"It is cheap to live in the Philippines."
I'm certain that is true for parts of the Philippines, just like parts of the States are cheaper to live in than others. In Metro Manila, however, nothing could be further from the truth. It is like any other huge metropolitan area: Expensive. Our rent/deposit for 6 months for a 2 bedroom apartment was $21,000. Gas is expensive. Food is expensive. A few examples from my recent shopping trip to the Costco equivalent here:1 Costco size box (2 bags) of Special K: $15
1 bunch of grapes: $7
1 liter of soy milk: $3
1 jar of peanut butter: $5
1 half-gallon carton of milk: $10 (that's right: $20 dollars a gallon. For milk.)
1 container of yogurt: $2.50
1 bag of chocolate chips: $4.65
1 single package of fruit snacks: $.75
1 package of dryer sheets: $9
1 small container of liquid Tide: $12
1 case of bottled water: $14
By the time Bruce pours himself a bowl of cereal and pours milk over it, he could have purchased two McDonald's breakfasts for less. We eat out to save money. (Which is okay, because there are tons of great restaurants here.) And while my kids were notorious food wasters before, never has it bothered me more than here. I see dollar signs when I throw away even a single piece of bread or tablespoon of cottage cheese. I finally found the ingredients to make my own bread, but the flour was so expensive that I don't think it is saving me any money at all.
What is cheap here is labor. Massages are about $10, and a full time "helper" is $250 a month.
"At sea level you are going to be such a fast runner."
Except for it is so humid, even in the air conditioned gym, that I feel like I am breathing in pudding through a straw. The longest distance I have managed here is 5 miles. My shirt is soaked through in sweat by the second mile. I am a SLOW runner here. I'm a little mad.
"It's not safe."
Everywhere we look are security guards. Even McDonald's has a security guard. There are at least 5 guards on staff at our building at all times. Every store in the mall, every ATM, every residence, every place of business has security guards, and they are all armed. We don't take it as a license to be idiots, but we definitely don't feel like this is a dangerous place. People are friendly and respectful and kind to us in every way.
"The Church is the same everywhere."
Your stake president had to tell the congregation to quit ordering take-out and having it delivered to them during Sacrament meeting? Me, too!
Your stake president had to tell the congregation to quit ordering take-out and having it delivered to them during Sacrament meeting? Me, too!
What has been true? This is a beautiful place with incredible people. Almost everyone speaks English and tries to indulge our crazy American ideas. The Americans here have been so friendly to us and really reached out in friendship. And, while the adjustment is a little taxing (I am DYING without a piano), we are happy. The other part that is true (which we knew going in) is that Bruce is working so hard, with crazy hours, and is under a lot of stress. This is definitely not a vacation. But, we can happily make a life here for the next six months.
No comments:
Post a Comment