Random pix

We got our rug and two new small tables last week, and added the Philippines map this morning. We think our decor is complete!

This is our least favorite intersection, and we drive it at least twice a day! Those towers on the left are our apartment complex; our building is the one on the right. This street leads to the Mandaluyong-Makati Bridge, which we must take over the river to get to and from home.  The mission office is about six blocks behind us in this picture. If you look closely you can see five lanes converging into two. There are probably four legitimate lanes, and one more because wherever a vehicle can squeeze in, it will! This is not counting motorcycles, which go anywhere they can fit.

I've been trying to photograph jeepneys. They are local buses, and they are ubiquitous. I also think of them as Philippine folk art.  They are outrageously decorated! And, 98% of the time, have religious pictures or scriptures on them. I think the Philippines is also 80% Catholic, and there are evidences everywhere. There are lighted billboards inciting people to pray, forgive, serve, whatever. I saw my very first filthy graffiti yesterday, so it isn't nearly as prevalent here as in the US. Anyway, jeepneys are how most people get around, and they are, indeed, everywhere.  And, a nuisance to drive around!

Passengers generally get on and off through the rear opening.

Just a shot down a sidewalk.  The Vulcaninzing shop is on the corner, and on down the street are other shops that people generally live behind.  I've wanted to take pictures of actual homes, but it's very hard to be discreet, and I don't want to offend.

The big sign we often see when out and about.

A not very good view from a skyway, basically an overpass that allows cars to move over large areas quickly.  We were on this one by mistake yesterday, and actually ended up out at the airport while intending to deliver pillows to the MP's home. Sister Stucki gives each new missionary a pillow, and it's our job to buy them.