First Impressions

At the airport in Japan, it was neat, clean and quick. Except our line. It was backed up for a good 40 minutes. The customer service was kind, but inefficient with silly rules such as making us weigh ourselves and our carry-on baggage, and having to send the carseats as cargo.

On the airplane, I took Laird out and returned to find a swarm of flight attendants gawking at my husband and beaming at his great language skills. He is quite a celebrity here.

Once the flight attendant realized we had three children, she reassigned the passenger next to Lucy and I so we could have three seats to ourselves, the luxury! There was a broken arm rest and a broken footpiece, but the kind attention made up for it. I couldn't believe the love of the Filipino people. They are so warm and loving. After the East Coast, where children are clearly annoying to most people, it was a shock. Three little blond heads brings a slew of questions, and patient, understanding, helpful smiles.

Being on the plane, I just wished I could communicate with the Old Grandma who sat by me for five minutes, and the young mother behind me with a sad toddler.

My first impressions have been solidified. It is very poor here. Almost everywhere you turn, something needs repair. But the people - the people are remarkably kind, warm, and loving. Not necessarily helpful always, but they have good hearts.

I think I need to learn Tagalog.