An Evening Stroll

Since I wrote about a morning walk, I thought I'd talk about an evening stroll. Well, evening as in 5:30. It's dark by about 6:30 here. I'll not attempt to mimic a song this time. "Thank God!", you say?

So, I went to the open market in the poor section. I needed bananas, always plentiful and ripe. It was still open (I'd never gone at this time of day), and the fish/meat section smelled a lot more than in the mornings! I stayed in the fruits and vegetables aisles. I was also going to replenish my supply of Chinese apples, but none were there. I guess by Fall they'll be back. Of course there is no Fall here.

Well, at this time of day, on a Saturday, the streets are almost crowded with people! Children are out having a wild time playing whatever. Near the market I saw about a dozen little kids, probably around 4-5 yrs. old, squatting in a circle. They were looking intensely at a squashed kitten, learning about impermanence! I wish I could have heard and understood their conversation. I must take my camera, but it causes such a stir. Just being the only white person around is enough!

I encountered two games of basketball with young men playing (wearing flip-flops, of course) and having great fun. Since the streets aren't so wide, I had to squeak through quickly so as not to get caught holding the ball and missing a basket.

Groups of men were out sitting around talking and laughing and smoking. I didn't notice any drinking, interestingly. Women were also out chatting with friends or carrying babies or both. Like I said before, it's like one huge family! Everyone is out, and most are interacting with others. Only a few sit alone in their doorway or on their stoop. Is this why they're a happy people? They were probably talking about government corruption. Now why don't I just pull up a chair and see what happens? Well, for one, they might not speak a lot of English.

In New England, well, you know! It ain't like this! Of course this is a large city, not the country. But my sense is that it's the same in the country here. Without home computers and TVs the kids learn to entertain themselves with their peers, and the adults relax and visit. It seems so healthy! Course there are a lot of unhealthy things here too, being a third-world, poor country.

As I strolled back into my area, which is a little more sedate and bridges the two economic areas, I notice that many fewer people were on the street, excepting the children. From my window I hear some adult chatter, kids noises, a car once in a while, a scooter that could stand a muffler repair, and other city noises. But at 6 p.m., it's much quieter here than a few streets away. I'm thankful for that!

In the richer area, it's more sedate and quiet yet, and few people are out of their real houses (other than domestic helpers)! Here are apartments. Close by are houses (if you can call them that) and shacks. But in the morning, most of the trash that people toss away during the day, will be swept up and the streets will be spic and span. Out on Osmena highway, a big 6-8 lane road heading north, there are many street workers, caring for the plants in the median strip, sweeping the gutters and sidewalks in their dark blue clothes, long-sleeved shirts, and bandanas wrapped around their faces to cut the blue-haze exhaust fumes. I'm impressed at how the city is trying!

Of course the kids will be out playing for several hours yet. No worries here of kidnapping, as no one has much of anything! So the kids just run. Often I see them running in and around cars, oblivious. How do they survive?

In contrast, I see how afraid we Americans are for our safety! Not here! They just get out, have fun, and manage somehow. I rarely see a kid with a broken body part, but did notice a boy with a cast. I suppose you learn to be more aware of the space around you so that you learn to weave and avoid cars, scooters, trikes and bikes. It's amazing how few accidents I see, considering how they drive! Supposedly the pedestrian has the right of way. HA!

That reminds me. This morning I suddenly walked by a small canopy over a full coffin (I assume it was full!), flowers, etc. - out there right on the street where everyone could pay their respects. It will probably be there for a couple more days, I think. Then off it will go, the canopy will come down, and....? I'll have to attend a funeral one day. The service may take place right there on the street.

I also went to watch some bowling this morning. A friend works in a bank and all the branches have teams, who were competing. I rather enjoyed it! Perhaps I should go bowling for fun? My doctor asked about exercise. Oh, yeah!

I've been retired for almost nine months now. I guess it's about time to stop being so lazy! Maybe I should get out in the morn and help clean the streets with the droves of city workers sweeping away leaves (it rained hard last night), wrappers, paper cups, cigarette butts, etc.? Well, maybe I'll just walk instead!
Rod