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12/21/2005: "Arrival"
I have arrived in the Phillipines. The trip was long and filled with some fun experiences. I had the chance to explore the back alleys in Beijing, visit Tianamen square and the forbidden palace, go to a traditional chinese art gallery, and watch Beijing's Acrobatic Troupe perform.
The Phillipines is a very strange country. People build their own cars that look like tanks with grafitti on them, the weather is very humid and warm even during the coldest part of the year (late december), everyone is addressed as Sir or friend even if you dont know them, and most stores have a sign that says "Please deposit your firearms at the front desk".
Phillipino people are very nice. There is a lot of respect between them and they treat everyone really well. It is like one giant extended family, everyone is your cousin.
I uploaded some photos and movies for you to watch in this extended entry.
Ron
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This is my ex-roomate, Eric, being choked by Master Hu. This master specializes in Chen family Tai Chi, Xing Yi chuan, and Chin Na wrestling.
In china, you can go to restaurants where you have to fish for your own dinner. The restaurant then butchers and prepares the fish while you watch. 
Here is the fish being prepared.
At the same restaurant, you can choose between many other animals that are prepared the same way... like this dalmation. This dog was 300 kuai, or 25 us dollars; i did not buy it, however the dog was gone the next week. 
This is a photo from a local village. It is typical of what you will see on the streets of China. People handle and buy this meat without any consideration for disease... No wonder bird flu is such a problem. Notice the dog carcass in the lower left corner. 
My friend Sergio, about 150lbs is in a wrestling competition against Shaughan who is a little bit more than 200 pounds. I wonder who will win?
Looks like Shaughan won.
If you are interested in seeing what the training is like, check out these two movies. (Right click, Save Target As..)
Master Hu demonstrating Chen Tai Chi
Group training for the children
