Initial Impressions

Thoughts:
Philippines compared to Brazil
Traffic: U.S. fastest, Sao Paulo in the middle, Manila slowest
Pollution: U.S. cleanest, Sao Paulo in the middle, Manila highest concentration
Bathrooms: Unlike many places on the Philippines all the bathrooms (so far) have had flushing toilets, seats on the toilets, toilet paper, running water, and most have soap!
Language thoughts/stories: went to use the microwave for the first time...all the buttons are in Portuguese...figured it out on the 2nd try!
Washing machines: had to ask for help 3 times so far due to Portuguese...P.S. There is no hot water, but there are dryers!!!  (no dryers in the Philippines)
Food:  Good so far...lots of rice, beans, meat and white bread...I was hoping for some good fruit, but that might come with time.  It is winter here!
Water:  Accidentally bought some with "gas" (carbonation) opened it up and it exploded! :)
People here speak less English than other big cities I have been to.  I was told this by an ELL professor who has taught all around the world, and from my own experiences I would agree!
School:
Lunch is provided every day...and its really good!!  Not making lunches each night is AMAZING!!
I get 2 prep. periods every day and 40 min. for lunch!!!  What??!!
We only have staff meetings once or twice a month and the one we had this week was a P.D. session on ELL learners...totally applicable!!
Duty: I only have one duty (lunch or recess) each day every other week!
Recess:  The students get 3 recesses a day...a total of 50 minutes!