Sunday, June 25, 2000: Back in Makati

Back in Makati. My flight back to the Philippines was at best a complete nightmare. It all began when I arrived in Pearson Intl in Toronto. With the merger of Canadian Airlines and Air Canada some genius decided that if you are flying within Canada you get to use terminal 1, and if its an international flight it's terminal 2. I arrived in termial one, had to walk endlessly to an area that looked like it went out onto the runway, where I waited an eternity for a "shuttle bus" that took me to a secret back door to the other terminal. Once at my gate, I was refused a boarding pass because I had not "gone through security". Of course, I had never left a secure area, but... after a lot of discussion with various levels of management I got my boarding pass....10 minutes before the flight left.

I arrived in Hong Kong to find out I was not to be issued a boarding pass because Pinoy law demands I have a return ticket out... something my travel agent failed to mention. This meant I had to buy a one way return from Manila... and because the worlds most modern airport only has ONE bank machine, which of course was located in a secure area at the opposite end of the airport... well, let's just say 45 minutes later, and after 3 security checks, I had my ticket. I made the plane with 10 minutes to spare.

With the many troubles I had gone through, I expected the worst in Manila. However, to my amazement, I was waved through customs as if they'd missed me, and were in a hurry to get me outside to spend my hard earned pisos. I was met by a driver from the wonderful Peninsula Hotel named Rene and was whisked back there in style and comfort. I lived there until Thursday, and as my new apt. is not yet ready for occupancy, I have moved on to a hotel closer to my new place. I hope to move in tonight.

Thursday, June 15, 2000: Back in Ottawa

Back in Ottawa. The whirlwind tour almost complete. Went to Kingston by train with Michelle and spent a night there with Drew, Carean & Era in their new (old — one hundred years old to be exact) house...

From there it was back on the rails to Toronto. Upon arriving at the Grapefruit Moon we saw a red 1964 Chevy Impala convertable parked outside! Cousin Rob in the low-hopper cruiser mobile was there waiting!!! Sunniva & Sandy, the guardian angels of GFM, took a moment from their restaurantly chores and gave us a big welcome... after many reunions and some fine food, it was off in the low hopper to see Kevin Quain and the Mad Bastards.

Monday we headed to Oakville to visit with cousin Jayne, her hubby Paul and their kids Will and Alexandra. There was fun, food and a swim in the rain.

Friday (the 9th) was of course the Marathon of hops at GFM. I was there from 1:30pm until 1:30am. Many of my friends managed to swing by and there were even a few surprise guests.

Saturday Snowmelter (Justin Morrison & myself) went into Signal To Noise and over the course of 3 days recorded and mixed FIVE SONGS! Including a new one I'd written while in Manila.

Friday, June 2, 2000: Back in Canada

Back in Canada. Saw the funeral for the Unknown Soldier on Sunday with Michelle. Quite moving, especially with the memory of my Mom's brother Wilbert, who was killed in Caen, France. This week has consisted of getting over jet lag and spending quality time with M. Bought M a camera for her b-day.

Arrangements have been made for Snowmelter to start recording at Signal To Noise studios June 10-12th. We hope to record 4 songs which will be posted on our new website and at Mp3.com.

Tomorrow we head down to Kingston to visit Drew & Carean, then on to Toronto for some Grapefruit Moon, and Sunday evening at the Cameron House to hear the musical stylings of Kevin Quain and The Mad Bastards. It is strange to be back.