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Vic commented about Learn Tagalog in Baguio Philippines, On Tuesday July 28th, 2009 03:24:17 AM
Couple of ideas for readers:
Why waste time on any bus? Have locals input txt msgs for various phrases into your phone. Most of them are bored to death too. It saves a traveler the annoying same old questions and chit-chat, while gleaning information that can be used later. The txt msgs imply youre local with appropriate abbreviations et. c. For example, Magkano? = How much?
The beauty of knowing a few Tagalog words and phrases is that you can throw in a few Tagalog words and phrases with English words in the same darn sentence and people can easily be mislead by their prejudices and intuition on the phone and in msging. Once the they txt the price, and other details, you will have them at their word. There are at least 15 language/ethnic groupings with more than 1/2 mil speakers, all with different accents, so it is very plausible and probable that the person on the other end of the phone will believe its a bayani (fellow country man).
In SE Asia, I have found this also works in Malaysia, Brunei, and to a lesser extent Singapore but generally speaking, the local price in those countries is generally, more in line with what an Amerikano would pay.
In the Philippines, Joe, the Kano, is usually exploited to the hilt. They are the easiest marks, besides the Japanese, who are still (over)paying for the last time they invaded the Philippines.
Keep the travel hints coming.
It is always knee high in July, if we keep our eyes open and share our experiences with other travelers.
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Vic commented about Diagnosing Sciatica in Philippines, On Sunday August 16th, 2009 05:29:54 AM
Need a Second opinion?
St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City, just outside of Manila has treated me well for years.
Last year, while surfing off of Samar Island, I went over-the-falls and came down hard on my back and lower neck. The reef rash was pretty bad, but the tingling and numbness in my arms was what I was worried about. I got on a plane to Manila, and was at St. Luke’s six hours later. A neurologist ordered an MRI and other tests, and two other neurologists also evaluated the results. The cost was either $209 or $219 in pesos, including overnight.
Considering just signing your John Hancock on an ER admission form at Clarian or Community in Indianapolis will be $500+ …before any other treatment is done, I feel fortunate to have had such terrific healthcare without waiting for hours in an ER like some places I have been in IN over the years, and at an affordable price.
There are at least eight neurologists on the campus, and others associated with St. Luke’s. You might want to consult them.
While Bumrungrad may be a better option for someone who has a loved one who is a Thai clinical pharmacologist. I found the doctor who treated me there to have very poor English skills. I had a moderate Staph infection on my knee. His antibiotic regime seemed to be reasonable to me, but I would have liked to have a better discussion with him about other treatment options, and aftercare. Also I find their pricing structure is higher at Bumrungrad than either St. Luke’s or MMC.
Perhaps the horse has already left the barn, but maybe wearing a back brace or support might help prevent further damage and antagonism on you CNS? What about putting your gear on rollers?
Best health,
Vic
P.S. There are quite a few DAVs and retirees around Subic/Angeles, check out the VFWs and RAOs for spinal treatment options with guys who live there.
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Vic commented about Doctors Mom Mike and Chris, On Wednesday August 19th, 2009 06:04:40 AM
Bill,
You remember what happened the last time Howard Stern spoke about the Philippines. hahahaha
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Vic commented about Disabled American Veterans in Philippines, On Monday August 24th, 2009 05:02:17 AM
“I think I am physically disabled, if I was an American Vet maybe I would qualify for free money.[*] The Philippines is a great place for disabled American Veterans.I tend to think the goal of many disabled American Vets is to increase the percentage from say 30-80, or 80 to 100 and thereby increase their monthly pay. ”
It’s your blog, but that seemed like a real callous comment.
Patriots don’t have to tell us they are patriots in their blogs or their family "buys American." The biggest “patriots” I’ve met don’t have to pronounce or utter their patriotism. The DAV plate speaks loads for many of them.
Lots of them don’t even have a voice. Homeless vets are to some degree invisible, or in the case of those in Thailand, and the Philippines forced to live outside their homeland on a pittance. They can’t afford a decent place in American society.
For a homeless friend of mine, in Honolulu, the adjustment of a 10 disability to a 30 and then a 70 disability was the difference from living in a tent on a hillside, and having an apartment to call home. The paperwork is huge, the denials and appeals process was monumental.
These are the guys who a long time ago, when they were young, were led into battle in wars politicians started. When the price came to be paid, the injuries did not generate “free money.”
Some of us would wish, Andy, would get back to the baling wire and ingenuity travel advice posts of yore.
*Read the fine print at the bottom of a DAV’s FREE MONEY disability payments and you will find the word--SACRAFICE… often for ungrateful fellow Americans!
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Vic commented about Gear Negligence by Andy HoboTraveler.com, On Wednesday August 26th, 2009 06:51:19 AM
Andy returns with baling twine and practicality.
Since you're solo, how do you deal with doors that have no deadbolts or latches when you put down for the night? I'm wondering if there is other security measures besides objects balanced against the door, and door stoppers, to keep myself and belongings from disappearing?
I have employed an electronic 90dB alarm that I picked up at a "ha-ku yen" (100yen =1.12USD) store in Japan. I have been surprised, and woke up the guesthouse when a worker tried to "clean up" at 2 or 3 a.m. in Indonesia.
You mentioned this Solo door knob product before, and the inability to locate it. Any way you could manufacture more? With an added feature to accomodate both door handles and knobs, while still covering the door lock face? This seems like it could be a homerun product for lots of travellers, residents at home, dorms, the office worker, or anyone else who has to deal with thieves and Noisy Parkers with a key. Never seen one in Mexico, IN, or the country , nor the five continents I've been to. Seems like a great gadget.
Good to see the utilities of travel again.
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