Tuesday, July 30, 2013

And she's off!

The last few days spent in Manila with Clover were pretty uneventful. We went on our twice daily walks along the bay and got different reactions from the many people we passed by. My personal favorite was when people would break out in "Teach me how to doggy, teach me, teach me, how to doggy" while doing a little dance.

The last night we even went for a buggy ride through China town and old Manila. It was dusk and raining, but fun. Well fun until we got back and the driver decided to try to guilt me into giving him more money - which actually worked, but not as much as he had planned for. Ah well.
Sunday evening buggy ride
Clover sight seeing on a buggy ride 
Clover had to lay on her bed, while I was adding the lining - too cute
Yesterday when I flagged down a taxi to take Clover to the airport and told him where I wanted to go he said "Oh I don't think they will allow her" pointing at Clover. I convinced him that yes they would :)  On the way he randomly says "why do you want a dog and not a man." In my head I thought "why can't I have a man and a dog?" To the taxi driver I said "Well dogs are loyal, they don't argue and they are always happy to see you" :)

At 3:30pm I left Clover in her crate at the KLM cargo area in Manila, where she would await her 7pm flight. I had a mix of emotions as I left her there: it is really happening, am I crazy, worrying for her during the 30hrs of transient and excitement of actually seeing her in a week at home.
The top of Clover's crate 

Weighing in 
Saying goodbye from afar :( 
I really can't believe Clover is somewhere between America and the Philippines at this very moment! Crazy! Praising God that He cares about the little things that make me happy!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Clover the traveling Asong Kalye

I never realized how unusual it was for me to make a pet out of a Asong Kalye (Philippine street dog) until I set out on the journey to bring Clover home. The bus to take from Tabuk City to Manila clearly states "NO PETS", however, I know people who they have allowed to take their little dogs on board. I was sure they would allow me to take Clover on board once they saw how nice mannered she was. On Saturday before I left, I bought the bus tickets, one for Clover and one for me. They were reluctant, but finally agreed to allow her to ride next to me in the back of the bus. On Sunday evening when I started to board the bus, they would NOT consider allowing her on. The conductor took one look at her and exclaimed "She'll bite someone! She must go under the bus!" Clover sat there calm as can be as Georgia and I pleaded our case. But they would not budge one tiny bit, so under the bus Clover went. I even cried, but there was no persuading them. 

Clover and I resting at the bus terminal in Manila
I checked on her at every stop we made and at 4am after 11hrs on the bus we made it to Manila. Since it was so early Clover and I settled down in the bus station for 2 1/2hrs. People walked by us giving curious stares. 

At 6:30am we flagged down a taxi, threatened to get out if he didn't turn his meter on (thankfully he did) and made our way to the vet clinic. The employees at the animal hospital were very kind and were the only people who didn't look surprised that I was taking a "street dog" to America. Getting her health certificate went pretty smoothly besides the hole it left in my wallet. 

Clover comes face to face with CATS at the vet clinic. She did very well for an avid cat chaser.  
From there we made our way to Malate Manila to the guest house we were booked at. They too were surprised to see how big and what type of dog Clover was. "Oh" they exclaimed, "we thought she would be little." Thankfully they did not turn us away after I promised she would not bark at night and have actually warmed up to her :) 

Clover and I have been passing the days walking the streets of Malate. It is a poor part of town, but everyone is nice and give happy smiles. I here whispers as I walk by "oh a asong kalye", people move nervously around Clover expecting her to bite them. Clover of course has no interest in biting anyone. She is busy dodging traffic, stray dogs and checking out the many cats that roam the streets. While both of us are reluctant of cities, we have enjoyed our time here and meeting interesting people along the way. 
Clover was supposed to fly tomorrow but her flight got delayed until Monday. So we will be walking the streets of Malate for four more days. Let the adventure continue! 
Seeing herself in a mirror for the first time - who is that dog? 
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital  
Clover viewing the ocean for the first time at Manila Bay where we walk every day 
Pretty view
I walked by a pizza place and HAD to get some! SO good! Pizza how i've missed you!
The view from my room
Clover discovered if she sat on the bed she could look out the window  
It kept her busy for a little while :)  
Tired pup! 
View from a walk over the road
Along Manila Bay  
It is a popular place to walk, sell your goods, fish, bike and sleep.  
Hanging out :) 

It is pretty, but also dirty. I sat looking over the bay and watched mange covered rats hop across the rocks. Even for an animal lover like myself I was a bit freaked out by them.  
Gotta love street food!  
Not sure what this guy is all about, but I thought it was neat. 
A little bit of nature in the city.  
Cute sleeping kitty along the road :) 
 Remedios Circle at the end of my street. 
Sea food restaurant next to my guest house.  
The guest house that is kind enough to let me stay with Clover

Friday, July 19, 2013

Let the little children come

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them,  for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Today


“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.” 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 


Friday, July 12, 2013

To market, to market

One of the things I will miss about living here in Tabuk is the lovely market. This one is called the Dagupan market. It has a great selection of fruits and veggies that change with the seasons. It also has imported fruits mostly from China, but I have even seen things from California!

Along with the produce, there is a meat for sale, but I don't like venturing into that part. There is used clothing, new clothing, tons of flip flops and umbrellas and many other household supplies. Enjoy the few pictures below :) 
Shopping 
Yummy fruit juice - my favorite is the white one, can you name that fruit? 
Lovely homemade brooms - they work really well
Pretty straw hats
Transport outside the market waiting to take you home
Entering the market area 
Fried banana anyone? Yes please :) 
Sweet bead lady - her headband is made out of snake bones, so cool
Assorted veggies 
Very hot peppers
Onions, garlic and fresh ginger
Garlic 
Pineapples are in season! 
Making sticky rice, covered with a banana leaf 
The inside portion of the market
Jackfruit - SO tasty! 
Assorted goodies 
Dried fish - there are many different kinds
Home made treats 
The nice woman who we buy fruit from & her granddaughter
The other lady we buy fruit from