Clicking the Sign Out button for the final time. Most Likely hope not!

Thanks for sticking with us and reading our blog until the very end. We put a lot of work into this blog and I want to thank each and every 1 of you for reading. This is Landon signing out.

Our last night

Well, this is it. Our last night in the Philippines. The two year "visit" ended up lasting slightly less than a full year. We had a great time, learned alot, grew closer as a family and had everlasting memories. However, we are excited to go home. We are moving back to DFW. Can't wait to see many of you again. Please stay in touch. Steve

More fun food in the Philippines!

I avoided taking a picture of the baggies in front of this sign with the ox face in it. Gray and lumpy. If anyone wants me to bring some home, let me know quick.

Safety first

You find these spider webs of lines all over the place. This is in Makati, the central business district. Theoretically, the most advanced area of the city. But, as you can see, they just keeping adding more and more lines. Can't be safe.

We only had a few hours before our flight home, so we had time for only one thing. The airport is on a separate island. On this island is "The Big Buddha". And I mean Big Buddha. To get there you must take a 25 minute cable car ride, which is a pretty long ride. For fun we got the glass bottomed one. That was interesting.

This picture shows us crossing from one hill to another. Probably had to do this 5 or 6 times to get there.


So here is a picture of the Big Buddha from afar. Even bigger than I thought it would be.

Of course, when you get off there is the big shopping area with restaurants. They also had this, the "Wishing Shrine". We saw these in Kyoto. You write your wish down and tie it to the shrine.

Here we are at the base of the Big Buddha. Look at the stairs. Where are the escalators??!?!?!? Remember the day before when we walked down Victoria Peak? My legs weren't ready for this. We made it up, but holy smokes.


When we got to the top. We were surprised to find that it was built in 1992. So, not so historic. They did have a relic of Buddha there. We learned that Buddha's bones were separted into 7,000 pieces. This temple has one of the very tiny bones. Sure enough there were some monks by the relic praying and worshipping.

Another fun and exhausting trip. It is was well worth it. And I didn't have a wallet weighing me down.

Hong Kong - Day 2

After our fun from the night before, I mustered some enthusiasm and we headed off to the city. The big adventure for the day as to go to the top of Victoria Peak. The middle of the island is a serious of tall peaks. There is a furnicular train that goes to the top. It has been in operation over 100 years. The line was unbelievable and took about an hour. There are only two trains one going up and one going down.

Here are a couple of views. This first one is of Hong Kong in the foreground. The buildings in the front are partially up the peak. They are called the mid-levels. Lots of switchback driving to get up there.



This one shows Kowloon in the background and the strait we went across in the ferry.


Landon was very excited about Madame Tussaud's. He has been wanting to go to a wax museum forever. Yao Ming ain't that tall.

So at the end of this adventure, my lovely wife and youngest son thought it would be fun to walk down. WALK DOWN!!! Even though I had paid for a round trip. Being the only slightly, grumpy old man, I agreed...grudgingly. Probably took only 30 minutes. Problem was there were no steps, it was just a path at a 20 degree (or so) angle. Just steep enough that if you started to jog you couldn't stop. So Terri and Landon took off while Brennan and I schlumped slowly. Lots of sweat and sore calves. I won't complain too much as there were quite a few knuckleheads actually walking up.

That evening, we braved another street market. Look at the apartments up above. Not too nice.

Hong Kong - Day 1

Sorry for taking so long to blog about this. I will take this one day at a time. Since we are moving back home so quick, we wanted to do one more big trip. So since Labor day here is May 1, we took a long weekend trip to Hong Kong.

I thought the Singapore airport was amazing. Hong Kong is just as impressive. Can't think of an airport in the US that as well organized and run as these two.

We took the train into the city and decided we would start in Kowloon. Hong Kong is an island just south of the mainland. Kowloon is just north but very close. We took the Star Ferry wish has been in operation for over 100 years.




Went to a couple of museums and grabbed some dinner...Outback Steakhouse. Still can't get these boys to eat local food.

As we walked around we found this sign.



So if it is flooded, what exactly are we supposed to do?

