Heading Home

This will be my first journey home in more than 6 years. It’s going to be a shocker. What more can I say other than I am going to see my sick father. I will be there to encourage him and my mom. Light the world ahead for them and hopefully taste some good grub – mom always makes the best food (no kidding). So I will restart the blog again and let all you folks know that where I go you go. Cheers and love to all the aspiring folks out there who have supported us. One word left. I have left my other 2 souls behind but my thoughts and prayers are with you all the time. May you be blanketed with the quilt of 10,000 angels.

God Bless.

On the plane

Its time to go and its raining. The day started pretty well but by the afternoon the rain came pouring down. This is the scene in most tropical regions and seeing that it is rainy season here, I guess we shouldn’t have expected anything else. The drive to the airport (the new one is not yet open) bordered on an hour as we were caught up in rush-hour traffic. The drive went smoothly as I expected. O. was buckled securely in the fron seat and we were both proud of him as this was his first trip in the car for more than 2 years. Now, picture this – O. in front, B. in the second row, all the luggage in the third, and the wheelchair at the back. This was chocka block full as they say in my neck of the woods.

From the minute we got out of the car the paparazzi flooded us. We could barely move but we trudged on. First stop – security clearance. Security clearance is everywhere in Manila, department stores,mini-stores, hotels -its literally all over.But one thing I must mention is that the place is really safe and very few incidents occur. Security was a bit of an issue as we had to manuever the wheelchair,bags, and dog kennel between the body scanners and x-ray machines. Luckily they didn’t find and guns or drugs on us otherwise we would not have been able to leave. From the first minute, we were met by B.’s good friend “Attorney Mendosa” (names and places have been altered to protect the innocent). Attorney Mendosa was the hero of the day as he helped us from start to finish. A true hero when you need one. He helped us from check-in to boarding the plane and even though he could have left us at check-in he stayed with us and support, and protected us as the paparazzi looked on. (below is a picture of “Mendosa” & B at the check-in counter)

Now, the check-in took up to 50 minutes as Beethoven’s papers had to be cleared. I guess he was smuggling out dog poo or something like that (beethoven – were you doing that?) I guess a man’s best friend carries all his luggage. And, did he dirty the kennel? Wishful thinking. Beethoven is a well respected dog in society and quite cultured. The kennel was as clean as the hospital.

After the check-in Beethoven was led off to the cargo area and the three of us were escorted to more security checks. I wonder if Beethoven had anymore security checks? They found us clean and as time flew by, we were whisked off to a “Thai Lounge” where the business elite sat. Only problem, the business elite was all over and the place became quite stuffy. We needed room, we were cornered in one spot, and the atmosphere was somewhat somber. I’d say: “Lets cheer up the lads.” but – I guess no one was in the mood. So “Attorney Mendosa” gathered his ranks and sped us off to the “premier” lounge where no one was to be found. Oh sorry, there was a captain having a coffee. And to our surprise there was a couch to lay on as Oli. had congestion. See picture below. This is where the action took place. We did a spectacular diaper change in the men’s quarters. Mom was invited to help (sorry no pictures). I think I broke my back at this time. Mom had put 2 diapers on for the travel occasion and that just was such a hassle. Have you ever worn two adult diapers at a time? I was bloated and sweating. O. was hoisted in the air and systematically cleaned – top to bottom – and then again wrapped into the diaper. Did I say I nearly broke my back doing this trick? The whole process took 30 minutes.

After the dramatic bathroom blitz, we posed for another snapshot with Attorney Mendosa. I got congestion later for sitting in the chair too long. G had to give me some serious percussion.Luckily there wasn’t anymore of those business elite and i could have the full treatment in 30 minutes. By the time I was done we were ready to get into the plane. We got first dips as wheelchair guys go first. We went through the final security check with fly colors and raced to the airplane door but the wheelchair was too large to enter, so ….that left us with one major problem! There wasn’t enough room for me to move so once again I was lifted up through the slender passage way and was placed on a business seat that I must say was confortable but I wasn’t (oliver speaking). Being one of the first on the plane was great but it also came with its hiccups. Every person on the plane had to pass me and some of them hit my feet (don’t you just hate it when people have no respect)

Anyway, I got ready for the flight but I guess I was ill prepared for what was to lie ahead. It was cold, (the poncho was comfy but not enough), whistling sounds were ringing in my ear, and I was as nervous as anything. I hadn’t taken a plane in 5 years and this flight was supposed to be longer than the previous one. My stomach ached like no tomorrow but worst of all (and this is something G. only discovered later) my Batali Crocs started to sweat making my feet wet!!! I tried my best to keep on a brave face but the pressure to my head endured. As you can see G. was with me for a while, while mum rested and then later she came to help me. Take-off was strenuous and the rest of the flight was a battle but we made it.

