These are from post #155 of this thread. Although Tonchi's experience and apparent tone are a bit harsh there are some things that I'd like to add.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tonchi
You bet it is. And the best part for you is, YOU are going to walk away from it. Gates do not slam in the American faces. You have that all-precious visa and a bank account so you are GOD.
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Yes, I can find these people any where that I go. They are transparent though.
Most of the people that I am in contact with on a daily basis are friendly and already have some connection with the US. They have money coming in from relatives or have a business with enough income to live reasonably.
Those that do not have that connection are not clingy or manipulative. They very rarely ask me for money and if they do, instead I buy foods for them.
It's very rare for anyone to ask for anything though.
People constantly kissing my backside are obvious and annoying. On top of that, I'm truly not well off anyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tonchi
But the minute nature takes its course and the events around you succeed in removing the money from your wallet and absorbing it into the surrounding environment, Life would be VERY different for you indeed. You'll never have to find out, though, how nobody over 30 is allowed to even apply for a job in the Philippines, because you do not HAVE to work there. You have everything all set and secure and your plane reservations confirmed, your escape is guaranteed.
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Life would be very different, yes.
It's not my position here to ridicule or harass the natives for their misfortunes in life.
I would certainly not want to be a native here without access to reasonable housing and regular income.
That doesnt mean that I'm not sympathetic to them though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tonchi
None of my business of course, but how many Filipinos have already been working on you to get them a visa to get out? By the "cultural norms" I'm familiar with, every member of her family will now consider you their "ticket"
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From the very beggining, I've made it clear that this is not the case.
That doesnt mean that I've not given assistance in one way or another to family here. The difference in this whole situation is that they do not ask for anything.
It's been my goal to be here for longer and longer periods of time. If I'm going to be here, the living conditions will improve. When I'm not here, those gifts are appreciated and not taken for granted.
There are countless examples of visiting with her family without any expectation of extrodinary gifts of money or luxuries.
There are also many examples of friends and family just not connecting with me for one reason or another. Some have similarities and interests in common, some dont. We meet people in life that we click with and others that we do not.
I'm not Santa Claus so they know that they are not going to lose something spectacular by not kissing my ass.
One thing that they all are is respectful and polite.