I'm in Love

So last night, I was getting the clothes I had hung up to dry from a couple days ago. I look over near the washing machine and there's something moving in the darkness. At first, I was scared, I thought it was a rat coming to give me rabies. Instead, I peered closer and it was a tiny tiny kitten, nestled in a couple pieces of laundry that I had yet to handwash. It probably was not more than a couple days old, and still a bit trembly and unable to walk. I substituted my laundry for a larger dishcloth for her to nestle in. I was scared that her mom had abandoned her, but when I checked this morning, the mom and dad were both peeking at the corner of my yard, obviously kind of freaking out that I was near their baby. I went back into my house. When I checked on them again, they were all snuggled together in the container. I was surprised they all fit, but they looked quite comfy. I'm really hoping they stay for a while because I love kitties. I'm not around at home that much so I can't get anything, and I'd hate to have to find a home for a housepet once I leave, so this is the closest I'll get.


the little kitten! The dad is almost completely white, and he has these intense blue eyes. I think I'll call him Frank Sinatra.

Resistence is futile

As much as I want to blend in here, I am hopelessly American. I struggle to maintain the independence i felt in the states. I don't mind traveling around Manila alone, but I do recognize that it's a bit more dangerous at night, so more often than not, I beg people to go with me to places. I absolutely refuse to buy any skin whitening products and I am avoiding using my umbrella unles it really is raining. Asking questions is more difficult for me. I hate asking for directions, but a lot of the time it has become a necessity, especially at the malls where directories don't exist, and there are random nooks and crannies designed to get the consumer lost in a sea of retail stores. One thing i did give in on was that I bought a pitaka the other day (small coin purse) It is quite convenient for taking the public transportation and having my handfuls of coins in one place. Also, I get to hide my larger bills in my real wallet stashed away, so I don't get targetted for the random jeepney muggings.

Sometimes, you just gotta give in to avoid being singled out as the vulnerable tourist.