What made me think of Christmas? We received the last of our stuff that we shipped here from New York just before the real Christmas last year. These were the final eight boxes out of a total 18. Included was my new turntable so I can finally start converting my vinyl into mp3s; all the toiletries (deodorant, razor blades, toothpaste, floss, etc.) that I desperately need from the brands I trust and can only get here for double or triple the price in the States if at all; two pairs of brand new and unused Asics running shoes (this quality of running shoe I definitely cannot get here); and our tennis rackets so we can finally start with tennis lessons. Ana had at least a whole box of toys, stuffed animals and books, many of which I’ve never seen before-they must have been given to Aya by our old neighbor Leontine right before we shipped out. Also, was my long awaited Noi Sirius Icelandic dark chocolate. I sent seven bars-every single one that they had at the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle when I stopped there right before we left. I plan to ration these so that they last me until June when we’ll be in the U.S. for a visit.
And, perhaps most importantly was the 12 rolls of 2-ply Charmin that we had left over. There was no way I was giving that up. The toilet paper here is very flimsy and not too soft. Charmin is hard to find and is usually one ply. At the duty free they had the 2-ply but the cost was exorbitant. It may sound silly to some, but having the right toilet paper can go a long way toward satisfaction in life. Of course, I must be careful not to flush too much of this American import-Filipino plumbing is not equipped to handle heavy duty toilet paper. Yeah, if any of you are thinking that I wouldn’t be too upset getting a six pack of Charmin for my next birthday or Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever, your absolutely right.
