When I arrived in the Philippines on April 1st, and made my first trip into the bowels of Dumaguete City, I said to myself, “What the f*&^ did I do.”
I’ll never forget that first afternoon the trike (that’s me in one in the pic above) dropped me off at the public market.
I experienced:
- Motorbikes, trikes, and cars negotiating the streets without stop lights
- Odors in the air I had never smelled before
- 90F degree heat encased in humidity you could cut with a knife
- People of all ages begging for money
- A public market where meat, poultry, pork, and fish are on display for sale without refrigeration
The feelings of uncertainty, despair, and fear rushed up and down my 6’5″ frame while standing among the much shorter ( mostly 5’2″ and under) Dumaguetians.
Syracuse has been my home for the last three decades. A few years ago I had reached a point where my life was on auto pilot, Walking around almost lifeless in a coma. I had squeezed everything I could out of the beautiful environment of Central NY.
I was grateful and blessed with everything I had achieved and experienced thus far. I simply wasn’t completely happy.
I was looking for a change. Looking to step outside my comfort zone.
Arriving in a place where everything was unknown. A place where I once again could experience beginner’s mind.
After several days the culture shock wore off and I said to myself, “Heh Borek, you wanted to play to the edges of your comfort zone.. This is exactly what you asked for!”
The last few years I followed expats on blogs such as Life Beyond the Sea, vlogs like Philippine Dreams, and international forums to school me about the country, people, culture, etc.
Having said that, nothing can prepare you for the cultural confusion you feel when you immerse yourself in a foreign country 8,800 miles away.
Absolutely nothing.
My biggest takeaway so far? Even though they have very little and live a minimalist life, the Philippine people are the most caring, giving and happiest people I’ve ever met.
Over the coming weeks I’ll write about my adventures here in the province of Negros Oriental and the lessons learned along the way.
What I can say at this point in time, I’m so glad I took that scary leap of faith. I’ve been changed for good.
Here’s a short clip of me and my new found friend Bud Brown, one of the vloggers I’ve followed over the last few years. Bud’s videos, as well as others, schooled me on Dumaguete and Philippine life. Enjoy.
If you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone, feel free to contact me for business or career coaching. Thank you.
Does Bud really use a drone???
Good to hear your voice. I’m glad this move is fulfilling a real need to get out of your comfort zone.
Thanks Jill. I hope everything is marvy in your world! 🙂
Bud doesn’t have a drone, yet. He’s planning on getting one soon.
His video cam is attached to an extra long selfie stick. I think he was trying to say it’s drone-like.
I miss you and all my friends and family in the CNY area.
You certainly do go a long way to get out of your comfort zone. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself and of course I’ll be keeping up with your adventures. A camera on a drone no less; wow! lol
Actually that wasn’t a drone. Bud’s video cam is attached to an extra long selfie stick. He was trying to say it was drone-like.
Ya, experiencing living in another country for an extended period of time has been a dream I’ve had for some time.
I truly miss you and all my friends and acquaintances back in Syracuse.
Steve, okay…I wasn’t convinced it was a drone, but he is VERY good with a selfie stick! And I like his vehicle!
I hope a future post will have photos of food, BTW.
Bud is doing some great things. Hopefully I’ll have some exciting news about Bud soon. Stay tuned.
I could never figure out why people posted pics of food. Jill, now that you’ve requested I do, I will! 🙂
Steve,
Pictures of food – a few, you don’t need to go whole hog – help to communicate something about place, culture and experience. It could be photos of a special meal or photos of the market. Maybe it’s a photo of the first Filipino meal that you make all on your own!
Jill, great ideas. I actually made my first Filipino dish while in Syracuse last year. Pork Adobo. Very easy to make. And as they say here, it’s masarap! (Tagalog language) or lami! (Bisaya)
Wow!!! Good for you Steve. I love travelling.. so much to see and learn. Vietnam next Steve? 🙂
Heh Toai! Yes, I’d love to visit Vietnam. Any suggestions on where I should visit? Your recommendation would be very useful. Thanks.
Your adaptation to the new surroundings is familiar to the calm exhibited during your pipeline review in those quarterly software revenue board meetings of yesteryear.
I rejoice in your success! Paalam.
Andy, I didn’t know you spoke Tagalog. 🙂
Nice metaphor, calmness. After several days I simply surrendered to what I couldn’t change and just go with the flow. This environment will teach you to be patient.
Thanks for your comment Andy. I appreciate it.
Hi Steve,
Glad to hear that things are going well and that you are adapting to your new way of life. On my first visit to China, I truly felt like a “stranger in a strange land.” But that feeling subsided over subsequent visits. At least for my next visit, I will know some Mandarin. Looking forward to reading your blog!
Heh Ron! I hear what you’re saying. Each day I get more comfortable. I hope your bride arrives soon!
Sounds like you’ve embarked on a wonderful adventure. I’m happy for you, Steve, and also, admittedly, a little bit jealous.
Thanks Susan. You’ve been on a similar journey so you can relate.
I hit an interesting speed bump this week I’ll be writing about soon.
Have a great weekend!
Congratulations, Steve! Wishing you much happiness in your new home!
Nai
Hi Nai. Good to hear from you.
I’m enjoying the adventure.
I hope things are well with you.
Take care.