First full day in Davao

This morning we awoke in Davao with the sunrise just before 6am local time. The sun shines brightly here, since we are so close to the equator. We were treated to a complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant. As we sat down the waiter offered to serve us an "american breakfast," and was genuinely surprised when we insisted on the Filipino options. Ryan had chorizo sausage, which tasted tangy with a hint of sweet spice. The others had chicken adobo, tasted slightly salted and as though it had stewed in juices for hours. The breakfasts came with garlic rice and two eggs. All very delicious.

After breakfast we were escorted to the Philippine News Agency for a press conference that was video-taped for a local program. Past District Governor Bading Angala who is the GSE chair here was interviewed about what GSE is, before each of us talked about our work and then the floor was opened for general questions. The reports asked everything from what we hope to acomplish here, to what attracted us to the GSE, to what we think of the Obama administration's stimulus package. We are extremely grateful to be here and feel honored to meet so many interesting and influential people.

As the press conference came to an end, we were whisked off to our first Rotary meeting, where we presented our slide show of pictures and talked briefly about our work and hobbies. Highlights that were well received include pictures of the doug fir brandy, Trish with Barack Obama (in the background), Marie in uniform and on her harley, and Trevor with his wife and her family.

At the moment, we are relaxing--not much happens in the afternoon since the heat is overwhelming. Tonight we will dine with several local Rotarians at a Chinese restaurant. Until then, we are conserving energy at Ichie's beautiful home.