Technically, I am not an expat but a returning resident. The local linggo for that is "balikbayan". But I feel like an expat in my own homeland as I have been away for 30 years. Since we arrived in December 2007, I have been in awe about how life really is here. I am learning again. It is Kjartan's first time in the Philippines; in Asia, as a matter of fact. And I sometimes find it very amusing to look at my country and its culture through his eyes. He is a man of few words, but those few words do make me laugh.

For the past 10 months, he has been working in the boatyard with the locals. Really! I seldom see him during the day, except at lunch time and when the day is over. I go over to have a look-see and I see him down and dirty with them working on the 38 ft. Bruce Roberts design yacht they are building. How he can withstand the dust and the heat, I don't know.



Once in awhile I will see him at home twiddling his thumb. When I ask why he is home, he said it is impossible to get anyone moving during breaks. Heck, it is impossible to discuss anything 15 minutes before the "bagting" (bell)! Kjartan cannot sit still doing nothing, so I end up laughing at how "lost" he is during breaks and anxiously waiting for the "bagting" to ring again.  The Filipinos are good and smart workers, but they do have some habits which is so ingrained in them that it is difficult to teach them new ways. Almost always, they will say "Yes Sir" when you give them instructions, but really he has learnt the hard way that the "yes" really means "yes, I hear you", not "yes, I understand".

I cannot really give a credible opinion on how it is to live here because it's been less than 1 year since I've been back, and also I am a balikbayan, not an expat. I therefore take this opportunity to introduce some web friends who are expats married to Filipinas. First, there is Randy C of http://journeytosamal.blogspot.com/. He is an American and has bought property here on Samal Island for their future retirement. He gives good insight to Samal and its beauty. Then, there is Bob Martin of http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/content/. He is also an American but has been living in Davao for almost 10 years. His website is full of data on Davao, Samal and Mindanao. He has contributing writers (local, Americans, British, German, Canadian) who can give readers a wide selection of topics about life in the Philippines. Lastly, is Dave Starr of http://philfaqs.com/. He is retired and living up north permanently. He has great views about Philippines and what you need to know.

There you go, happy reading!