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May 16, 2015 23:22:39 GMT
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Nothing like having a good to do list. How did you do? All done and rehydrated? Ah well, it's like this you see. There I was, all psyched up and ready to roll when I thought I'd just pop round the corner just to double check the chappy that said he had the O-rings I need, actually did have the O-rings I need. "Um, hab not Sir George, will hab Monday, promise". Glad I found this out up front. So that was pretty much that. No point having the thing in bits and not having the gubbins to put it back together. Anyway, in the interests of future self preservation, I decided to go and practice those vital rehydration skills, so a very pleasant few hours was spent down Adriatico watching the slightly strange Malate world go by. Today? Well, the book readers I'd ordered for the girls around three weeks ago finally arrived on Friday, so I'll spend the morning trolling through my hard drive for something suitable to start them off with. Then I'll head out for the weekly Italian Tune-up and probably after that I'll need some liquid sustenance. Thirsty work driving around Manila. My mountain roadtrip will have to wait until next weekend except it won't, due to it being the youngest bottle opener's 12th birthday next Saturday. This means around 25-30 of us heading off in a large jeepney (an adventure in itself) loaded to the gunnels with food, drink and children, down Calamba way to a private swimming pool I've hired and where we'll stay over until Sunday afternoon. Should be a laugh, it normally is. Providing the jeepney a) turns up at all, b) turns up on time (some hope), c) doesn't break down (unlike the time before), d) doesn't get lost (unlike last time) or e) doesn't get fined for driving too slowly on the highway (unlike last time). If the latter, I'll be expected to pay the drivers fine and when they see a white guy in there, hyper-inflation's got nothing on a coppers imagination! Remind me to report back on this little jaunt. Monday? The joys of immigration first thing, finish off writing a timetable for a container freight service (riveting stuff, eh?) and then go and get the O-rings I still need! Tuesday? Providing my little mate has now got the rings, as promised, I'll do the bloody air-con/horn/lights. Or I could do the A/C on Monday and immigration on Tuesday. Decisions, decisions. |
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Last Edit: May 16, 2015 23:34:58 GMT by georgeb
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This made me smile this morning. Having loaded the girlies book readers, I remembered I needed to get some ear plugs for the eldest before she goes swimming again (perforated drums) so headed over to the local mall. Got to the department store and was directed to where the swimming kit lives. On the way over I noticed a sign saying "Gentlemen's Furnishings". Wonder what they are? Now remember we don't have toilets or loos here, we have Comfort Rooms so I shouldn't have been surprised to find that Gentlemen's Furnishings are trolleys and socks.
So now, if you're ever short a pair of undies in Manila, you know what to look for.
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Last Edit: May 17, 2015 3:37:38 GMT by georgeb
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May 17, 2015 11:36:53 GMT
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Can't wait to try 'show us yer furnishings' down at the bar, next time!
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 5,003
Club RR Member Number: 58
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May 18, 2015 14:54:12 GMT
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Just caught up on this and I'm just thinking, is it worth you starting the application process for next years registration now judging by how long it seems to take?  |
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 18, 2015 21:07:43 GMT
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Just seen Manila on the ten o'clock news!
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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May 18, 2015 21:30:21 GMT
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Just seen Manila on the ten o'clock news! What've we done wrong this time?  |
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 18, 2015 21:34:26 GMT
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A rogue male Nurse has been jailed for poisoning patients (resulting in two deaths) with insulin over here in Blighty. It appears he 'purchased' his qualification from a college in Manila. Didn't see the Range-Rover or your bar...
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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May 18, 2015 22:34:20 GMT
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Can't wait to try 'show us yer furnishings' down at the bar, next time! That could be an interesting conversation opener! Just caught up on this and I'm just thinking, is it worth you starting the application process for next years registration now judging by how long it seems to take? Could be a good idea but I still don't think it would speed things up any. This change of plate malarkey seems to have really screwed up an already screwed up system. How hard can it be? Oh yes, this hard Have a good holiday? A rogue male Nurse has been jailed for poisoning patients (resulting in two deaths) with insulin over here in Blighty. It appears he 'purchased' his qualification from a college in Manila. Didn't see the Range-Rover or your bar... Purchased? PURCHASED? Heaven forbid! Who'd have thought you could do something like that here?  Knowing this place, you can probably get 'em delivered to your door by a little man on a motorbike, like a Jollibee burger. |
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eternaloptimist
Posted a lot
Too many projects, not enough time or space...
Posts: 2,578
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Perhaps they come wrapped up in a leaf.....
Did you find out what the stuff wrapped in leaves vendor was selling?