Then we went to a street market. This is the place where my wallet was stolen. We were walking around looking at all the things for sale and I realized my wallet was not in my front pocket anymore. I knew I needed to be careful and always thought I would be aware of what was happening. So much for that. I felt absolutely nothing. So that was the end of our first night as we had to run back to the hotel and cancel all my credit cards. Sure enough they had charged at least three charges on each of cards I had.



So our first night ended abruptly and I was trying not to be as grumpy as I wanted to be. Terri was fantastic. Telling me I wasn't stupid and that we needed just to get this done and enjoy the rest of the time we had. I have a great wife.

What's up with the towels?

Not sure I have posted about this before. A high percentage of kids walk around with towels coming out of the neck on their shirts.

What I have been told is that when it is hot and humid outside (which is almost everyday) they use these to wipe up the sweat. So as they go in and out of air conditioned places, they won't get too cold and then won't get sick.

In this picture it is 2 girls. Usually it is boys since they run around more and get sweaty. Now for those of us that move from one air conditioned place to another, this really isn't that much of a big deal.

We really couldn't figure this out initially, so I had to breakdown and ask someone. You will occasionally see an adult with one. This is pretty common, so we don't look for it too much. However, something really sad. Every once in a while you will see a very, very poor child with wadded up newspaper there instead of a towel. They can't even afford a rag. I am sure I have mentioned before that the newspaper here is made with ink that comes off on your hands. So I can imagine how much of that ink gets on their back when they sweat.

Anyway, something else unique to the Philippines.

Moving home!!!

Found out recently that IBM has a new role for me back in the US. We are moving home in mid-June. Of course, we are quite excited. However, we have made many good friends in the Philippines and have had some great adventures. There will be many aspects of living here that we will miss. Getting back to our families is the best part of this.

Just sent Terri back to my parents house to do some house hunting as we don't have alot of time. Will let everyone knows more about it as the details are finalized. Can't wait to see you guys!

Big doings in the Philippines

Don't want you to think we don't have fun over here.

Asparagus Festival

presented by the German club

Beginning Monday, 11 May 2009
onwards (Until stocks last).
Fresh White Asparagus
will be arriving from Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany and we hope to be able to serve you a variety of asparagus delicacy created by our very own Chef Dennis.

Don’t miss this once a year chance to savour delectable White Asparagus dishes for lunch or dinner while it lasts. We invite you and your guests to come visit us in the Club during the festival. Our menu line up:

Asparagus Cream Soup
Asparagus Clear Soup
Asparagus Salad
–­—
Asparagus with Black Forrest Ham
With Boiled Potatoes
–­—
Fresh Asparagus
with Pork Tenderloin
served with Pepper Sauce
and Boiled Potatoes
–­—
Asparagus with Poached Salmon
with Boiled Potatoes
and Lemon-Butter Sauce
–­—
Buttered Asparagus
With Boiled Potatoes and
Hollandaise Sauce
–­—
Pan Fried Maya-Maya Fillet
With White Asparagus, Boiled Potatoes in Hollandaise or Lemon Butter Sauce

We recommend early reservation.

Actually, I might pass on this one.

Meal Presentation

I have mentioned a few times getting used to having food served to me with a head on it. Thought you would enjoy a couple of pictures of this.


About half the shrimp/prawn meals I have come with their heads still on. I am used to it now, but the boys still are grossed out.

This is Lechon, roast suckling pig. They have it cut like a checkerboard and you just stab the piece you want and pull it off. Honestly, it tastes great. There is always a mad rush for the skin and ears. I pass on that and just get to the pork. No chance the boys will eat this.

Tokyo - Day 7

So we have one day in Tokyo. It was chaotic to say the least. First, we went got on the subway and went to the Imperial Palace. This isn't like the White House or Buckingham Palace where you can walk up to the fence. It is on an island in the middle of the city with a wall and moat around it. But you can get a partial view. Nothing extraordinary, but marked it off our list.

Second, we went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Our only museum on the whole trip. Very interesting and well done. We each had headphones in English telling us what we were looking at. Unfortunately, we were so tired from running everyday, we dragged around.

We hit the McDonald's across the street. Oy. We were on the second floor and saw three Sumo wrestlers walking around the area. Must be training nearby. Didn't see them when we went back down.

