One Day at A Time Blog #4

Short Story Article 02
Monday August 13, 2012

　

Things I had to Re-orientate My Thinking About - Blog #4

When I moved to the Philippines I knew a little about some of the Philippine culture but there was a lot I would have to learn. This may appear humours to many Americans but it is very serious to Filipinos.

Eating Out

There are some things that I had to adjust to when I ate out. When eating at a restaurant or cafe or anyplace you pay when you order. This is not a customer service orientated country and if your order comes wrong or over cooked you can't send it back, because it is already paid for. McDonalds here was the only place we were able to correct an order. I had ordered a double cheeseburger. I got a piece of meat, presumably hamburger between two dried out buns. No lettuce, no condiments and no pickles. We finally attracted the attention of a server and he was very congenial after checking the receipt we had received. In about 10 minutes we got a double cheeseburger that had been sitting in the warming tray for a while. There is no consideration of priority.

In addition when you eat out the napkins you receive (If you receive any at all) are close to the size of a large sheet of toilet paper other places. There are some nicer restaurants that give you a napkin that resembles a napkin you get everywhere in the States. ( Keep in mind, I am not complaining), I am only pointing out the things that you need to adjust to here in the Philippines that are different in other countries.

You usually have to fight your way through hungry kids that are out in front of many eating places begging for food or money. Places like McDonalds and other nice eating places keep these beggars away from the front of their businesses.

The food is very seldom hot. It is warm, at best, because every place except McDonalds the orders are place in a "wait to be served" area with a number. You are given a number when you order if the food you ordered is not yet sitting in the warming rack. Many times if what you order is a difficult item they will ask you if you can wait 10 or 15 minutes. I said yes only once. I was given my french-fries and 15 minutes, after I had eaten my fries came the sandwich I was told would take 19 to 15 minutes. You learn fast the procedures here. My drink also was delivered right away and it was gone after my sandwich arrived. There are some places that have "bottomless" drinks. Those ar the best places.

I will post this article #4 and continue more later.