It is funny how it takes moving halfway around the world to get me writing again. There is something precious about the first few weeks in a new place. All your senses are heightened; eyes, ears, nose and mouth working overtime to take in everything new and strange. Is this going to hurt or help? Am I in trouble or perfectly fine? Nothing can be taken for granted when you are new and you do not yet know the new ‘rules to live by’. How do I greet my neighbor in the morning? Is it okay that there are ants all over the shower? What does a pedicab cost and how do I get one to stop (then bring me back again!)?
In the beginning, it can be very lonely and a little scary. But in an exhilarating way, like the feeling you get right when you jump from a high spot above the water. It is both freedom and commitment. Freedom because when no one else around knows you, you must remember, or redefine for yourself who you are. And commitment, because there is no going back, you have already jumped off the cliff — now it is time to make the most out of your new home.
All of the above encourages me to write. Writing takes time and reflection, both of which come more readily in a new place. My schedule free, my contact list short — time is what I have. And with heightened senses and daily episodes of discovery, confusion and comedy, there is much to reflect on. Some early lessons learned about life in Dumaguete:
Do not bother with street names. No one pays any attention to these — but you better know the name of the closest bakeshop and tuyok manok place to get where you are going.
“Malling” is actually a favorite activity of many Filipinos — not to be confused with what happens to you during a lion attack.
Don’t scream! House lizards and giant spiders are our friends. The best mosquito repellent ever.
Beware of Tanduay on an empty stomach, and before eating, make sure you ask, ‘what is sigsig made of?’
When subscribing for newspaper delivery, be prepared to sketch a map of the route to your house, include lots of the aforementioned landmarks (no street names).
Small backpacks are not allowed, but giant handbags are perfectly okay when preparing to shop(lift) downtown.
Everything has more than one name, and likely an acronym to boot: Gloria Arroyo, Ate Glo and GMA are all the same person (not to be confused with the GMA network).
People may be used to seeing white men with Filipina wives, but not white women with Filipino (American) husbands. “First time, hala!”
But above all, thank you, Dumaguete, for welcoming us. For all the smiles, hellos, help and patience. For living up to your reputation as the city of ‘Gentle People’. And for offering friendship to the newcomers, so that I know it won’t be long before we grow familiar and find our own place here in the City by the Sea.
Amy Ellingson Villanueva
New Dumaguete resident
Amy and her husband moved to Dumaguete from Seattle, Washington in November, 2011. In Seattle, Amy worked for a national network called Catalyst Kitchens, an organization promoting social enterprise and job training in foodservice. She was responsible for fundraising, marketing, and documentation for the growing network.
