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  1. #1
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    Moving to PI in 2013 from Canada

    I know someone out there has been there and done this, got the t-shirt and wore it out. So I ask if you can help me.

    At 65 and with pension in hand I want to take one last voyage around the world going East this time and settle in PI somewhere. My last visit 3 years ago convinced me of the indomitable spirit of the natives. They are tough, resourceful and mainly of good heart.

    If the world economy does not go off a cliff I can afford to buy a decent house on the beach and the pension will keep me in a style I can't afford in Canada. I live in the Lower Rainland for summers and travel winters. Last year was S America. This year I'm going full out and sailing from New York to Spain then E Africa before making my way across the Indian Ocean for the Far East and PI.

    I have some experience in Thailand and Indonesia (mainly Bali) and the one trip to PI for about 3 months in 2009/2010. I saw a bit of Luzon, Puerta Galera, Cebu City, Negros Oriental and Bohol.

    In 2013 I aim to explore Leyte and Palawan. I still like to dive and snorkel. So if you have broken trail on this venture and now live in PI I would value your advice and suggestions.

    Forgive me if this topic exists here already. I'm not well versed in procedures and my limited search turned nothing up. If you can link me to a better place for this topic please do so.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharambum

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by dharmabum View Post
    My last visit 3 years ago convinced me of the indomitable spirit of the natives. They are tough, resourceful and mainly of good heart.
    Yeah.. that's one way of putting it.. still I don't suppose they have temples in PI.


  3. #3
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    You mean you are sailing single handed to all these places.??

  4. #4
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    Moving to PI 2013

    I am sailing on MV Jamaica calling at Norfolk and Savanna before steaming to Algeciras across the mid Atlantic. She is french. CMA CGA but flying the flag of Cyprus.

    Re:Temples. I never needed one to practice.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    Let me know how you go.

    Never been there always seems a tad sussed to me. Good luck with it.

    Hows the Medical situation considering your getting along in years, that's very important to me these days and I'm only 55.

  6. #6
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    Dharma: I've lived here for 16 years. If you have specific questions, I'll try to answer them. Let me know.

  7. #7
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    Health is an issue but nothing serious so far. BP 140/80 with a pill. Addicted to natrual light and fresh air. Can't get the later in LOS, with the brown cloud ever present from China and the persistent burning etc. At least outside Manila and Cebu city there is a chance for clean air and cleanish oceans.

    I've dove in Gulf of Thailand before and swam too but with water is always suspect from sewage and other nasty pollutants I look forward to Palawan reefs full of color. Dove off Moal Boal last trip on Cebu and saw fish that were new to me.

    If things get dodgy I reckon I can fly to BKK or Singapore I suppose. Staying put in the West just for cheap drugs doesn't seem worth it. The medical may be free but waiting for 8 months for a procedure can kill you too.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by dharmabum View Post
    I am sailing on MV Jamaica calling at Norfolk and Savanna before steaming to Algeciras across the mid Atlantic. She is french. CMA CGA but flying the flag of Cyprus.
    You're travelling by ship, not as crew I assume.. what made you choose that method and how long does the journey take?

    Take my advice. When you stop in Algecerias don't hang about there it's a seedy little town, head West around the coast for about 10 miles to Tariffa, the most southerly point in Europe, a beautiful Moorish town in Andalucia. The strait there is very narrow and the Morrocan mountains on the other side make for a spectacular view from the beach. You'll be on the Atlantic there so the water is decidedly fresh in comparison to the Med. Such a beautiful part of the world, if I had a choice I would retire there.
    Last edited by Neo; 24-10-2012 at 04:31 PM.
    Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by dharmabum View Post
    I know someone out there has been there and done this, got the t-shirt and wore it out. So I ask if you can help me.

    At 65 and with pension in hand I want to take one last voyage around the world going East this time and settle in PI somewhere. My last visit 3 years ago convinced me of the indomitable spirit of the natives. They are tough, resourceful and mainly of good heart.

    If the world economy does not go off a cliff I can afford to buy a decent house on the beach and the pension will keep me in a style I can't afford in Canada. I live in the Lower Rainland for summers and travel winters. Last year was S America. This year I'm going full out and sailing from New York to Spain then E Africa before making my way across the Indian Ocean for the Far East and PI.

    I have some experience in Thailand and Indonesia (mainly Bali) and the one trip to PI for about 3 months in 2009/2010. I saw a bit of Luzon, Puerta Galera, Cebu City, Negros Oriental and Bohol.

    In 2013 I aim to explore Leyte and Palawan. I still like to dive and snorkel. So if you have broken trail on this venture and now live in PI I would value your advice and suggestions.

    Forgive me if this topic exists here already. I'm not well versed in procedures and my limited search turned nothing up. If you can link me to a better place for this topic please do so.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharambum
    Davis is the man to consult I think. Mindanao is relatively cheap and avoids the typhoons. Samal Island?

  10. #10
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    Moving to PI 2013

    I have a single cabin this time. Some freighters do take passengers. My last trip in April this year was from Rio to New York in the owners cabin. Very nice. The Capt was a Brit,the chief engineer was French Canadian and the other chief a prickly Russian. The 18 crew were all Kiribatis,but at least 90% of all freighter crews are Filipino. We crossed the Caribbean and the Bermuda triangle.

