Good morning Vietnam
@artner (60)
May 28, 2017 7:26pm CST
Well not really, but its close. My view over the rice paddies in the Philippines. I am staying with a local family whilst researching a book.
It's very primative in comparison with Western standards but in lot of ways their lives are so much better than ours. Massive community life, everyone lives on top of each other, they eat and drink and share everything and have a permanent smile on their faces.
Oh and if you need sun come and visit. 35 Celsius on a cool day, stunning beaches and the $ will now buy you fifty pesos
5 people like this
8 responses
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
29 May 17
Looks a lot like the rice fields out here
4 people like this
@artner (60)
•
29 May 17
Hi @jediyoga
Its in Luzon, one of 7000 islands that make up the Philippines. The area is called Pangisinan and the farming community I live with are rice farmers.
I have learnt to eat some unbelievable things over the last few weeks including chicken feet, the chooks comb is also cooked and eaten, bamboo shoots, every imaginable type of intestine and chicken blood they form into little squares and barbecue. Nothing goes waste here. Even the dogs have tread lightly.
Incredible people with such an appreciation for life.
Luzon is also home ro some of rhe best surfing in the Philippines.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
29 May 17
@artner That is awesome. Where are you located?
1 person likes this
@artner (60)
•
29 May 17
@infatuatedbby I am doing research in the Philippines at the moment. Been here for six months and loving it. Another three to go. Actually considering settling here peanemtly now.
3 people like this
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
29 May 17
Wow so beautiful..are you on vacation? ..
I always like the country side
2 people like this
@alexjessi (1033)
• Hanoi, Vietnam
30 May 17
just visit it, it's mine country and welcome 
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
29 May 17
Nice to hear you are enjoying your stay here in the Philippines. We have many scenic spots and cost of living compare to that in the US is much lower. But we also suffer from similar problems found in first world countries like pollution and the widening gap between the have and have not. Health issue like obesity will soon be a problem thanks to US food chains like McDonalds. I'm also curious about your research. Is it agriculture related since you are staying in a farm land and not in urban areas?
3 people like this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
29 May 17
@artner _I don't think it advisable to go to Mindanao given the recent spate of terrorist activities and President Duterte's declaration of Martial law in that region in order to restore peace and order. Why not continue your research in urban cities like Manila, Olongapo or Angeles where the LGBT are more active and outspoken? Besides Islam frowns on homosexuals.
2 people like this
@artner (60)
•
29 May 17
Hi @josie_(3053)
Salamat. Kumusta ka?
I noticed the wealthy here tend to become obese. It may simply be a social condition where people associate weight with wealth. The west had this problem and it's now done a complete 360 to the point where wealthy people are now the thin ones. It takes time though.
I agree the food stuff sold here and sugar are a massive issue. Diabetes is of course the silent killer now in Asia.
I am doing research for a book and have travelled all over the Philippines. Headed off o Mindinau next. I was investigating a really large cell of Baklas in this area and looking at the social and economic impact they are having on the community. Incredibly interesting.
2 people like this
@artner (60)
•
29 May 17
@josie_ that's exactly why I am going down there. I have been in these areas before all over the globe and the visit is not related to my research but rather to check on a friend's charity project there. Thanks fro th concern though and the warning. More worried about typhoons to be honest.
2 people like this
@shivamani10 (11035)
• Hyderabad, India
29 May 17
What about the technology there? What about the cost of living? They suffered a lot during Wars
2 people like this
@alexjessi (1033)
• Hanoi, Vietnam
29 May 17
OMG!! where r u?? Vietnam?? Really?? I am from Vietnam too!! So do you mean Vietnam is a good country?? 
2 people like this
@alexjessi (1033)
• Hanoi, Vietnam
30 May 17
@artner Yeah!! thanks for knowing it
1 person likes this