Next we went to Asakusa. The main reason was for souvenir shopping. There is a long line of shops leading up to the Senjosi Temple. Big tourist spot. We bought a few nicknacks there.

Finally, we went to Ginza. This is the Times Square of Tokyo. Lots of high end shopping and bright lights.

Multiple stations, trains and stops. Running from one end of Tokyo to the other. Dragged everyone back towards the hotel. Dinner at Planet Hollywood at Disney. Honestly, not a bad idea to end the day.

Tokyo Disney Seas - Day 6

So today we went to the other park here, Tokyo Disney Seas. It is more like EPCOT with some rides from MGM Studios. It was well designed and definitely has more thrill rides than Magic Kingdom. We were on Tower of Terror, a new Indiana Jones adventure, Journey to the Center of the World, etc. They were alot of fun. The best part is we didn't find a ride that had over a 5 minute wait.

But just like the other parks at Disneyworld, it just doesn't feel like Disney. I won't complain much, we had alot of fun. Surprisingly, the stores just don't have anything we want. We severely lowered our standards and still can't find anything to buy.

Oh, they had one of those shows on the water with fireworks and fire. Really cool.

Tokyo Disneyland - Day 5

Actually, a really good day today. We spent the whole day in the Disneyland Park. It is Disney, so things are basically the same. Of course, most things are in Japanese. We went to the Tiki room and the whole show was in Japanese. So that was the last of the shows we went to. However, we chose to go to the Jungle Cruise. Knowing that all the jokes would not be in English. However, it was pretty funny watching the boat driver over act in Japanese. I will need to post the video of that ride.

Food choices were quite different. The boys had a craving for pizza. There were two choices - bacon and pineapple or seafood. So we moved to burgers.

Good day and not overly expensive.

Bullet train to Tokyo - Day 4

Alright...this trip took the better part of the day. We are in pretty good shape, luggage-wise. We have 4 bags on wheels, 3 backpacks and 3 laptops (don't ask why). But we have to lug everything around up and down escalators and stairs, from time to time. If you have ever been in Times Square subway station, it has nothing on the stations in Japan. The big stations have multiple lines coming in all with their own section on different levels.

Once we got to the station where the bullet train was, we are in good shape. Let me pause to discuss the costs of things here. Everything is very, very expensive. I was already having a heart attack that the bullet train would cost me $200 per person. Then I found out that was one way. Terri knows me well enough to let me voice that out loud about 5-7 times. Then she tells me it is enough. So this is the last time - $1,600 to ride a train. Oy.

We are staying at the Hilton on the Tokyo Disney property. We made it here just fine. About 4 1/2 hours end to end. In four different stations. It is totally Disney here. Other than most things are in Japanese. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe (no pizza all day). Now combine the costs of Japan with the costs of Disney and you know how much pain my wallet is in.

Even with that said, we are having a really good time. We will hit the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and I know it will be great. Wonder if all the shows are in Japanese.

Kyoto - Day Three

We went to Kyoto today. Just a 40 minute train ride. Weather was good - sunny and 60s. I think we walked close to 5 miles today, uphill and down. And some of the hills were quite steep. Today was the day for history. We saw plenty of temples and shrines. In between each of them were hundreds of little shops and restaurants. Terri purchased a couple of small things for the house.

The highlight, for me, was a temple that houses over a thousand statues of Kannon. The temple is Sanjusangendo for those that want to google it. The statues are over 750 years old. The are lined up in this long hall. There are also other statues of Buddhist dieties. Unfortunately, no pictures can be taken.

So lots and lots of walking. It will get us prepared for Tokyo Disney in a couple of days. Bullet train to Tokyo tomorrow.

Oh, no pizza today for those keeping score. But we did hit the Hard Rock back in Osaka. At least it was good food.

I haven't mentioned this yet. In Europe, you can find plenty of people that have some level of proficiency in English. Not in Japan. They are as polite as they can be, but communicating is quite the challenge. As we walked up and down the side streets in Kyoto, everything is in Japanese. So finding a public bathroom became a problem. How do you gesture that you need one? Fortunately, we followed some ladies down a small street and find them.

Osaka - Day Two

Rainy and cold...all day. Oh yeah, and pizza for lunch.

