the Skipper. I collected my luggage (five pieces! Unheard of for me!) then got a drive to my new digs.
I am staying in a small serviced apartment called Chaweng. Its located on the less touristy portion of the Island. It's a 5 floor structure with about 24 apartments. Geri was worried that the paint job in mine would offend me. She said the walls and the curtains were too "Austin Powers", however I thought it looked more like a Gina Rae sponge paintjob, like my old apartment in Toronto... only in yellow... and the 60s curtains were an earthy tone... If anything the place reminds me of Flashback Terry.
I dumped my stuff off and we went for a jaunt around the area. We saw some friends of Geri's and eventually ended up a grocery store. I picked up some supplies, then headed back to my place via a little dirt road through the palms. I walked by little humble homes and the Thais all smiled at me and said hello. As I walked towards my new place, the sky was pitch black and threatening. I made it in just seconds before the heavens opened up and let loose the most spectacular storm.
I sat for awhile on my balcony (which is big!) and watched the storm. I played my acoustic, then went inside and made a tea. The manager, an Italian fellow in his early 40s named Roberto, stopped by to make sure my fridge worked and to investigate the malfunctioning ceiling fan. There is a little gym downstairs, a pool table, a nice size swimming pool, and a few computers with internet.
I like it a lot. Its not so upscale but it feels very much like home. I think living in a place like this is long overdue.
;){kind=link}