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When friends come to the Philippines

Woman wearing a clown costume.

They dress up as clowns. If they’re cool.

And my friend Angie is definitely cool.

Even in the downtown city market, in the hottest and most bizarre situations, she stays cool.

Two women and a man on the street.

Angie is my friend from college who is also a teacher. You’re wondering if she’s a Kindergarten and preschool teacher? You’re right. The clown suit doesn’t lie.

She came to Cebu to visit Bjork and me, to see the orphanage and learn more about the Philippines, and take a vacation. Except it wasn’t really a normal vacation.

It was this.

Woman playing with two young girls.

And this.

Woman holding a young girl.

And this.

(Those are the plastic diaper pants, socks, and little boys underwear that she brought for the kids, and no, I don’t think they realize what they’re proudly holding.)

Young kids holding clothing.

Since normally people start to slow down after their 100th game of duck-duck-goose, and since Angie came all the way over to the other side of the world from the frozen tundras of Minnesota, it seemed appropriate to little detour to another island for some beach time.

People on a boat.

We stayed at this adorable little place on an incredibly low-key and even smaller island. I’m telling you: the sunrise on the beach was out of this world.

Person walking on an ocean shore.

We ate at some really fun places – this one was a bee farm (as in delicious honey) that grew all its own organic produce in a garden right next to the restaurant.

Garden.

And this was a really fun one where we didn’t have to get up from our pool chairs to get the food.

Wow. I think I like that.

Food on white plates.

It was a perfect two-day girls only getaway in absolutely beautiful surroundings.

Ocean shore.

Hanging out with Angie for a week was probably the longest non-Skype friend from back home interaction we’ve had for a while, so, um, thanks Angie, for helping us remember how to act socially normal. And for spending your Spring Break with us and the kiddos here. And for being a clown. They so totally loved it.

People eating at a table.

Unless one of you is planning a secret trip to the Philippines, Angie was our last visitor of the year! We finally bought our tickets and we are headed home in less than two months.

Time is crazy, isn’t it?

Filed Under: Living Abroad

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32 Comments

  1. Pinch of Yum Logo

    It looks like you had a great time together! I must admit that I was a wee bit jealous looking at those beach photos. You’re right about that sounding perfect right about now living in MN. Your photos are amazing! Thanks for sharing all of your adventures with us!

  2. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow, I can’t believe that it has been almost a full year since you guys arrived in Cebu! Time sure does fly! It looks like you and your friend had a great time, and might I say you certainly have a fabulous tan! I’m jealous..right now coming out of Winter time my skin pretty much glows in the dark! Good luck during you last two months abroad, you and Bjork will be in my prayers! 🙂

    P.S. Before you depart Cebu, one last really light and delicious MANGO (yumm) dish would be super appreciated on my end..thanks!!

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Ha! Thanks Anna! And yes, I have some mango plans in the works. One of them is a deliciousssss mango pie! Not exactly light, but close enough… 🙂

  3. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow, you have definitely captured some beautiful scenery out there in the Philippines – that sunrise is unbelievable! Sounds like you had a really special time with your friend. So great that she could visit you! I also can’t believe how quickly your time in Cebu has gone, and I’m not even the one living it!

  4. Pinch of Yum Logo

    What a great friend both of you are to each other! Time to come home already? I was just getting online to book my plane tickets for a visit… 😉

    Love the new blog design! Have a great two more months over there!

  5. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I think it’s so incredibly awesome what you guys have been up to. I’ve been really enjoying and appreciating your posts since you guys arrived in the Philippines. Thank you for taking us with you on your adventure and introducing us to the kiddos you met and worked with while there.

  6. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow…time is flying!! Are you starting to think about how you can smuggle a child or two home with you?? They are precious. Thank you again for giving a year to serve.

  7. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I didn’t even know you posted this! I found out through my sister. LOVED my time with you sweet friend!! Wouldn’t have changed a thing!! Can’t wait to see you soon 🙂

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      Ahaha! My real friends don’t always read pinch of yum so I take the liberty of posting clown-ish pictures of them. 🙂 It was so fun having you here! Happy belated birthday and see you soooon!

  8. Pinch of Yum Logo

    So fun to see pictures of Angie on the blog! She told us all about your blog. I’ve tried a few of your recipes and love them! You are AMAZING! Keep it up girl 😉

  9. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Wow, you have definitely captured some beautiful scenery here in the Philippines – that sunrise is unbelievable! Sounds like you had a really special time with your friend. So great that she could visit you! I also can’t believe how quickly your time in Cebu has gone, and I’m not even the one living it!