Saturday, July 29, 2000: Makita Out and About
It is absolutely beautiful out today. There is strong wind which seems to bother the locals but I welcome. The air is fresh, the humidity is low, the smog is gone, and I can breathe! I woke up today at about 8:30am, and spent the morning playing Command & Conquer "Red Alert" on my Playstation, while listening to a mix cd on Tarzan Mike's giant stereo/karaoke/vcd/contraption. Selections included FM's 1978 classic "Black Noise", Jethro Tull's classic "Benefit" (which I finally found on CD here after years of searching Canada), the Beautiful South cd that Sandy would always play at Grapefruit Moon, the last Jamiroquai (spelling?) CD (love the synth bass on Supersonic), and the soundtrack to Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.
I practiced guitar for an hour, then worked on some new ideas, which may or may not end up as SNOWMELTER songs.
Then, with my guitar case slung over my shoulder and a piece of cold KFC chicken (?) breast in my greasy hands, I headed out to the shopping zone. I was surprised to find the 5 friendly staff of the Starbucks that I frequent during the week, working a weekend shift at the Starbucks by the Makati Shangri La HoteL. I was greeted with a chorus of "Hello Dave" which made the security guard decide NOT to search me.
Thursday, July 27, 2000: Arrangements
Our place is now full of plants and flowers. It certainly makes it more home like. I am beginning to make the arrangements for my next visit to Canada, for Justin & Kim's wedding. Michelle will be returning with me!! I can hardly wait!
Friday, July 21, 2000: Rain Stops
When I awoke this morning, I thought I was in Toronto. My room was freezing, and I was all wrapped up in my blankets. The first thought that came into my head was "mmmm...Grapefruit Moon"... When opened my eyes I was horrified to find that it's too far to walk to The Grapefruit Moon for breakfast.
I had breakfast at Dome Cafe, which is nice. Security is higher than usual again. Each time the MILF or Abu Sayyaf (Islamic Seperatists) makes a threat on Metro Manila more security guards seem to appear. The weapons also seem to become bigger or nastier. When I arrived in February it was just pistols, and sometimes shotguns. Now I see a lot of variations on the M16; full versions, smaller versions, chopped versions. Today I saw an Uzi. The surrealness of it all removes any fear I might have. I find I worry more about earthquakes.
The rain has stopped. Apparently we went through TWO typhoons. I had no idea, since I rarely watch any news shows.
Friday night my flat-mate Geri and I took her friend Lucy who'd been visiting from the UK to the airport. I hired my usual driver from the Penisula Hotel, a good natured fellow named Rene. The ride back from the airport was a sad one for Geri, as she and Lucy have been best friends since childhood. I felt odd since as much as I'm really looking forward to Michelle visiting me here , I 'm dreading that ride with Rene when she leaves.
Guitar lessons have been going very well, and Karate keeps me confused. Still... I have been homesick recently. I thought it was the rain, but it seems to be more than that.
Saturday, July 8, 2000: Guitar Lessons
Started back at Karate this week. A hard class, in which I was totally baffled and physically exausted. Afterwards, 20 minutes in the sauna....a nice shower...and I felt better than I have in a while.
I also began guitar lessons this weekend. My Pinoy teacher's name is Michael Terry , and he is an unbelievable guitarist. I struggled away with a blues scale and some chords that baffled my fingers...
I am looking forward to next week's lesson. I will have lots of time to practice this week, because it isn't supposed to stop raining until February.
Sunday, July 2, 2000: Moved In
I am now all moved into my new home. I live in a two story penthouse suite with two friends. There are 3 large bedrooms, each with a washroom; a dining room, a large kitchen, washing facilities, maid's quarters, living room and a washroom on the main floor. My room is the master bedroom and it is as large as my apt in Toronto. I haven't much in the way of furniture yet, but its still quite livable.
My roommates are Geri and Mike. Geri is from Leeds, England, and Mike is an old coworker from Toronto. Our maid is named Suzy and someday I'll get used to having someone always trying to do things for me...like make tea, or fold stuff.
