Hey, Joe!
By Thomas on September 3, 2010 | No Comments »
There are many memories of World War II in the Philippines: the sunken fleets of Coron and Subic Bay, old bunkers and forts, and the destruction of old Manila, a once legendary colonial masterpiece. One of the stranger remnants of the war is “Hey, Joe”, a greeting from the past that has been carried over into the 21st century. The name “Joe” given to the many nameless American soldiers who were stationed here, has become synonymous with male foreigners – any Joe Schmo or Average Joe who is visiting the country. Yes, the memory of G.I. Joe is very much alive in the Philippines.
It’s not unusual to hear the greeting several times a day. Whether from kids or adults, it’s usually accompanied by a wave and a fair amount of snickering. At first, I was like, “No, no, my name is Thomas,” but that only caused hysterical laughter. Now, after several months, I’m used to it. What I haven’t figured out, though, is how Western women are greeted in the Philippines. Do they get a “Hey, Jane”?
TransitionsAbroad.com Interview
By Tony on September 2, 2010 | No Comments »
Right on the heels of our recent interview with TravelBlogs.com comes our latest interview with Transitions Abroad. Here we focus more on the art and business of blogging, the importance of social media, and how blogging has affected our lives.
TnT in the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, India
Tony Eitnier and Thomas Arnold, authors of the Contemporary Nomad travel blog, are two of the most adventurous travel bloggers around. Eitnier, a former language and communications trainer, and Arnold, a former chemist, are drawn to less-traveled destinations—like Sudan. Their travels have resulted in an impressive >> Continue Reading on TransitionsAbroad.com >>
Schools in the Black Forest
By Tony on September 1, 2010 | 2 Comments »
The Black Forest dive site off of Balicasag Island is one of the most breathtaking underwater locations we have visited in the Philippines. Located a short distance from Alona Beach, the underwater slope boasts a rare forest of black coral growth featuring all the favorites: hawksbill turtles, scorpionfish, lionfish, bright yellow leaffish, tall-fin batfish, and giant white frogfish. But what really blew us away were the huge schools of swirling Jacks.
Since our temporary replacement underwater camera can’t be used while diving, I’ve embedded another diver’s Youtube video featuring the schools. Enjoy.
Sometimes, You Just Have to Yell
By Tony on August 30, 2010 | 1 Comment »
Thomas and I have the good-cop/bad-cop act down to a fine art. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that I am doing it, it has become so automatic. Of course, as many of you might suspect, I generally play the role of bad cop.
You might remember that we recently lost our underwater camera while we were diving in Sabang, Mindoro. Shortly thereafter, we purchased a replacement water-resistant snorkeling camera (Canon D10) to allow us to capture some of the underwater treasures in Palawan and beyond. Well, as luck would have it, our new camera started leaking after less than a month. Damn.
Luckily, we had the foresight to purchase our new Canon D10 camera from a reliable chain which supposedly had great customer service and support. The store assured us that all repairs or returns would be painless. So when we approached the store and they informed us that the camera would be “repaired” within EIGHT weeks, I » Continue reading this post »
Another Kind of Overnight Ferry
By Tony on August 28, 2010 | 2 Comments »
When we realized out best option to travel from Iloilo to Cebu City was a 14-hour overnight ferry, I cringed. As you might remember, our last ferry trip here left a lot to be desired.
It turns out that there is an entirely different ferry experience to be had in the Philippines. Cokaliong Shipping Lines was offering a two-person suite with in-cabin bathroom, TV, and aircon – all for an incredible 2200 Pesos! Are you serious? $48 to travel halfway across the Visayas in an air-conditioned suite!!! I didn’t have to think twice about that.
Love, exciting and new,
Come aboard.
We’re expecting you.
Love, life’s sweetest reward.
Let it flow,
it floats back to you…
OK, so it may not quite be the Love Boat, but it’s light-years beyond our old slave ship to El Nido. » Continue reading this post »