    From NYC to Algeciras will be approx 17 days with calls at Norfolk and Savanna. I missed a more direct ride out of Montreal that would be only 10 days on Hanjin line.

    A ship offers comfort and enough solitude to relax. It's not for everyone for sure but I like that freighters are simple and pragmatic. Also healthier than a cruise ship that has 2,000 to 4,000 people in a confined living space.


    Yes, Algeciras is just where I land. Was thinking of Malaga for a month or so.

    My dream life in PI would see me in a spacious house on 2 or 3 acres but I reckon I'll have to take direction from whichever lady sees fit to sort me out and that will be a formidable challenge.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    ^

    Respect to you mate as your really on a journey.

    Fantastic stuff and all the best to you.

    So much more stimulating than hearing about some tossers night with a scank bar girl in Pattaya.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by dharmabum View Post
    Was thinking of Malaga for a month or so.
    The coast between Gib and Malaga is the Costa Del Sol.. it's well developed, has everything an English speaker could need without ever having to delve too far into Spanish culture.. the other direction is Andalucia, true Spain where a little effort may be required but the experience is far more rewarding.. maybe you should stretch to a hire car and try a bit of both worlds.. you can get from one to the other in a relatively short time and the difference is remarkable.

    IMHO Malaga is a shithole full of immigrants trying sell junk or rip off tourists and the Costa all the worst elements of British society fuelled by by cheap booze and drugs.

    I guess I'm just getting older, getting into fights with gangs around Malaga, staying awake three days on a blinder in Bena Madena or getting arrested at gunpoint in Algecerias used to hold a visceral excitement for me.. nowadays my idea of a good time in Spain is struggling to follow the flow of conversation amongst the hubub of a local tapas.

  13. #13
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    And here's me thinking that you were sailing single handed on your trip, in your own boat. I wish to sail from UK to Vancouver, "False Creek", and was looking for some info.

  14. #14
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    My dream life in PI would see me in a spacious house on 2 or 3 acres but I reckon I'll have to take direction from whichever lady sees fit to sort me out and that will be a formidable challenge.
    Usually that direction would lead to somewhere no where near far enough from her family! Ouch.
    A good 1000 miles away from her clan will give you a fighting chance of realizing your dreams here..IMO.
    As you know..Foreigners cant own land here unless they inherit from spouse..
    They can however lease for up to 50 years..
    (just not from spouse)

  15. #15
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    Moving to PI 2013

    Thanks Neo. Malaga may not suit me as your description sounds dreadful. What's your opinion re Algarve ? I was quite happy last year in Copacabana, Rio even though I speak not one word of Portuguese.

    I was also going to look into a cave house rental as it tickles my fancy. I keep threatening my technology that I want to go live in a cave evey time I break the pc. I have still to master cell phones and i-pads sound like a feminine hygiene product.

    Re: Sailing to False Creek. I know the place and if I can get some local info will be happy to oblige. As much as I admire sailors to me a yacht harbor is just ah expensive slum. On false creek now is another slum of Olympic proportions with a massive density of cave dwellers and bike peddlers. We are still paying for it in taxes and onerous parking fines and fees. This city is nice for a visit but give it a miss from Sept to April unless your prepared to grow webs between your toes.

    My cousin is living in Nanaimo while taking a class and he told me he had to call 5 marinas to find one that allowed live aboards. He has a 35' fish boat.

    Thanks for the info about leases and ladies. I'll be keeping a sharp eye out for orphans.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by geoff View Post
    And here's me thinking that you were sailing single handed on your trip, in your own boat. I wish to sail from UK to Vancouver, "False Creek", and was looking for some info.
    Easy, Head to the irwell pay homage to the real Manchester Team, down the Mersey hang a right when it gets bumpy, mind not to hit Wales, the welsh a fussy about that; keep heading South until it gets cold and very windy then turn North; keep going through all the hot bits until it is raining non stop and head for the science dome.

    O' they are banning people mooring boats in False Creek now. So you will be required to pay some of the most expensive moorage on the planet. So keep going until the Rain gets cold and then you can tie up with the fish boats in Rupert and look forward for the 1 sunny day we get each year! You will miss manchester shity for sure :-)

    Hope this helps.

    Seriously, slave route to the Carrib. Panama then head almost to Hawaii before heading horth until you get the north west trades setting in and then for the Northwest Pacific Coast. Hard slog. the other way is to slowly pick your days and dam near motarup the whole coast. Long hard passage.

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  18. #18
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    Thanks Dharmabum, and Sailing into trouble. It's a bit of a slog, but I am working on it.

  19. #19
    I am in Jail

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    Wouldn't buy in Phils unless it is throw away money, same with Thailand. You can move around easier without a house. Cebu has many nice places, also Bantayan in N Cebu, have a look. Many Canadians in Dumaguete, a bunch from Vancover Island.

