Six months ago I arrived in Dumaguete Philippines. A small town on the southeastern tip of Negros Oriental.
It’s certainly been an interesting ride thus far. Here are my random thoughts and events over the last 180 days:
- It takes 6 months to get a feel for any new place.
- I fractured both ankles after falling in a roadside water canal in May.
- It’s October and my ankles are still swollen. As you get older it takes more time to heal.
- There’s a huge difference in fracturing one ankle vs. both.
- Fruit and vegetable vendors are plentiful and everywhere.
- Dumaguete is known as The City of Gentle People for a very good reason.
- The locals are extremely friendly and giving souls.
- Housing costs are very reasonable. You can rent a two or three bedroom home for under $300 a month plus utilities.
- I know expats who rent a modest home for $150 a month
- Food prices are the same or even more than the states.
- Medical and dental fees are significantly less. My girlfriend had two impacted wisdom teeth removed for$208 each. The other two regular wisdom teeth were extracted for $14 each.
- My emergency room visit following my roadside accident set me back roughly $150.
- I feel very safe living in a foreign country.
- My orthopedic surgeon initially charged me $41 for a consultation and the ankle cast. For two follow up visits the fee was $10 per.
- Dining out is almost cheaper than cooking for yourself at home. Dinner for two at an average restaurant with beverages is roughly $10.
- Public transportation is a bargain. Fares range from .21 cents for a trike to anywhere in town. A jeepney or bus for a longer trip can be .37 cents for a half hour ride to $3 for a 3 hour bus ride.
- I miss the ability to call up friends or family and have an impromptu lunch.
- The one food I miss the most? A Wegmans Submarine sandwich!
- Clients admire the fact I’m living my endgame. This inspires them to begin, keep going, or put in the time required to achieve their own goals.
- People here are the same as people everywhere. They want to be loved, have fun, and live in peace.
- Security guards all carry. They’re everywhere. Malls, supermarkets, department stores, etc.
- If you pay with plastic, expect the process to take five minutes or more for the vendor to swipe your card, print four receipts, and manually enter a bunch of other numbers to complete the transaction. Early on it was painful. Over time I’ve surrendered to the fact that this is how things work in a developing country.
- I’m having a ball taking my Advanced Scuba Diving certification.
- When I first arrived, I was told you don’t have to worry about the locals. However, be on the defensive with foreigners. Spot on.
- Dove to 100 feet for the first time in August. What a rush!
- Dove at night for the first time. Wow!
- At a minimum, two showers a day is a must. Only if you’re as vain as I am. Hehehe.
- You can have your clothes washed and dried for less than $1 a kilo.
- When you move to another country, your immune system needs time to adjust to the local bacteria.
- I’ve been sick several times with fever and viral infections. Not fun.
- I love the daily temperatures which hover in the high 80’s.
- I miss the cool October weather of Central NY.
- It’s vital to have a local support system comprised of foreigners and locals.
- Observing the poverty here puts everything in perspective. I’m so grateful.
- Lots of beggars. Children will walk up to you and sing Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away” and extend their hand for a donation.
- Mother’s leverage the innocence of their young ones to beg for money. Heartbreaking actually.
- Need medicine? Pharmacies on every street counter akin to Starbucks on every block in Seattle. Open air types and traditional.
- You can purchase lots of meds without a script.
- I’m swimming again doing one mile in about 45 minutes.
- The water is my sanctuary.
- McDonald’s tastes the same here as it does in the states. However they modify the menu to include local fave eats such as spaghetti, rice, and fried chicken.
- I’m enjoying learning the local language. Filipinos appreciate my efforts. That goes a long way to building relationships on a local level.
- I drink and cook with only purified water.
- Exploring new surroundings is a daily serotonin hit.
- You’ve got to be a little crazy to be doing what I’m doing. I’m sure some of you might agree.
- I miss my own bed.
- I miss taking a bath. They’re nonexistent here in the Philippines.
- Average pizza is everywhere.
- A man haircut is P40 or .83 cents. I tip well.
- The saltwater in the Philippines makes you super buoyant. I can snorkel for hours without much effort. Love.
- I’m looking forward to exploring other countries. It’s an adventure!
What an exciting adventure you’re having, Steve! Life-changing, I bet.
What made you choose the Philippines? Just wondering.
Thanks Susan!
I ended up here due to a serendipitious chain of events. Law of attraction was also in play.
I sensed SE Asia is where I wanted to be. Then one thing led to another. I began following expats with a YouTube channel. Several of them were located where I’m staying now.
If it’s good enough for them it might be a good place to begin my journey.
Thanks Susan and I’m glad Matthew was kind to your area and everyone there is ok.
I’m glad Wegmans got a mention. Heck, when you were here, at least you had people you could reach out to who’d go to lunch with you; I still don’t have that. lol
Glad you’re enjoying your adventure and that you feel safe. Still, I’m keeping my happy behind right here! 🙂
What? Nobody goes to lunch with you? Sorry Mitch, I can’t return just yet only for you. 😉
There are days when I wished I was back in Central NY. I’m sure I’ll be back at some point in time. For now, I’m enjoying the ride.