The Philippines. First impressions. We flew here straight from Japan, so the culture shock began immediately after getting off the plane and using the restroom. Gone are the babbling streams and the endless options. There may be nowhere to buy water at the airport itself, but there are vending machines selling tests for dengue, malaria, and cystitis. There’s noise, chaos, and touts everywhere. I’m sweating in the tropical crowds, as the insane humidity has returned. And poverty is palpable. The minimum wage per day is 450 pesos, or $8 USD. There are also frequent power outages, violent tropical storms (love!), and delicious cheese-stuffed peppers (I’ll make them for you when I get back!). And the openness and warmth of Filipino hearts is off the charts! [😍]