Welcome Guys!
I don't know about it all really but I know things are a lot better here. And these problems you bring up are near non-existent where I am. And yes, there are pest control companies around. The only thing I have difficulty with those is those freaking ants you talk about all the time. They show up every so often out of no where.As far as back in Florida. I read news from there every day from one of the local TV stations in Jacksonville. And ever day it is the same story. This number of people were shot yesterday while playing video games inside there homes from a drive by and this number of people were shot driving down the road and this number of people from people upset about their driving and this number of people got run over and this number of people were taken to the hospitals and this number of people were arrested for various other things. It is sad though how all of these people who died at the hands of others or because of them being dumb as dirt were such kind loving people who never did any wrong or hurt anyone and helped everyone out along with not deserving to die. Why could it not be someone else? But, that is ok. There are always the lawyers who find their prey and do not have too much trouble convincing the families victims to sue, sue, and sue some more.I sure am glad I am somewhere that I don't have to worry about all that crap finally.
33 more days and I'll be in the wind to Cebu!*Plenty of killings going on there just like here. Just not too many government officials being gunned down like there's been there lately. *Traffic is a nightmare there, not so much here unless you're in NYC or LA or something.*Infrastructure in the US compared to the Philippines is no comparison at all. We plan first here. They don't plan at all and just seem to wing it there. *Corruption is off the chain over there as well. *Pollution there, good God!!! Never saw anything like it in my life.*And in the US, I'm not a walking ATM to everyone I meet. hahahaha....
Agree with you BudM. I live in Jax too and basically gave up even watching the news. Honestly, I can't wait to get the heck out of here. Drugs and thugs are taking this place over. 33 more days and I'll be in the wind to Cebu!Getting back to the theme of the thread though, overall it's just prices that make things better in the Philippines. Well, besides the women. hahaha.... Having said that, if you want to live a middle-class US lifestyle there, I find it's more costly. Especially if you're trying to eat western foods.Plenty of killings going on there just like here. Just not too many government officials being gunned down like there's been there lately. Traffic is a nightmare there, not so much here unless you're in NYC or LA or something.Infrastructure in the US compared to the Philippines is no comparison at all. We plan first here. They don't plan at all and just seem to wing it there. Corruption is off the chain over there as well. Pollution there, good God!!! Never saw anything like it in my life.Flights win hands down in the Philippines. You can't even look at a plane in the US for $40. lolAnd in the US, I'm not a walking ATM to everyone I meet. hahahaha....
Well, I didn’t say that I was staying forever. HahahaLong enough to have some fun, bounce around, check things out. Use it as a launching point to check out other parts of Asia. Fortunately, I am self employed and can work from anywhere with a solid internet connection and power. I’m not a young pup any more so, who knows if I’ll ever get another chance to do this. Originally from PA, moved to Jacksonville in 2003 and have been here since.
The Jeepneys did another price hike! 9 pesos now in Manila! : ) This is my list of what makes the PH so unique (see if you can find these in other countries):1. Comfort room or CR aka bathroom (the first time I heard this, I had no idea what it was)2. Jose Rizal is the PH hero, like the George Washington of the States. His statue is everywhere3. Banana ketchup (really?! there's no tomatoes in this and it's red?) and halo halo (mix mix dessert)4. Jeepneys 5. Kiss noise to get people's attention6. Coin tap on the jeep/bus to stop it7. Jollibee's8. Saying Scuse instead of pardon me or excuse me9. Heavily armed malls and banks - pat downs before entering 10. Hey Joe (I first heard this in Cebu and had no clue who they were talking to)11. People rarely travel solo for vacation. They like group travel with their friends, coworkers, or family12. buy one take one (instead of buy one get one free), avail a service (instead of request)13. Religious street processions14. Cashier asks you for change at the register15. Smaller refrigerator sizes16. You can buy pharmaceutical pills by the unit. They can sell you just 1 pill if you want17. You don't take your tray to the trash can at fast food restaurants. Employees do that 18. Honking on the street. Just to let you know I'm passing you or to tell you not to pull out in front of me19. Christmas starts in September20. Divorce is illegal (Vatican city is the only other place)