From Rosario

Hey how is everybody doing? I am dandy - I got 5 kids looking over my shoulder as i am writing this , they say naimbag nga malem yo, and the britney spears is blasting just so you know. I have been farily busy lately which is great for my sanity. Uncle Dave its a lot harder than you think to laugh everyday here as I have about as much control over my days as a lab rat does. But training is over at the end of the month when i officially swear in as a volunteer and then Ill have my freedom back. The other day I went to a public swimming pool and was teaching all the girls how to swim, Ive never seen such interest to learn something before - haha talk about an ego booster. Later i went to a silver craft shop and chatted with the owner - they were using the same machinery and techniques I had used in my high school jewelry making class. Tonight is gay night in Rosario - I should fill you in how GAY this country is, an extremely catholic country at that. It seems like a quarter of the youth male pop. is gay and they arent like they are in the states. They are percieved as women here and they date straight men. Also they are widely and wholly accepted here and everyone wants to be their friend. Its pretty refreshing but as a straight man I have to watch my back when I go out at night. Another lil tidbit about pilipina culture here - they love tsika tsika ( gossip) You really have to be careful not to get too involved or else next thing you know the whole barangay is talking about you. The other night I went to the river pretty late just to soak in the view and play some romantic guitar to myself. First of all the act of being alone is very bizarre here and then alone at night playing guitar they thought I was going to commit suicide. The next morning every one is stopping to check on me asking me if im alright, If I would like some company. Privacy here is hard to come by and then when you get it, u better be prepared to explain why. Sorry I am writing so much, you can tell i am pretty lonely today. The computer understands english. Happy Mother's Day and if I missed anyone's b-day I apologize. OH, I have a snapfish page up with pics of Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan and La Union. U all must check it out - go to