  20. #20
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    Moving to PI 2013

    Yes I spent a few weeks in Dumaquette last trip. I like that the trikes are large enough for someone my size. I was totally hooped by the trikes in Tagbalaran as they were only suitable for normal sized people. I loved the taxis in Cebu City as well. On the meter and no argument was the rule.

    I checked out Mindanao and Samal Island. Looks like a candidate if not for the gorillas. It could take some exploring to find a suitable place to settle. The lagoons there look inviting. I loved my two trips to Cook Islands. The lagoon in Raratonga was awesome and I snorkeled every other day for at least an hour. Almost stepped on a coral snake too but wth. The water inside the reef was 3 to 12' deep with a google of colorful fish. Water temp outside the reef was 80 degrees at 80 feet and viz btw 80 to 200'. Hard to beat.

    Just worked out my Indian ocean passage. There is shipping out to Port Said to Port Kelang. I will have to give W. Australia a miss or do it later once I find a home in PI. I was hoping to find a passage from E Africa to WA (Perth) then choo choo woo woo across the Nulabor.

    Raining here now at 45 F . Saw fresh snow on local mountains this week. Happy to have the means and opportunity to flock off.

    Checked out the links Neo for Andalucia. It all looks good, thanks.

    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum

  21. #21
    I am in Jail

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    Here is a Cebu forum to have a look at

    Living In Cebu Forums

    I'll be in Phills all November, Cebu, Duma, Bantayan and Davao. If you have any specifics you need info on I can ask around for you. Know many guys living there.
    Last edited by Lorenzo; 28-10-2012 at 07:44 AM.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by dharmabum View Post
    I checked out Mindanao and Samal Island. Looks like a candidate if not for the gorillas. It could take some exploring to find a suitable place to settle. The lagoons there look inviting. I loved my two trips to Cook Islands. The lagoon in Raratonga was awesome and I snorkeled every other day for at least an hour. Almost stepped on a coral snake too but wth. The water inside the reef was 3 to 12' deep with a google of colorful fish. Water temp outside the reef was 80 degrees at 80 feet and viz btw 80 to 200'. Hard to beat.



    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum
    'gorillas'
    I love it! Maybe they should Market them as a tourist attraction....

  23. #23
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    End RTW2 Trip and Sex on the Beach Pattaya

    April 13,2013

    The trip is over. From Nov 15,2012 to April 3, 2013 I completed my second trip around the world. In 1977 it was by air and land this time by air and water. In 1977 the land bit was between Katmandu and London, about 12,000 miles by bus. The other land bit was from Montreal to Vancouver by thumb. One excruciating section was with an American that decided 55 mph was the optimum speed for his pickup. So we motored along for about 2000 miles at economical speed. If you've seen one mile of wheat field you've seen them all.

    This RTW2 trip included approx 8,600 miles by sea from Malta to Port Kelang. We were also doing economical speed. The freighter world since the banking melt down 2009 still hasn't picked up the pace. Capt told me his annual bunker bill went from $8 M down to $4 Million dollars. The MV Medea can motor along at 25 knots if necessary but we mostly did 18. In revolutions it was 50 vs 90. A highlight was going through the Suez Canal and down the Red Sea. I was in Egypt in 1988 and did tale a bus to Sharm el Shaik to dive. It went under the canal. We did not get shore leave in Suez as the town was too volatile + we were on the wrong side and would need a launch. Too many packages of cigarette as well.

    I ran low on time and cash so did not get to PI this trip. I had some things to tie up at home as I sold my flat. So PI will be Sept or later. However , I am still on the hunt for a caregiver lady friend. Currently corresponding with a 44 yo caregiver living in Cyprus but born and raised in the Dinagat Islands.

    I am carefully feeling her out about her family and any sick buffaloes. Her family had a small business and she has 3 older brothers all married with families. I was intending originally to start my hunt in Leyte but I can do both I think.

    To end my RTW2 trip I spent a month in Pattaya and survived another music festival. The town is on a par with Venice or Havana. Totally unique and indescribable. I came out of Starbucks on Beach road to sit awhile. A friendly young thai lady asked if I liked coffee. I said, yet. She then held out 10 baht and pointed me at the 7-11. Just add 4 bhat for a coffee, she says. I declined, since I had just had a cup. She then proceeded to share with me her bowl of food from a cart. It was tasty but spicy.

    Then she said she was saving money to buy a house with her boyfriend. Ok. After we finished her food she said we could have sex on the beach for 10 baht. Only in Pattay. She was awfully nice !

    Anyone been to Dinagat ? Are there any e-pats on the ground there now ?

    Cheers and good health,

    dharmabum

  24. #24
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    ^ she offered you sex on the beach for 10 bht? Did you have your hearing aid turned on? And this after offering to give you 10 bht for a coffee?

  25. #25
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    Her name was Moog or sounded like that. She said she worked in an office. She was 26 yo slim and tall with tatas the size of cup cakes and a well toned bottom. She was awfully nice.

    I don't know her motivation. Perhaps just a little spontaneous and innocent fun with a falang or knows that free samples are good marketing.

    When you are offered such a gift you don't ask too many questions. Just be grateful !

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