“Same Same but Different” is a saying that I first heard on
a visit to Thailand. I think it really applies to my experience here. While
things are really different here the emotions and feelings shared are the same.
We woke up in the morning around 6 fully rested for the first time in several
days. We could hear the sounds of roosters and dogs barking right outside the
front door. We had breakfast with Lyn’s sister Dominga’s family and decided to
take a shower and then walk into town. The shower consisted of a plentiful
supply of cold water only. To get the job done I also used a bucket to pour
more water over myself. After getting over the shock of it I realized two
things. I was very much awake and I was cool for the first time since I arrived.
What a great way to start the day! Who needs air-conditioning when you start
the day like this?!?!?! After Lyn showered we went into town. It is only a few
blocks away and I really like it. It is small but busy and it is fun just to
walk around. Lots of trikes, lots of scooters and lots of people staring at me.
Along the way we ran into several of Lyn’s classmates from high school and
college. After getting back home we started getting ready to go back to Lyn’s
Mom’s house. We would be hosting many family and friends today as they came by
the house to pay their last respects. Before we left it started to rain. It was
about twenty minute ride to her house and we would be taking trikes! As you
probably know by now I love these vehicles. They are the workhorses of the Philippines.
They are run by underpowered motorcycles that are slow but strong. You can see
them carrying around everything from entire families to sofas and just about
anything in-between. Somehow they always are able to add one more person if
needed no matter how many you started with. Safety would probably not be their
virtue but I love them all the same. Before we left we decided to go to the
cemetery and see where her Mom would be buried and also see her where Lyn’s Dad
was buried. The way it works in the Philippines is you are buried above ground
and cement vaults. They are very close together and to get to the one you want
to see you have to walk on top of the vaults. While doing this you say excuse
me to each one out of respect.
Once she paid her respects to her Dad we went back home and left for her
Mom’s house in a driving rain. We all rode in the trike and despite many ways
for the water to get in we arrived surprisingly dry. Once we arrived we were
greeted by many relatives that were already there preparing for the next few
days. The plan was to spend the entire afternoon and night at her Mom’s house
and then leave for the funeral service the next morning. Lyn’s main job was to
sit next to the coffin and greet friends and family as they came in. It was amazing
to see how Lyn’s family consoled so many people and also how much Lyn’s Mom was
loved as a Mom, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and most importantly as a Friend to
so many. This turned out to be hundreds of people much to my surprise. There
were basically three areas of activity. The living room where Lyn’s Mom was
laid to rest, An outside area were people were playing card games and of course
an area for Karaoke. I stayed with Lyn in the living room for most of the time
with occasional nap breaks in one of the bedrooms. We were still fighting jet
lag and sitting quietly does not help. The event would go on all night and then
at 5:00 am the services would start for the funeral. Lyn and I lay down for the
night around 2:00 am. There were actually five of us stretched across the bed
sideways and you would be surprised how well you can sleep in those conditions
when you are fully worn out from your day. Activities went on all night and but
did quiet down as the early morning hours set in. At 5AM the music started
playing and we all started getting ready for the day. Too be continued after I
get some much needed sleep………
Lyn's Dad's headstone.
Preparing food for all the guests.
A few guest.
More guest.
Eating!
View from the front porch!
