Did I type that right? A nude awakening? Isn’t the old saying supposed to be a “rude” awakening? Read on, and you decide.
I live in a kind of mid-level neighborhood. Oh, it’s probably slightly upscale by Philippine standards, probably a little downscale by US standards. Most of the people who live in my neighborhood are Filipino professional types, and Missionaries from abroad. The neighborhood is certainly not “upscale” – it’s not a gated community or anything even near to that. Twenty years ago, this would have been an upscale Philippine neighborhood. These days, it is an upper-mid level neighborhood that has declined from what it used to be. I really like the area, though.
Our house is quite nice, although it’s about 40+ years old. It’s big, about 4,500 square feet, or 450 square meters. There are many similar houses in my neighborhood. It’s not an unusual place for the neighborhood, although a place this size is certainly not average in the Philippines.
About 2, possibly 3 years ago, the vacant lot next to us suddenly had a “building” on it. The building, if you want to call it that, is basically nothing but some wood holding up some tin roofing material, open air. People live in it. It’s kind of a shack, in the middle of some quite nice houses. It is a single level place. Our house is two levels, and I spend the vast majority of my time on the second level, where my office and bedroom are. I have included a photo of the “house” as it can be seen from my office window, basically all you can see are the sheets of tin that make up a makeshift roof. The place certainly doesn’t fit in with the rest of the neighborhood, but that’s how things are in the Philippines. The people who live in this place are a little different. They collect junk, it seems. They have a big bin full of old glass bottles. They have a huge pile of old scrap pieces of lumber. I don’t really know what goes on over there.
From our bedroom, if you open up the curtains on the side of the bedroom and look out the window, you are looking down into the “front yard” of this place. Not much to look at, but really, we don’t go look out that window much, and you would really have to walk right up to the window to be able to look down to ground level and see anything over there.
I have a daily routine, it’s pretty much a set pattern of things I do, at least for part of the day. I mean, as the day grows later, I tend to deviate, depending on what comes up that needs my attention. But, the very beginning of my day is pretty set in stone, though. I generally get up sort of early. First thing I do is turn on my laptop, and while it is booting up, I go open up the curtains in my bedroom, and open the window. The early morning air in Davao is usually crisp and cool. Opening the window, I can usually be nice and cool in the bedroom until about 9am or so, at which time I head into my office (which is also in the house, by the way) and put on the air conditioning.
One day last week, I got up and my morning routine started off as normal. I got up at 5:30am. Made my way from bed, turned on my laptop. While waiting for it to boot up, I went and opened the curtains. It was early, not fully daylight out yet, but light enough outside to see pretty well.
When I opened the curtains, I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I guess the light was dim enough that I didn’t pick up on the details. Next, though, I slid the window open, and it made some sound. Suddenly, there was some quick movement outside my window.
I took a quick look to see what was going on, and there was a woman taking a shower outdoors, about twenty feet outside my window! She was naked, except a pair of shorts. When she heard the window open, she jumped, realizing that somebody was there! What a way to start the morning!
I mean, I never thought about it before, but this “shack” next door does not have an indoor shower! The people shower right outside in the open! Apparently this lady didn’t figure that I would get up that early, or at least I would not open the window and look outside! Based on her reaction, she was certainly surprised to see me!
Being a very neighborly person, I keep waiting for the neighbor to show up again for her daily shower. I mean I have been watching regularly. I figure I could at least wave to her and yell out the window – “Hi!” But, no luck so far, I haven’t seen her again since!
Ah, the joys of getting up early! It gets your day off to a wonderful start!
Just keep checking Bob. Just so you can warn her of your presence, of course! 🙂 I had a similar experience with my father in law once, who despite all mod cons indoors, still liked the old outdoor shower at the back of the house. After that, I avoided the area until I saw him someplace else fully dressed.
Sounds like a great neighborhood.
I am also seeing many people taking showers next to the highway.
But they have only a 5 gallon bucket and no shower stall.
She washes her shirt at the same time.
Funny story
I like!
Hi Bob! Funto hear from you and with an interesting story. I guess those neighbors have taken up squatters rights on someone's vacant land. Not to get off topic, but I've been told that Philippine law states that in order for the real owner to take over occupancy of that land, they would have to pay to relocate the present occupants somewhere else. Not sure if that's true but anyway that's for another topic I guess.
