Potential Assignment in Manila - OT

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mountainlion

Trad climber
California
Feb 15, 2013 - 03:58am PT
I have a friend who coincidentally is in the water treatment field in Manila. He travels to Cantabaco to climb a few times a month. Manila is a dangerous place as are most of the Philippines. There are relatively few pictures that will detail the poverty you will see EVERYWHERE. The climate is hot and humid (which I like), the poverty and lack of basics like trash service...for example I dislike. It is a great adventure for me since I love the outdoors and nature and I like ADVENTURE. I have made an effort to find food I like...and have eaten more coconut, pineapple, guava, guyabano, and jackfruit than I ever dreamed. The local food here I don't like as a general rule but that's probably because they cook it when they want to and it sits in plastic bags until someone buys it- so the presentation of the food isn't pretty. I have found lots of veggies I like with the appropriate amount of hot sauce, ginger, garlic, onions. I would say come if you can climb...but that is just me and my friends know I'm CRAZY!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 15, 2013 - 09:50am PT
Thanks for the replies. I'm stalling right now while I assess the pros and cons and look for alternatives with other companies. A 1.5 year overseas assignment has a lot of ramifications.
martygarrison

Trad climber
Washington DC
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:00am PT
Great city to live in for a couple of years. All kinds of stuff to see and do, and you are setup for exploring all of SE Asia. Go
Gal

Trad climber
a semi lucid consciousness
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:04am PT
I would be thrilled and feel so lucky to get an opportunity like that... that is just my opinion... I hope you go because it sounds fantastic.
hossjulia

Trad climber
Where the Hoback and the mighty Snake River meet
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:12am PT
I'd go in a heart beat and worry about all that other sh#t as it happens. Better on your resume than a big hole. I'm dealing with that now, and I'm screwed. Not old enough to retire, "too old to train" (bs), got fired from last 2 jobs for not putting up with sh#t, now I clean fancy houses. Meh, GO!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 15, 2013 - 10:05pm PT
Julia-

Thanks for your post. Just working through the details. On one hand I want to jump on this assignment, on the other it poses some risk. I am the "go to" guy in my office when it comes to water treatment. If I take the assignment and something comes up while I'm gone they will need to bring in someone else.

It is just a really complicated situation with no surety in either direction.

One thing is for sure:



































Wait for it...





















































I'm NOT gonna die!














Well, at least not right now..

That and I really don't enjoy being in Asia.
Park Rat

Social climber
CA, UT,CT,FL
Feb 16, 2013 - 09:16am PT
Hi John,

I missed your thread, as I'm having a lot on my plate right now.

As to whether you should go to Manila for 18 months, my first reaction is that it's probably not a good idea in terms of location. Especially if you have problems with Eastern foods.

Back in the 80s my husband insisted we go to Hong Kong for a long trip. I went kicking and screaming as I was sure I would not enjoy it. Turned out the reverse was true, I loved everything about it, the food, the people. I was shocked at how clean the place was, I had always heard the opposite.

I now realize that Hong Kong is a very sophisticated place and if you can afford a nice hotel your experience will be very pleasant.


I've never had the same feeling about the Philippines. If you're there is a VIP getting the best of everything that's one situation, but if you are not so lucky, I would not expect that you would enjoy an extended stay.

Whatever your decision, I personally wish you the very best for you. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I would think it would be tons of opportunities for people in your field in China as well. We know the Chinese can afford paying for good engineering advice. My husband made a number of trips over there in the late 70s early 80s. Helping them with water treatment plants, when people were still wearing Mao suits.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2013 - 08:52pm PT
Thanks rat.
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 19, 2013 - 03:55pm PT
Any updates John? Maybe no change due to the holiday weekend - but hope this week brings you some unexpected good news and solidity for your situation!
Messages 21 - 29 of total 29 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
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