When mom took over she wrapped me in the Thai Airways blanket. The other purple one was a tad warm and this purple one just served me right. She tucked me in solid and from then on I was as comfy as a turtle under its shell. Meanwhile, G.had the steamed fish onboard and he reported that it tasted pretty good (he didn’t leave me a piece). Anyway, again it came that the hostesses would make their rounds and again I could feel their legs. This one guy actually bumped me – all I could do was stare! What else could I do? But G. gave him such a stare that his apology was heard a mile away (not that there is a mile in a plane or anything like that). So we ended up riding it out and almost three hours later we landed. I could feel the plane descending as once again the weight and pressure played on my head. G came back to take over again and tried to comfort me but it was hard not avoiding that feeling. I guess I wasn’t made out to fly. Can we take a boat or a hovercraft next time? Goodness, if you thought I was stressed out check out the picture of mom keeping a brave face (below).

As we taxied into our dock/spot at the terminal, everyone disembarked except us and together with another crippled fellow we were the last to get off. A special truck with a separate container was forlifted up to the airplane door (quite neat actually). We were shoved in and down we went. G. then pushed us to shore, so to speak, and we were met by an official who escorted us upstairs to customs.

Stay tuned for more episodes and come back on another day when we will continue where we left off. Our next episode: “The Smiley Custom Officials”

Our Departure

The time was 5:00pm when we shipped out. I was told we were going on a mission. Nothing much else was said other than be prepared. And so we were, guns, ammunition, hand grenades, bayonets, and our helmets. Oh, sorry. I must have the wrong story. Watching too much TV again or was it that new movie by Ben Stiller “Tropic Thunder”, huh? I haven’t seen it yet. Anyway, back to the real world. Oh, i forgot the date again, we packed our bags (and let me tell you, it was alot of bags) and headed out yonder to leave the one posting and head for the next. Destination – you guess – somewhere out there. The paparazzi was waiting at the front of the hotel (those buggers) to grab our shots (sorry we sold our photos to “Hello” magazine ages ago for an undesclosed fee – ya I wish) and sell it to the highest bidder.

Ok, so there we were. It took us a total of 2 hours to finish packing. And, once we were done – we looked like this. As you can see, we tried to go color co-ordinated but as things turned out, the only thing that was mildly alike were our Mario Batali Crocs (do you have a pair yet?). You might also notice that I’m wearing a red poncho from Mexico (that thing is so old – anyway, it would be the only thing that would keep me warm). So apart from the wheelchair, suction machine (on the ground, in the grey bag), the notebook bag mom had, the notebook bag G., the massage table, and two other bags (clothes), oh, and if you are wondering, yes, there was Beethoven too, I’d say we had a full load. No, we couldn’t run from the paparazzi.

So, how did we manage? Well, with alot of prayer and some friends. More about them later. But first, the end of this saga. We were met at the hotel by a driver named Enrique. He has been with us since day one. A very friendly chap and really a nice man. He brought Beethoven with and we drove in two separate cars to the airport. The car was loaded. It was like we were going on an extended picnic but just without the picnic gear and more of the “we are moving gear”. So, to put it mildly – we had 5 bags, and beethoven in a kennel – on three trolleys. This is surely an adventure. So stay tuned to hear what happened next. Were we met by friends at the airport or did we have to wait 3 hours in-line before we could board. If you are wondering if I’m joking or not – I’m not. Its standard at Manila airport to be there 3 hours before departure. Why? Its called terrorism and everyone’s bags are checked and checked. So wait and see what happens next.

The view from our hotel

Do you recognise it? Do you know where it is? Do you even care where it is? Well, to cut the long story short, we stayed in a hotel on the last day of our stay in Manila. When we first came we stayed at the “Somerset” hotel. Its a service apartment hotel so you have a kitchen, living room and dining room but our hotel this time round was just a plain old hotel. I guess its a three star but by other peoples standards it could be four.

