Lapu-Lapu City, Central Visayas, Philippines
It's 5:30 a.m. in Lapu-Lapu, a suburb of Cebu City. Pedestrians scurry. Motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, cars, collectivos and buses are filled to capacity as they zoom along the 4-lane boulevard that fronts our hotel.
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Half an hour later, at six, Elenka and I pad off to the breakfast buffet at our hotel. I tell our friendly waiter we're heading home to Toronto today. He gives me a look of sadness, but it has nothing to do with the frigid weather back at the Centre of the Universe.
“The Toronto Raptors lost last night," he says. "Kawhi Leonard didn’t play. He’s hurt. I’m so sorry.”
While Filipinas seem more into professional volleyball, the men prefer their basketball. Before shovelling in a wedge of omelette, I tell him it's OK, that Kawhi likes his down-time.
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During dinner a few nights back I noticed a lone man wearing a Toronto Blue Jays baseball cap.
I approached the gent, and with my best German accent said, “Zat ist very nice bird on your hat.”
Stumbling a bit the man explained very slowly the meaning of the Blue Jay. I looked at him for a long moment as though I didn’t understand, then said, “Yeah, I live at Broadview and Dundas, and can bike to the games in about 15 minutes.” I thought the poor fellow was having a stroke. Then hearty guffaws burst from us both. Turns out the guy was from Saskatchewan, Canada, and like all good Canadians, loves his Toronto Blue Jays.
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I think I could get by quite well living in the Philippines. Everyone speaks English, and they all seem to adore the Centre of the Universe.
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Poor Elenka managed to get only a few more photos on her card. Oh how she misses her reef.
Steohz
2019-03-05
Loved every photo and each and every missive. Where to next?
dpbaril
2019-03-05
Jack, I am sure that your return to **The Centre of the Universe** will re-align the vortex and ensure the success of the Raptors, Leafs, Blue Jays, Argonauts and the FC.
Margo
2019-03-05
Travelling is wonderful, but for me there's also the warm fuzzy feeling of home. That's why I love traveling with family and friends, then I'm contented to stay longer, sharing special moments and creating great memories. However, I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing the kitties, if nothing else. Baby it's cold outside!
Peter
2019-03-05
Safe journey both. I have enjoyed the blog. Where next?
Dianne
2019-03-05
Yes, I've noticed that the Filipino folks love their basketball. Kawhi isn't hurt though. They just rest him a ton.
cate
2019-03-05
"Thanks for the Memories"......amazing photos............see you soon!!