Philippines - Clark and Angelus City

So here I am in the Philippines again, same story different locale. I was somewhat excited to come again, but that was a few weeks ago. The fun has worn off quite fast. I borrowed my roommates pictures so all of these are courtesy of Rich Campbell. This place is very beautiful in many places. Tropical and flowering all over. But just as equally depressing in others.

A very nice sunrise from our hotel balcony. That is Mt. Pinutubo, the volcano that erupted in the early 90's.

This guy right here? Pretty average.

C-130 ride over to the Philippines, cramped, long, and I can't even put into words how difficult it is to pee on this aircraft. It takes Olympic level gymnastics.

No i-Pad? No problem.

Angelas City was extraordinarily slummy. Resorts and golf courses right next to crushing poverty.  

More slums.

Lots of melon vendors.

Good indicator that you might have a bad time.

In contrast, here is our Hotel.

And the Hotel pool, with swim up bar.

Keep in mind, we have been out here for a couple of weeks, doing basically nothing. Staying in this expensive hotel, being paid extra for being out here in this hotel. All the while back in the States they are pulling apart peoples lives and furloughing employees because they "can't afford them during all of these budget talks". I'm not exactly sure who is telling what nonsense but it frustrates me. 

Between being part of infuriating hypocrisy, food that is not playing nice with our internals, military antics and a sleazy "service" industry that refuses to leave you in peace...I am beyond ready to come home.