Dear Friends and Members,

I get tired of hearing petty compliant about living here where things are
different, from inflexible people. I got a few my self. These are the thing
you just got to grin and bear. These are the thing that when you really
don’t care anymore, when they don’t bother you, when you laugh out loud at
them, know you have arrived. You fit in, you belong as much as a foreigner
ever will. I got one I will share with you about hotdogs and mustards since
there is a lull in posting only because I am sure all of you are off
inviting your friend to visit http://www.livinginthephilippines.com read and
join the list.

Of course hot dogs, franks, are sold here. The regular one the Filipino way
are put on a grill. They are sliced several times with a knife for to cook
deeper and better, I am not sure what word the cook use for that, but you
know what I mean. The grade of meat like in most dogs can be from low to
very low. I visited a meat processing plant when it worked for the
Department of Agriculture, one reason why I am a part time vegetarian today.
But I do love hot dogs even after seeing how they are made.

The makings are white like wheat flower for bread. But of course some are
died red or reddish. The most popular color for the hot dog in the
Philippines is a bright, even florescent cherry red, much like a candy
apple. UGH! Or as they say here instead of Ugh! Negk! But they like the
bright red dogs, *sarap!* Or Visaya, /lami!* There "FDA" BFDA or some such,
is not so strict on additives as some. And a cherry red hot dog only excites
me more than no hot dog at all, but I will eat them. They are very popular
with Filipinos.

A hot dogs is not usually served on a bun. If it has a bun it is called a
hot dog sandwich. Actually that makes sends even to me after I think about
it. Mustard is rare. There is a chain of hot dogs stands that pepper the
malls. It has a logo on its sign with the picture of a hot dog with a nice
fat strip of mustard running down the middle, a large juicy dog, meat not
cherry colored and a fluffy bun that looks so good it stops you in your
tracks. When really hungry and ready to scarf one down I will even Stand in
line as I did the first time, expecting to get something similar to what I
see in the sign.

After I wait in ravenous anticipation for my meal, tea with 12 spoons of
sugar and dog, I am presented with a cherry red sausage as big as my ring
finger, on a wilted bun and *no* mustard. If I don’t stop them quickly I get
it doused with watery sweet banana ketchup, 12 more spoons of sugar.

It is more than an disappointment the first time. It is enough to anger a
normally calm man who is hungry and feels cheated and conned. It can be
maddening. You say, "Where is the mustard like in the picture?" The little
girl sweetly smiles, "Out of stock, sir." You or I steam hotter that the dog
I use to scream "A hot dog without mustard is like a fish without rice!"
something they understand.

I, and you will know when I laugh at myself expecting anything more, I have
arrived. I have adapted, I have become an aware human being, not worrying
about the things I cannot change, changing those I an and knowing the
difference.

I hope you learn how to laugh at this silly stuff, know that is they way it
is here. And know if you want a good hotdog you way, the Western way, there
are Western places to go, pay five times as much but get what you want. And
you can hire a cook so cheaply. And you can buy imported dogs and any kind
of mustard you want, imported. You don’t have a sacrifice anything you have
at home, can have it here served in you bed on a platter. But don’t expect
to get it at the mall or on the street or at Filipino prices at a Filipino
restaurant. They did not build this country to suit your or my taste but for
theirs, only as it should be and no more than you built your country to suit
their taste.

Like it, love it, leave it, of find a way around it, or you will be
miserable. Find a way to enjoy the good, bypass the bad and you are in
paradise no mater where you are in the world.

Invite a friend today by going to http://www.livinginthephilippines.com and
using the "share link. Fresh meat even hotdogs encourage people to
contribute their thoughts, stimulate yours. You help in inviting a few will
make us a richer group.

Thank you who have invited your fiends or just people you think may possibly
be interested . You will all be hearing from me asking for what you want
this list to provide. You are the ones who care about the List. I care
about you and will do my best to serve you what you are hungry for.
(C)Don A. Herrington, 2008

(people been taking my writing and selling it in "How not to," writing
classes I hear. This copyright notice is a warning. Law suits to follow)

Very best always,
Don

Don A. Herrington
Owner.
http://www.livinginthephilippines.com
Philippines, Heart of Asia:
Expat, Foreigner, Tourist Forum of Thousands.