Day 2 24/11/16 (Thursday)

Yep. Up at 5. The aircon is wonderful but I’ll have to get used to its absence soon enough I fear. All had gone well, except for the packet of antibacterial wipes which had exploded in my bag. At 7:00 (my half past 9) E (who is in the bunk above me) got up and together we read some of the bible. He has a daily reading plan from school so I joined him in his homework.

In the morning I had a traditional Filipino breakfast. Some fried egg, garlic rice and minced pork meat. It had a rich almost gamey kind of flavour, I loved it. Breakfast conversation revolved around the titles which you have to give to certain people. And I thought the Japanese had it bad. On the upside E calls me Kuya Ukekid, Kuya is a term used to respect an older male, though I believe the literal translation is “older brother”.

After breakfast I did some washing up and helped E learn a bit of ukulele. I’m astounded at his musical ear. He’s got the feel for the uke and was playing a blues version of “twinkle, twinkle little star” in no time. I also got round to sorting out what classes I’ll be taking at the bible college. Some music, some religious. I’m really looking forward to it. No sooner had I circled the classes I liked the look of I was informed I would be starting today in the afternoon. I guess I asked for fast pace.

You know, I don’t actually find the Philippines hot. Australia’s hot. This place is just oppressively warm. The heat hugs you and doesn’t let you go. Anyway, I got dressed into my formal trousers in preparation for thanksgiving and set off to another Americans house. I cannot remember the name because I’ve been introduced to over 60 different people already (20 of them in this setting alone). Well. It was American alright, there was the traditional stuffing and mashed potato and fried chicken as well as many other foodstuffs. I started chatting with the other American teenagers and I think overall I might have received a fail grade for my celebration efforts. I was absolutely astonished at how much they could put away. I had one serving (one plate with a little bit of everything) and some of the guys there had 3 servings and dessert! According to them they can’t eat like that all the time but this is on par with Christmas for the “I don’t care how much I eat” factor.

After I said my goodbyes to everyone (E was trying to create an English accent with his cheerio) I clambered into a van and we set off for the bible college I’d heard so much about. When I arrived I had a singular first impression. It went along the lines off “oh dear… I’m going to spend the next 7 weeks lost in this place”, it is a rather huge building, it holds music classes, bible classes, a church and a high school inside it.

My first class was chorus/choir and I had the honour of singing the warm up with the choir. I use that word purposefully. Because this was akin to a beginner pianist going over to Mozart’s house for jam session. They. Sounded. Heavenly. I’ve heard choirs before and some truly beautiful music but in all seriousness I cannot remember another sound that has fallen so sweetly upon my ears. They sang psalms and old hymns with a new energy and a majestic quality. I remained in class to listen but as they had a performance soon I didn’t try to learn all the songs that they had nearly completed.

After the angels had finished their praising I went to my first class which turned out to be non existent. I didn’t know it had been cancelled so instead of Christian ethics I went to the New Testament introduction class. It was most informative despite being run by someone who switched between Tagalog and English that was so heavily accented I thought it was Spanish. By the way, the students I sat next to called me sir! I mean yes, I’m a visitor but these people are in their twenties! (I’m still the tallest though). I raved quite a lot about politeness and etiquette in Japan and from what I’ve seen so far it’s much the same here in the Philippines, albeit in a slightly different style.

I find it amusing and slightly worrying that 9 days after my final exam and I’m already studying again. I had music theory and ear training next, my year 10 aural class helped immensely so I’m not too far behind at all. That being said I enjoyed the exercises, even the singing done in the ear training class is nothing short of beautiful.

Now when I walked out of college I had a bit of a surprise waiting for me. It was Mr B. On a motorbike… I’ve never been on a motorbike before and I think Manila is probably not the easiest place to get used to it. In addition to that I had my mothers feelings of disapproval of motorbikes invading my mind. But, since it was that or walk home I had no choice (I may or may not be writing this just to justify my actions). I hardly dare admit that it was an exhilarating and exciting experience and the first time I’ve actually felt less than suffocating in the Manila heat.

Speaking of new experiences I had a snack at home. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The surrounding Americans were rather shocked it had never before passed my lips and they took a video of my reaction. I cocked my head to the side in deep thought and decided that it was bizarre. Very bizarre in fact. I also presented them with the Australian chocolates which I’m sure they will enjoy. The parents the left for a meeting at the college which let me continue my slight warfare with L on American/English differences and wondering about her algebra math homework. I like algebra but working with pounds and calories is confusing. We then had a laugh with E about everything under the sun. Nicknames, ukulele, lock picking and the rest.

As I am falling asleep I realise it took me a mere 48 hours to think of this house as home and these people as a second family to me.