So have you been able to guess the spot yet? Ok, here are a few clues. You can see our house in the distance. They are those 2 glass looking twin-towers with the heli pads on top. Not that I had a chance to use the heli pad but it was nice to say anyway. Ok, here are some more clues. The overhead bridge just in the front of the picture leads from Ayala Avenue and heads off into Edsa.

Ok, now if the first set of clues didn’t help just look at this wonderful pool. No, there aren’t any hot chicks getting a tan. If you look closely you will see the hotel insignia. Can you see that far? Blind spots, none! Eye trouble? Maybe! But hey all my audiences are getting old. To take you out of your misery, we are staying at the intercontinental for the last night in Manila. The plush place is not so plush but read under the hotel section later for my review. It was confortable but was it comforatble enough.

The last thing that can be said is that it was the right move to go to a hotel on our last day cause the packers invaded the house and there would not have been any space to for us to maneuver. Not saying that we had ample space in the hotel either. So why did we go? Well, we needed space. At the end of the day, we tried the food, breakfast buffet and services. So stay tuned.

The Scratch

Notice the abbrasive markings on the front bumper. Those were not my doings. It so happens that when the car was parked at the Intercontinental hotel, the next morning the scratches sudddenly appeared. We arrived just after 7pm at the hotel and because I had to take oliver, the luggage and his wheelchair out of the car, I had no time to park the car. My other half, having complete faith and trust in the conciege, convinced me that it would be better if they parked it. I was fully loaded so I had my arms tied behind my back and that’s where it stayed.

The following morning as I prepared to go to church service (6am), I boarded the car from the driver’s side going round the back and didn’t notice anything from the front (oh,duh). But just before I entered the church I turned back and noticed the scratch. I could not have done it cause on the way to church I didn’t bump into any cars and in the parking lot there were no cars. So … it must be clear that I didn’t commit this crime! Naturally, I was fighting all the demons off in the church as the priest’s message was to forgive from the “heart”. I had already gotten a heart attack from seeing it from afar but now I also had to play mind games with the devil. Don’t you just hate that when it happens? Anyway, a demon is a demon and you will always get those but I guess this one was in for a fight.

After the service ended, I drove back to the hotel and confronted hotel management. Oh, wait. I consulted my other half first just to get the legal stats. on the matter. After reporting the incident, management claimed that it wasn’t their fault and that their valet parker wasn’t the guilty person. I was furious at that time as I had just taken pictures of the car before wanting to sell it. (I do not have those photos here right now as its on the other PC but you guys who have been following me and have seen the car, clearly know that that scratch wasn’t there before.

So the outcome, they all claimed foul, ran for the road and fled. I cann only say that I won’t allow valet parking again at any hotel.If they do not know how to drive a proper car why should they be allowed to drive. So to end – a scratch will be a scratch – but in this case it is another addition to our overheads. Did I hear that the bank manager is screaming again? Ah, maybe but then again who drives around with a spotless car nowadays anyway.

A state of what?….

Rumor has been spreading that we are in Thailand. Maybe we are,maybe we aren’t but …… keep watching this space. Oh, and please realize that we are a bit behind schedule for all news stories.

The Departure

We have got our bags packed and we are ready to roam the high seas or shall I rather say the high clouds. Nothing better to start a trip by getting some name tags and suitcases. I’ve always wondered why people like to own/possess things. They seem to hold it so dear to them and yet if the plane were to clash could they claim it? I don’t think so. Are the items that valuable in these cases that they seem to scribble all details about them when they leave. I meand when airlines say they can’t find them then they just can’t find them – name tag or not. Ours is simple, “garbaroli” – you either know us or not! So apart from the website no one will know who we are but then again who wants to know!

Today’s journey will take us to a new place, a new sunrise and a new sunset. It will bring new friends, new faces and new places. So it is with tears that we say goodbye to some folks who have made our road a friendly one. Anna has volunteered to help in the last few days even though she too has her hands full. She has helped in all matters personal – God bless her soul. And we are delighted that we met her and are proud to call her our friend. We wish you all the success.

Last but not least is a special thanks to the two helpers that we have had over the last year or so. Arlene & Gem. Their help has been tremendous considering the tough conditions that they endured and the extra long hours. We thank you so much for your help and pray that Arlene will have a wonderful marriage and Gem enjoys life with her family on the rice farm. Thumbs up girls.

