The Philippines is so much better than China

The reasons are too numerous to list. I was hoping for a purifying snow to hit Shanghai and it sounds like it has but I must say I'm glad to not be there for it. We have been happily inhabiting a small island called Camaigan towards the southern end of the Philippines. The people are unbelievably friendly, the beer is cheap, the mangoes are plentiful, the water is warm. We have been snorkeling and climbing volcanoes and eating tuna grilled right on the beach over coconut charcoals, and we are trying not to think about ever leaving. This place suits us well with its small town feel and nice balance between activity and relaxation. Attended the local Friday night disco last night. The Filipinos love to dance--teenagers and grandparents alike--and we had a great time. Hoping to stay on Camaigan at least through Sunday for the weekly cockfight, which the whole island will attend after church.

Thought we would want to be in China for the New Year, but since we can't be with our families we may as well be in paradise (sorry Grant, Gina and Win--but you can't blame us can you?). Sounds like the whole country is quite a mess with all that fifty-year snow. We'll wait it out on snowy white beaches. Pictures to prove it to come later.