I have been writing an "Adventure Journal" of the culture here and emailing it to about two dozen family/friends who expressed an interest. I get enthusiastic feedback. My family is now talking about making my monthly journals into a book. (Continue)

Join everything, try everything you possibly can, then work out what really works for you and refine your involvement. Try something you've never done before - this could be a golden opportunity.

Be easy on yourself. In a new culture it takes much longer to achieve anything, particularly if there's a language barrier as well. You may have run a large department, taught classes of difficult teenagers, run your own business at home, managed a family of five kids under ten, but overseas, especially in the early days, you'll find yourself comparatively inefficient. Don't take this to mean you are not functioning, it's just cultural differences, process adjustments and misunderstandings getting in the way, slowing you down.

Talk about how you feel, to friends and to your spouse. They're likely feeling the same way too. However, try not to get into a 'moan-fest'. Have a whine, laugh about it and then move on to something more inspiring. Interact with positive people when you can.

This is hard to say, but...know that you can leave. There will be consequences (financial, career, relationship), but you can actually leave. Just knowing that makes you stay. It's like having an open door. You might not go through it, but you do have an escape route, even if you never use it.

Find a cultural bridge to guide you: someone who knows your culture, but who is from the culture to which you are adjusting. Invaluable!

Above all, watch and listen: observation skills are crucial to understanding the values and expectations of your hosts. (Continue)

Of course we can’t forget about the nourishment of our minds and body, so we meet for lunch often to share “intellectual” enrichment and, while not a political group, are always willing to criticize world politics and politicians, but no gossiping allowed, we’ll leave that for others.

So, as long as you are an expat living in the Philippines, your better half works and you don’t (part time is okay), you can become a member of the Lucky Buggers Club, Philippines. You’ll be sure to make some friends and find ways to spend your precious free time. And of course suggestions on ways to use our valuable time are always welcome.

So, just click on the “Ask To Join” button; or send email to us if you'd like more information.

And While you're at it, check out the Lucky Buggers Golf Club group on Facebook; it's where those Lucky Buggers (and invited guests) can get together for golf here in Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines. https://www.facebook.com/home.php?s... (Continue)

Of course be sensible. Dress modestly, don't wear expensive jewellery or watches etc. Look out for pickpockets on the trains - I got a wallet with a chain after my introduction to pickpockets on the LRT!

You can't really live an insulated western life so try to fit in with the locals wherever you can. For example, jeepneys are often convenient, NOT scary and you really get to live the local life. Learning how to get around teaches you a lot which you will find valuable in your time here.

Smile a lot! It really opens doors. (Continue)

email: locopmd@yahoo.com (Continue)