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XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 5,003
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Just caught up on this and I'm just thinking, is it worth you starting the application process for next years registration now judging by how long it seems to take? Could be a good idea but I still don't think it would speed things up any. This change of plate malarkey seems to have really screwed up an already screwed up system. How hard can it be? Oh yes, this hard Have a good holiday? Aha, I suppose all you can do is wait then, at least you're still able to drive around while they sort themselves out Yeah was good thanks, went to Magaluf which was interesting.. but probably nowhere near as interesting as the stuff that happens in Manila  |
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May 20, 2015 20:30:31 GMT
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Perhaps they come wrapped up in a leaf..... Did you find out what the stuff wrapped in leaves vendor was selling? Actually no. I've not been over to Tondo for a few weeks now, so not had the chance. However, I'll be heading over there tomorrow before the weekends "Great Calamba Jeepney Journey 'n' Swim Fest" so if he's around, I'll get my little bottle openers on testing duties. D'you think I should only get one to try? That way if she falls over clutching her throat and foaming at the mouth, then I've still got a spare to fetch the cold ones. Aha, I suppose all you can do is wait then, at least you're still able to drive around while they sort themselves out Yeah was good thanks, went to Magaluf which was interesting.. but probably nowhere near as interesting as the stuff that happens in Manila I still wear my 2013 registration stickers with pride! Magaluf? Years since I was there, like 40! Suppose it's changed a lot since then. I'm supposed to be heading over to Spain (near Almeria) next month to visit my lad, his missus and No.1 grandson, but as he's gone into e-mail silence, I'm wondering is he's had to go to Mexico with work, in which case, I won't bother! Not much looking forward to the trip as the shortest transit time I've found is 30 hours and I'd put long-haul behind me a few years ago, but what's a Dad/Granddad to do? It was a lot easier when they lived in Thailand. |
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May 20, 2015 21:39:13 GMT
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I would not bet on megamuff having changed much, sun sea sand sangria and other
They have probably block paved a few areas but I bet ya the Hotel Trinidadian Sol and the British Bar are still in full swing.
The chap selling Bannana, Pineaple and Melon on the beach is probably long gone #84, we might have been there at the same time
Just checked the Trinidad Sol website, looks exactly the same and for a moment I was a young lad again, even the poolside bar looks like a timewarp
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Last Edit: May 20, 2015 21:45:15 GMT by malc16v
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I would not bet on megamuff having changed much, sun sea sand sangria and other They have probably block paved a few areas but I bet ya the Hotel Trinidadian Sol and the British Bar are still in full swing. The chap selling Bannana, Pineaple and Melon on the beach is probably long gone #84, we might have been there at the same time Just checked the Trinidad Sol website, looks exactly the same and for a moment I was a young lad again, even the poolside bar looks like a timewarp You're probably right. TBH, for some reason I remember absolutely nothing of the holiday! |
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bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,975
Club RR Member Number: 71
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Perhaps they come wrapped up in a leaf..... Did you find out what the stuff wrapped in leaves vendor was selling? Actually no. I've not been over to Tondo for a few weeks now, so not had the chance. However, I'll be heading over there tomorrow before the weekends "Great Calamba Jeepney Journey 'n' Swim Fest" so if he's around, I'll get my little bottle openers on testing duties. D'you think I should only get one to try? That way if she falls over clutching her throat and foaming at the mouth, then I've still got a spare to fetch the cold ones. Seems like a sensible plan - well reasoned and practical |
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Funny old place is your Philippines. As you’ll be aware, I spend the odd hour down Café Adriatico now and again supping a cold one, as is my wont. There’s all sorts of strange folk around. There’s the little homeless girl, about 8 or 9 years old who runs errands for people for a bit of cash. During an average gentle session, she’ll go past maybe ten or eleven times. She’s just acquired a little puppy, which she carries everywhere. I’m not sure if she loves it or is just making certain no-one else eats the thing before she gets a bit of weight on it. Then there’s the Bobbies. Normally around three or four of them spend much of their day at CA chatting and having the odd (non-alcoholic) drink along with lunch most days. They’re a good laugh and always seem to deal with any issues with humour and a smile, unless you try to do a runner that is. Inevitably there is the drunken ex-pat (no, not who you think) who wanders around swigging from a half of cheap brandy and shouting at “foreigners”. He spends most of his day being kicked out of shop doorways. So a career, of sorts. There’s the guy selling paintings who, every day, stops and waves his latest creation at me and who, every day, gets a smile and a shake of the head. It’s not easy being an artist y’know. His mate also comes past selling belts and wallets which are probably made from paper but crayoned in to look like leather. They are however, guaranteed to fall apart within 24 hours. If you don’t want those how about, “Viagra or Cialis, Sir? Very genuine. You want lady?” What and have to sit down for a wee the rest of my days? No thank you. The optimist who tries to sell me cigarettes and wants 20 Pesos more a pack than the Mini-Stop located just over the road. Bless. These guys actually do a roaring trade with the Jeepney drivers who, if they ain’t moving they ain’t earning, so make all their purchases from these sidewalk sellers as they wait in traffic rather than get out and go into a shop. My favourite though is the little guy you only see on a Sunday. On-street parking in the area is fine but there’s a charge (of course) but it’s all legit and