When we arrived in October, the Christmas season was already underway. There were carols playing in the airport. We understand the season starts sometime in September. Christmas decorations are everywhere. I especially like the lights they hang from the trees.
Eastwood City (which is really a very giant outdoor mall with lots of tall apartment buildings), is really fun.
 |
| Ever seen the Statue of Liberty with a Philippano face? |
And there were fireworks every weekend of the month.
On Christmas eve it has always been Haslem family tradition to have a prime rib dinner. Well my family carried on without us, but we managed. Our office is next to a gated community of the rich folks, so close by are some small stores that cater to them. We bought two steaks and though it was an expensive meal, it made us feel like it was really Christmas eve.
 |
Baggio green beans are almost like the ones in my garden. The potato was special, it was a regular size potato.. And one thing that you can only have here: that is pomelo on the salad, it's like a very large grapefruit but sweeter and so good!
We enjoyed Christmas Day dinner with our friends the Royos. They are serving as area service missionaries in our office. |
 |
| That is Brother and Sister Royo behind Bruce. |
 |
Starting at the top we had:Lumpia (egg roll) shrimp, don't know the next, rice (of course, it's not a meal if there is no rice). sticky rice (a sweet treat, red rice with coconut milk), ham (a special Christmas only treat), stuffed baked fish and my great love, Pancit which is just a noodle in broth with veggies.
Here are the Sisters, Two of them are Samoan
Here are the Elders.
I made cookies. The missionaries were happy to take home the leftovers. Making cookies in my oven is a trick indeed. It is a gas oven with no thermostat of temp control.
And best of all, on Friday we were in the temple acting as the witness couple for two missionary sessions.
So, all in all, except for missing my family, it was a terrific Christmas
|
No comments:
Post a Comment