Blogging
From Abroad

In my travels abroad (this makes number 3 non-North American trip) I have learned that doing things you are used to (for me, running) or eating/using the things you do at home (Starbucks, anyone?) you tend to feel less homesick. In Asia, however, my die-hard Western ways are pretty costly in an otherwise inexpensive place.

For example (in US dollars):

-Tall Starbucks brewed coffee: around $4. This is just plain black coffee: not a latte, not a frappe… a coffee. Truth be told, steamed milk drinks are around the same price

-Box of Special K Peach & Almond: $8

-“Continental” Salad in a small container: $6

-Sara Lee smoked turkey: $6

-Laughing Cow Cheese: $7

-McDonalds meal: $7-8 (only one so far, so I’m not positive haha)

-Ruby Tuesday’s Chicken Burger (Turkey is unavailable) w/ salad bar: $30

-Issue of Vogue: $10-11 (but then again, in America, French Vogue will run you about $16)

So being a Westerner in Asia is pretty expensive. Food was getting expensive in America before I left; I’m not really sure if it’s calmed down any in the month I’ve been here.

Took a trip to the Philippines this weekend… I will post photos soon!