The Last Day – 6am beauty or is it

I’ve kinda seen this view a million times and you a few, but everytime I look at it, I’m amazed at the wonders God has created. No, not the skyscapers but the view. The clouds, trees, etc. We take it and took it for granted until a certain Al Gore rocked up on the scene, using his Apple Keynote presentation skills to show us how we have destroyed this island we live on. Now waking up on the last day is certainly a first. Its the last time you gonna have this view. The last time you smell the grass. And the last time you watch as the sun slowly disappears and the rain clouds come in. Yep, it is rainy season here and all things weather wise moves in a flash. The folks here don’t use those yellow rain outfits you get in Taiwan – they just get wet. I guess it has something to do with the heat. But nonetheless, its still a wonder to watch from 29 floors up how the clouds speak to each other and how the wind disturbs their mood. And that folks how and why we get rain. The wind spoils the party and the clouds cry.

Now as I was taking the shots for this news story, my camera wsa distracted. Actually, it nearly broke after I snapped these two shots. B. & O. still snoozing.

hey must have clearly had a rough night or a drinking session outside. B. looks like she’s trying to avoid me and O. still has his pacifier in the mouth. I hope he wasn’t drugged or anything of that sort. Its all in the size of the pacifier. Cute aren’t they. Do you have any snapshots of your loved ones. Email them to me and we can compile a gallery of sleepy folk. Anyway, I’m the early bird but I didn’t catch any worms. Just a beautiful view and two sleepy bears.

A parting shot. Sleeping creates beauty and beauty is all around us. My mother didn’t say that but I thought I’d just add it in for short measure. Cheers. Come back tomorrow for another exciting story from the “garbaroli adventure” tales.

Barbara’s last hoora

Gone were the days of family reunions, big get-togethers, and BBQ’s. In today’s bustling world when families are located miles away, its good to know a good friend is always a floor or two away. At least this was the case with B. Its hard,especially in an Asian country to be accepted, acknowledged, or even recognised. However, if one looks at this picture one can clearly see B. was part of the family. This family, the Lee’s welcomed her with open arms and we thank them for their hospitality. Seated are Father Arnold (the priest who married us the second time round), B. and Julian Carmona (a retired businessman). Behind B. is Mrs. Lee, the host of the event and to the left in the blue striped shirt is B.’s friend Ana. We thank them all.

While G. & O. were sitting at home sipping Yogi tea, B. was whisked away (not literally ofcourse)to the “Summer Palace”in the Shangri-La Hotel in Quezon City. The place is quite swank and as expected Chinese food was the main course. Lots of fun was had by all and while B. is a vegetarian, there was plenty to go around. The whole family really enjoyed themsleves but most of all we’d just like to say, THANKS!

Did we get any “patkos”? Nope, but then again Oli and I still had memories of our great Mario Batali dishes we cooked the night before. YUM,YUM.

Mario Batali & feet

In August 2003 when we first came to Manila, Philippines O. and I were bored stark. We didn’t know what to do or watch but that all changed when we discovered the “Lifestyle” channel. Basically, it is a cooking and lifestyle channel that prides itself on good programming for the discerning chef and interior designer. Ofcourse, apart from our designing skills O. & I consider ourselves to be great cooks (that’s cooks not chefs). You see, we figure if Rachel Ray can do it we can do it too (wait for our video cooking classes in future under the video tab on our web site). But Rachel is another story cause we’re focused on our favorite chef Mario Batali. Mario, first caught our eye when we watched “Molto Mario”, then “Mario Eats Italy”, and lastly Ciao America. We really learned alot so much so that I cooked a few dishes for O. – great stuff,right? We even bought one of his cook books.Don’t ask which one but we have tried some of the recipes with a good bit of success. If you want Italian I highly recommend it.

The icing on the cake (excuse the pun) came when we decided to go orange on our trip. There was no other choice but to get a pair of Batali “crocs”. These crocs are primarily used in the kitchen but we diecided to go adventure trekking with them. I must say its a wise choice as I heard that you now have to take off your shoes at the airport. The “Batali” crocs do provide stabilityand comfort and that’s why we three gypsies are going orange. All I can say they are pretty sexy too and give us the travel edge.

So if you can’t cook not to worry, the shoes will make you a chef and then you’ll be surprised what you can concoct. Mostly Italian actually, but then we are olive oil lovers (extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest – well that’s at least what I heard). So cook,wear, and enjoy!