a little chap or girly in an official uniform comes and finds you and removes 30 Pesos each time. Incidentally I've got around this by giving one of the guys 100P each week, no receipt required, thank you. Saves me 80 pesos and he has some ciggy money. These guys also help when it comes to leave with the stopping of traffic to let you out. Useful types. However, on a Sunday it’s free, so this weird little bloke appears. He’s stick thin and stands in the middle of Remedios Circle whenever a vehicle arrives or departs, frantically waving his arms around in a manner that in no way resembles what the car should actually be doing to successfully manoeuvre. This is in the hope that people will give him a few Pesos for this, no doubt as he sees it, invaluable public service. Which most don’t. His eyes are jealous of each other and refuse to both look in the same direction at once and he has no teeth. He also always wears a baseball cap upon which are written three fundamental questions; Who? What? Why? And nope, I don’t have an answer either, but I’d love to meet whoever bought him the hat! Virtually nothing official works – witness vehicle registration - and in many stores customer service varies from occasionally excellent to normally absolutely lousy, but just occasionally… Finally took delivery of the book readers I’d bought for my little bottle openers last week. Now, despite being offered a choice of four colours for the readers themselves, they (obviously) only had one in stock. In addition, although showing cases in red and black, red are (of course) unavailable. So now we have two identical bits of kit both in the same looking case. This could cause a problem. Quick as a flash, a solution springs to mind. Go and see the nice lady with the sewing machine who resides on the 4th floor of Robinsons Plaza. Why not? So up I trundle and ask if she can do what I want. I’m expecting a sucking of teeth followed by, “You come back, two hours”. Instead, she grabbed them off me and literally less that ten minutes later I was jauntily striding through the car park with these.  At that point, I went for a beer as nothing else was going to go as right as this today, so why bother trying? |
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You may have a slight problem of the other bottle opener being disgruntled with the lack of offered food if you only let one test, though.
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Seems like a sensible plan - well reasoned and practical That's what I thought, but varelse does raise an interesting point. You may have a slight problem of the other bottle opener being disgruntled with the lack of offered food if you only let one test, though. Hmm, what I need is something non-lethal for the other to eat without the first one wanting that as well. Leave it with me! |
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May 22, 2015 10:21:03 GMT
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Maybe buy the puppy from the odd job girl? :-)
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Koos
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 22, 2015 20:28:15 GMT
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Considering some of the occupational choices you have described throughout this thread does the 'odd job girl' do 'the odd job' or does she specialise in jobs that are a bit 'odd'?
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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May 24, 2015 23:29:20 GMT
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Maybe buy the puppy from the odd job girl? :-) Nah, there's not enough meat on it yet. However, next door in Tondo has just acquired some ducks, so they've got potential. Considering some of the occupational choices you have described throughout this thread does the 'odd job girl' do 'the odd job' or does she specialise in jobs that are a bit 'odd'?
As has been said, I'm sure there are speciality bars for that sort of thing!
So, Saturday morning broke fine and clear and the great Calamba Jeepney Run 'n' Swim Fest rapidly approached. We'd had a call the day before from the owner of the jeepney we'd hired to say that his engine had blown and "Cannot". Still, better now than halfway down the South Luzon Expressway, eh? Frantic rushing around by Madam in her Logistics Manager role (my favorite this one - talk about stress ) and she finally secures another for the Run.
This was the weapon of (second) choice...
A bit like the axe. Made in 1983 but has had new chassis, engine, gearbox and body in the meantime. So let's say made between 1983 and 2012 shall we? No points system here! Smoked like a proper jeepney should and, as all of them, has the devastating acceleration of a top fuel dragster but with a woeful max speed. It's all about how you get away from the lights that makes you a winner in this game.
Now, I'd opted to go in the hateful Fortuner, not because I've changed my mind about it, but it was a Saturday afternoon, we had to drive around 100km and, apart from no glass, the jeepney has no form of A/C. Bit like the P38 at the moment! This was what is known as a Good Move. It took four hours to get there and it was 35 degrees. The passengers didn't so much disembark at the destination, more like dripped out. The other reason is that Madam had persuaded the driver that 30 people could easily fit into a jeepney licensed for twenty along with 2 cases of San Mig Light, six of Red Horse and food for 35 people for two days. So not much room left then. This is loading for the trip home.
As you can see, already pretty full and still six people and a pushchair to go!
Anyway, we got back safely yesterday, it only took an hour and a half, everyone had a good time and more to the point, my little pre-teen bottle opener was happy. All in all, a good weekend then.
So today, when I've sobered up enough, is pick up the new school uniforms that were being altered, collect the 9mm and 11mm O-rings that my little man swears he now has and then I can do the A/C, lights and horn!
On the uniform front, I took them to school last week to get them kitted out and had taken a huge wedge of cash with me, remembering how giddy school uniform suppliers can get in the UK. For the two of them, it totalled massive fifty pounds and 62pee. Ooh, I was a happy bunny and willingly took them out for lunch after, to give thanks.
Oh, and we never saw the leaf stuff seller, so contents investigation will have to wait again I'm afraid.
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Last Edit: May 25, 2015 0:57:54 GMT by georgeb
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