Probably they only have a faucet hook-up and that's the only way to go. Even family members of ours also when having a shower often prefer to shower at the faucet out in their backyard. My father-in -law in the most holey briefs would emerge out of nowhere after showering!
By the way Bob, was she a looker?
Hi Bob – I don't know about voyeurism, but I'm willing to learn new things. 😉
Hi Bob,
I like your humanitarian spirit. Your concern for your neighbor is quite admirable. It reminds me of a philanthrophic endeavor that I have been longing to start. Unfortunately I have recieved no support from Marie on this quest. I have heard that there are beautiful young women that are dancers by trade. These poor women have barely enough clothing to cover them. Some I hear have none at all. My goal is through charitable contributions of course is to give money to these women for clothing. I think that if I give maybe one or two dollars to each while they are dancing it will spare their feelings. If anyone wants to donate to this seemingly worthy cause please let me know.
Your humble servant,
Tom
Paul you crack me up !!! Not sure I fully understand the story Bob…need more photos to compliment the scene..(wink wink !!)
Hi Jim – Yes, warning her that I might be seeing her is really the neighborly thing to do! It's only the right way to be a good neighbor!
Hi Bob – Who was shocked more? You or the unsuspecting lady? Did Feyma laugh when you told her about this? I'm not sure what I'd do in your case. Offer them a shower curtain?
Hi erik – Most of the people who take showers along the highway, or other public place, though, usually wear clothes. This lady was close to naked! Of course, I only noticed it out of the corner of my eye… I would never look! 😯
Hi Queenie – You are right about the squatter thing! Hard to get them off your property once they settle in. These neighbors, from what I have been told, are not squatters, though. Somehow they own the land.
A looker? Well, from my angle she didn't look bad! 😉
Tom – Your charitable side amazes me! Maybe we can work together on this fine project! 😀
Hi brian – I was going to upload the photos, but I couldn't put them down long enough to scan them! 😯
Hi Henry – Feyma and I have been having a laugh over this incident for a week now. It's kind of funny. Ah, the memories!
Is that "fine" project, or "bar fine" project? I'd be willing to donate a peso or two. 😉
Hi Bob , If they own the land in that neighborhood, you'd think they could afford better diggs!
Hi Queenie – It's just a guess, but I would say that these people may have inherited the land, but didn't have funds to build an actual house! You know how the Philippines is, though, there will be a mansion with a squatter shack right next door! 😉
Hi Bob, you are admirable person! Hi to Feyma! Enjoy your scenery :)…. (wink, wink). It does add longivity to your life. Laughter is good medicine.
One way I have described neighborhoods like that Bob, would be " Character and Individuality ". On my first visit I had never seen anything like that before where you would see as riding down a street, store, store, shack, house vacant lot, shack, shack, store, street vendor, shack, store etc, etc. I think I did even see an outdoor shower or two but no one using them as I passed by LOL.
Kamusta ka Bob,
Oh no our Bob is a peeping Bob…lol :)) , heck I would have looked too. But being there for a few months, I am surprised you haven't noticed that "makeshift" shower before?
salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
Bob,
You could always set up a web camera and maybe a motion detector to get a movie of her showering.
Just joking.
Bob, You are too funny! enjoyed the story very much.
I can't imagine anything like it. Got a good laugh.
Keep it funny I loved it, god knows we need to laugh.
Thanks,
Hi medora – Ha ha… I try to laugh as often as possible! 😉 Thanks for your comment.
Hi Bob – Next time, watch those showers a little closer! 🙂
Hi Danny – Funny thing is, though, I didn't intend to look, I was just opening my window for some fresh air! I wonder why they decided to put a shower right smack in front of our window! 😉
I'm trying to rig that up right now, Bruce! 😉
Glad you enjoyed the article, Cina!
Hi bob. sound like going camping in the US. you never know what you neighbor is doing
Hmm. Nice neighborhood, Bob. Any vacant lot near that 'indoorless shower' place? Ha ha! But it is that "rustic charm" that makes people keep coming back this side of the planet. I'm referring not to the ladies who shower in the open, but to the welcoming and open spirit native and intrinsic to our culture. Or it could be that she was aware she has an American neighbor who probably wouldn't mind her showering in the open. But you must have opened your window suddenly and that probably shocked her. At any rate, you brighten my sunless afternoon with your witty piece here.
