Spending the holidays abroad has been an adjustment for local resident, Alan Hale but his work with the Peace Corps has been a rewarding experience.
Alan Hale of Bellefontaine, second from left, enjoys a Christmas party with his coworkers and friends while stationed with the Peace Corps in Catbalogan, Philippines. (PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK)
For those wondering if Christmas and commercialism is just an American thing, the answer is a resounding no, Hale said. Instead, it is even more evident in the Philippines, where he has been stationed to help communities develop solid waste management plans.
“Christmas started here in August,” he wrote in a recent email. “It’s getting a little crazy now that mid-December is here. Decorations are everywhere and big celebrations occurred here with fireworks during the ‘tree lighting’ ceremony.”
The Christmas theme has been so ubiquitous and the lack of snow or traditional winter weather has made it hard to get into the real Christmas spirit until recently.
“The weather pattern has changed and that has me thinking seasons … but it isn’t a traditional Christmas picture for a Midwesterner,” he wrote, noting that monsoon season with high winds and heavy warm rain is the norm.
“What has finally brought the reality to me that Christmas is only three days away is the appearance this week of kids singing Christmas carols on the streets every evening.
“Carolers come in two varieties — teen groups that sing recognizable carols going door to door or the more frequent ensembles composed of two or three little kids with one or two more banging on tin cans to get your attention. Their singing sounds more like cheering and when a half dozen get together they can really raise the volume. It is customary to hand out small change to thank the kids, or to get rid of them. With the weekend upon me I stopped in the bank and purchased two hundred one-peso coins. They are two cents apiece, but kids look upon them as a treasure. This should last me for awhile and bring lots of smiles.”
Read complete story in Saturday’s Examiner.
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