We started off at the Osaka Castle. From outside it looks really interesting. Big moat around it and huge stone walls. On each corner of the island there is a turret. The 8 story castle is in the middle.

Unfortunately, the interior of the castle is a museum. Everything is modern. There are some cool artifacts and dioramas. But I was hoping for an old castle as it was.

We left and had lunch (pizza) nearby were they have a Sega Joypolis. Two floors of video games, virtual reality rides and pachinko machines as far as the eye could see. The boys had a great time.

Then we headed to Dotomburi. This is the shopping and eating zone. It is exactly what I expected here. Narrow lanes, tons of shops, and food vendors in the street. I ate grilled crab legs that were really good. Then we came across the Octopus Balls. Once I get home I will post the video. Amazing how these things are made. Basically, it is batter, some green onions, slice of octopus tentacle and, believe it or not, rice krispies. I am sure they don't call it rice krispies, but that is what they were. The cook keeps turning it into a ball. Once done they but some teriyaki sauce on it. Terri and I both tried it. Honestly, not bad.

We walked up and down the shops and had a really good time. This is what is was ready to see and it did not disappoint. Tomorrow, Kyoto.

Osaka - Day one

Yes, we had pizza last night. Oy...

Initial thoughts...Cold. It is in the 50's here. I know that might not sound cold to you, but Manila has been in 90s everyday for the last few months. Nobody speaks in English. In Europe, you can find people on the street that know a little. Here? No such luck. Bud they are real polite about it and try to help.

Cokes cost $3.70!!! Going to have to tighten up.

Heading out for some exploring. Nijo Castle, Sega Joypolis, and some temples and shopping. Should be alot of fun.

Pizza in Japan

We are leaving this Friday for a family vacation in Japan. I still can't get the boys interested in Asian food. We will have a total number of 17 lunches and dinners while there. I set the over/under on the number of times we have to eat pizza at 7. Terri and the boys all looked at me, scoffed and then said "over". I will figure out a way to get some Gyudon and Gyoza while I am there.

More interesting food...

I think I have discussed the hot dogs here. You know when you go to the grocery store in the US and you see the hot dogs that are 'red'? Basically, all of them are like that and we avoid them completely. This one has cheese balls in them. Cheese of course is different here. Mainly a type of white cheddar. Regardless, I am avoiding them.

More, more pics of Cebu

More pics of Cebu

On The Road Again. Just Can't Wait To Be On The Road Again.

Hey guys it's Landon, sorry u guys haven't heard much from me, haven't gone to check the blog in awhile. I'm here to tell everybody 'bout Cebu. The first thing that gave me the feeling of being away from home was when at the airport i saw a sign on an automatic door that said in big black letters typed on yellow tape " CLEAR GLASS" Now several thoughts flashed into my head most of them were just things like "Do people need to be told that this is clear glass?" The poor travelers walking by thinking "Oh boy, someone did a good job painting whatever it is that's behind this door." or "Wow! When I go in front of it I'm painted on it!"

But the flight was ridiculous i couldn't finish my forty page magazine before we got there! The cars must be jealous!

The hotel was crazy, it has its own private beach! And tv speakers in the bathroom! And those cool clothesline things in the showers that look like bells! Here's a funny story that brennan might get mad about. ;). Brennan was taking a shower on Sunday afternoon after we came back from the beach, when he got out i went in and noticed my bathing suit was wetter than before, Brennan took a shower while the bathing suit was drying. And now for Brennan's amusement i will embarrass myself with a story. Me and my Dad were out jet skiing, and we were going against the waves so we were gettin some air. On one jump i accidentaly let go and smacked my forehead on the handlebars, but since I'm that masculine, no fears man you all know me to be, i stayed the rest of the ride, and only cried for a few minutes. So there. But seriously folks, as every comedian on earth would say, there was a lot to do there. Kayaking which is where I got a painful blister on my right hand that i am staring at right now. There was snorkeling where i lost the plastic diaphragm where i inhaled all the saltwater and had to get rescued, and there was the jetskiing. We also went golfing, me an dad, they only had six holes and it was only putting and chipping but i beat dad in two holes. Well not much else to say so our next vacation is to Corregidor, and not in the words of General Macarthur " I Shall Write Back".