High in the Luzon area mountains
Well into my trip now and this is the tricky bit. Up to now not been so taxing with friend in Brunei and then friend who works at the USA Brent International school on main Philippine Island.
But miracles. Got on plane with usual RA Beast niggles. Go off in 28 degrees and painfree. How are you sleeping ask my polite hosts - wonderfully I reply without pain. At Brentville came across American woman with sceladerma/scleraderma? (not sure of spelling) - people were telling me to go see her as she had RA....(Even those that try dont always take in the subtleties) and she and her invalid husband living here in the Philippines to get away from cold. Cant buy land but can rent. Have had to deposit security sum with the government to get permission to live here. Said they ordinary people so perhaps not bucketloads of cash. Sold their home, realised assets. She returned to NY state for a visit and was immediately in much worst pain. We decided the humidity and heat suit us both. Her hands are in real claw shape in spite of drugs but she has had this for a long time (20s or earlier and now late 60s) and is living each day to full knowing that with her version of immune attack it gets to lungs and heart tissues...Lovely brave and dignified person.
I can say I could be tempted. Lovely friendly people, English spoken and culture not as different as some European cultures. They just love malls here!! You could be anywhere. Even up here in Baguio there is a massive mall bigger than anything I have in my home town. Beautiful fresh fruit and vegies and they are into organics too in some places.
Anyway I am now solo backpacking. Came up here on seven hour local bus trip. Stayed in a dive last night for about US$11.00. But clean sheets and even a tv - just no window or air con (fan, but didnt need as high altitude) - shared "bathroom"...But met friendly US missionary by chance last night when eating out in cheapo chinese style place and of course we breakfasted Macdonalds (would only confess in journal...) and she told me places to visit today.
Want to get to small place called Sagada where traditional tribal group still exists and to see caves with hanging coffins. Was told road closed but local buses still going. May be a bit hairy - mountain bendy and parts unsealed. Cant book accommodation ahead this time so revisiting my youth where wing it with a prayer..
I wish I could pour this lovely warmth over all my DS friends as it truly has eliminated my pain (in the short term).
Thinking of those who have particular issues - especially Anna and De, but also others whom I message from time to time. Know I am lucky to still be able to do this and to have supportive family who dont mind me taking ski (Spending Kids Inheritance) trips with my savings....
But miracles. Got on plane with usual RA Beast niggles. Go off in 28 degrees and painfree. How are you sleeping ask my polite hosts - wonderfully I reply without pain. At Brentville came across American woman with sceladerma/scleraderma? (not sure of spelling) - people were telling me to go see her as she had RA....(Even those that try dont always take in the subtleties) and she and her invalid husband living here in the Philippines to get away from cold. Cant buy land but can rent. Have had to deposit security sum with the government to get permission to live here. Said they ordinary people so perhaps not bucketloads of cash. Sold their home, realised assets. She returned to NY state for a visit and was immediately in much worst pain. We decided the humidity and heat suit us both. Her hands are in real claw shape in spite of drugs but she has had this for a long time (20s or earlier and now late 60s) and is living each day to full knowing that with her version of immune attack it gets to lungs and heart tissues...Lovely brave and dignified person.
I can say I could be tempted. Lovely friendly people, English spoken and culture not as different as some European cultures. They just love malls here!! You could be anywhere. Even up here in Baguio there is a massive mall bigger than anything I have in my home town. Beautiful fresh fruit and vegies and they are into organics too in some places.
Anyway I am now solo backpacking. Came up here on seven hour local bus trip. Stayed in a dive last night for about US$11.00. But clean sheets and even a tv - just no window or air con (fan, but didnt need as high altitude) - shared "bathroom"...But met friendly US missionary by chance last night when eating out in cheapo chinese style place and of course we breakfasted Macdonalds (would only confess in journal...) and she told me places to visit today.
Want to get to small place called Sagada where traditional tribal group still exists and to see caves with hanging coffins. Was told road closed but local buses still going. May be a bit hairy - mountain bendy and parts unsealed. Cant book accommodation ahead this time so revisiting my youth where wing it with a prayer..
I wish I could pour this lovely warmth over all my DS friends as it truly has eliminated my pain (in the short term).
Thinking of those who have particular issues - especially Anna and De, but also others whom I message from time to time. Know I am lucky to still be able to do this and to have supportive family who dont mind me taking ski (Spending Kids Inheritance) trips with my savings....
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