Dec 28 2007
The New Santa Ria — “Shave Your Head For A Good Time”
One of the things I still find most disconcerting about the Philippines, despite all the fun I've had here of late, is how many of the odd things they've retained from their 300 years under colonial rule by the Spaniards.
The counting in Spanish is cool. The language peppered with Spanish phrases I can somewhat understand from my years in Miami (a.k.a. 'Northern South American') is great But why the fuck did they have to keep Santa Ria (or at least some form of it).
There is such a strong 'religious witchcraft' culture in this country — and on Siargao Island, in particular — that it's not even funny. And at times, it's just downright creepy.
Regardless, I'm starting to think there may be something to it. No, I've not seen any shape-shifters here (as many claim to be and/or have seen). Nor have I seen any ghosts, ghouls, or zombies (again, as many claim exist here).
However, it's more than just a bit coincidental that I started enjoying this place right after I shaved my head.
Yes, in case I haven't mentioned that before, due to the heat, the bugs, the unkempt hair, and my general distrust of anyone here holding scissors close to my hear, I shaved my head.
It feels great. I did get a bit of a sunburn those first couple days. But all in all, I'm glad I did it (although I am also glad to see the hair coming back in … how long that keeps up is a question to be answered by genetics tho, right Mikey?).
And yes Manny, I do have pictures (well, some at least, since I've lost my camera's USB cord). I'll try to upload the rest of the pics from the trip during my 2 day stay back in Singapore.
And I'm starting to think there may be at least a few good things about this whole witchcraft thing, tho. Look, I also learned how to levitate a surfboard over my head!
Jesus fuck.
Horace Pinker called. He wants his look back.
Fuck you too, buddyboy. Seriously, thanks for checking up on me TK. All my best to you and the wife. Peace, kid.
Matthew,
Hmmm. Where do I start? Life is always interesting. Be honored in the fact that you are about the 3rd person that I am going to let in on a little secret. I have turned in my resignation effective January 31. I don’t have anything lined up yet to replace my income but have decided that at the very minimum I am going to take at least 2 months off before I start working again. What my thoughts are is to take February to do a few things around here that need to get done and then I was thinking about taking the month of March and flying to Asia. I’d like to meet up with you and spend at least some if not all of the month traveling with you. I found airfare the other day from PHX to Singapore for $644 round trip. Yes…you read that correctly.
Call me or e-mail me when you have a chance and let me know what you think. We haven’t been roommates in a long time and may end up killing each other after traveling together, but who knows. Don’t change any of your current plans…just let me know what you’re thinking the next few months. Sri Lanka is not an overwhelming desire for me, however, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Viet Nam are.
Love ya…take care.
Mikey, His Baldedness
P.S. The Heep still runs great and I found the 2nd garage door opener under the back seat.