My breakfast of Chicken Adobo - YUM!!

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.

Our first night in Davao

We were greeted at the airport and escorted us to our hotel. We stayed at Casa Leticia our first night and were given some time to rest* before dinner. The dinner was fantastic including roast pig, chicken, fish, pasta, salad, fruit and desert. We were treated to a welcome fit for royalty including traditional music and dance.


Later, we attempted the dance. This is not the Oktoberfest.



*Note to self: when weary from travel and jet lagged, always ALWAYS use an alarm clock just in case. It is very easy for eye resting to become a full two hour unexpected nap.

Meeting Sonny and Lyndia Ventura in Manila

PDG Sonny and his lovely wife Lyndia were so kind to meet us in Manila - and with his help - our trip through customs took about a minute!! Even though it was late, they prepared food, had our rooms ready, and were so kind about getting us time to rest. We cannot wait to see them again on our return trip - and already consider them good friends!

leaving Portland

We had the pleasure of DG Dennis Wickham, Barb Crozier the DG Elect, the GSE chair (and our great friend) Vicki Yates, District Foundation Chair Don Kenny, our team alternate leader (and inspiration), John Wight, last years TL to Korea, Susan Winterborne, as well as others, come send us off in style.

Here are some shots of the excited travelers.

ok - consistent commections seem to be an issue...we may have to add more photos later and see if I can get even one at a time to load.

ps - my computer is on home time so it is posting a day behind...

We are here! (In Davao City)

Which means we have some catching up to do. I will post three sets of photos for now, starting with shots from our Portland send off (in the cold and snowy morning)...and up to our arrival in Davao - in the warm and humid next day afternoon.

Lots of commentary to come, but suffice to say; the Filipinos are some of the MOST generous and hospitable people on the planet.

I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Well my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

Is anyone bringing a garment bag? My wool coat doesn't seem to want to fit into my luggage. Just kidding!