LOL. Bob, that's a good one!
Junior
Hi Junior – Glad you enjoyed it! 😉
I'll bet you didn't need your morning coffee after that. Sounds like it was a real wake er upper.
Well, Ron, coffee is always nice. But, my eyes were certainly wide open after opening that window! 😉
Bobbbbbbbbb
Do the decent thing next time offer her a towel hahahahah, or at least get some pics so we can all advise you on what to do hehehe
on second thoughts "dont I think Feyma would lynch you lol
Hi Dave – Thanks for the advice. Since you already have advised me, no need to send you pictures! 😉 ha ha
Hi Bob, liked the story. I have one of my own. Once on a sailing trip we decided to get an early start to that days travels so I woke about 3am. As I poked my head out of the cabin to look at what the weather was like I noticed on a Fishing boat near by a couple standing on the deck. They were completely naked and the woman was staning in front of the man and they were facing me. They were watching the stars so they didn't notice me right away. Suddenly the guy saw me and waved and said a friendly hello. the woman laughed and said"your only kidding there is no one there" the guy responded" "yes there is right over there" and pointed. Once she saw me she shrieked and ran inside the boat. I guess it is true, the early bird gets the worm, or an eyefull!
Hi David – Nice story too. But, at 3 am I'm not sure how much of an eyeful you could have gotten! 😉 Anyway, it was an interesting experience! 😀
Bob,
I'am still laughing about your piece this morning, I love your
creative spirit, your humor, and everyone's response.
The title and the photo, it's hilarious! Bob, you should perhaps
turn it into a play.
Thanks,
Hi Cina – Ha ha… I don't think I would be a good writer for that, but who knows? It was certainly an interesting experience, though! 😉
when i was in bohol i was in downtown tabilaran in the middle of the afternoon i saw a adult man walking naked down the sidewalk with people all around, hence to say he had no tan lines, my wife and sister inlaw where in the car with me , they told me he must be buong!
Hi mike – I would agree with your wife and her sister! 😯
Hello Bob,
I haven't responded to you in awhile because I have been so busy with things going on in my life but I STILL go to your website nearly daily to see what you are saying. With Queen Bee's last sentance saying was she a looker was some thing I got a kick out of. Yeah well Bob,I'll bet she didn't look bad either.
Hi Queen Bee, do you remember me? I live down by Granbury Tx.
Dale
Is this the same Cina who is telling Rusty to grow up????????
Hi Dale – Happy that you are still visiting!
Hello Bob,
Last time I was riding home from Ormoca with Merlin, I knew she was hungry so nest little big town we come to I ask her if she want to stop and eat. She say no just get to top of hill and stop. So I did. Then to be polite after I knew why, I stood by cycle and pretended to pee in public so no one would notice her on other side of hiway hehe. Shower who needs privacy. Great story to wake up with. And you see some guy just stop in town of Isabel and pee on wall with everyone looking at 10:00 AM heck shower in open fine. Oh property we buy there had Merlin's house on it. Now for so little money we have title to. Aunts and uncles paid taxes for 10 years, so we just paid them back and was able to clear title. Plus what tax people said was value of land, p2700 each of 3 lots. p30,000 and we own house and 3 lots. Oh it well take $10.000 American to rebuild right but still cheap. Merlin was once 5 yeas ago the sqatter on relitives property.
Hi Dale, Glad I gave you a laugh. It's nice to hear from you but, I'm not sure if we've ever met. Maybe the Queen Bee you know was from a different hive! Nice to hear from you just the same.
I have lived in two Barangays in Iligan and from what I've seen, all the neighbors have outdoor baths. At first I used to shy away when the women were taking "badts" but after a while I used to encourage them to take off their clothes lol. Let me qualify my intentions. How can anyone have a proper badt with their clothes on? Just the other day I visited an auntie of my partner and low and behold there were four single mums having a badt in clear view of, well, everyone! My partner told me there is only one well servicing about 10 homes and she also used to bathe there with little on. She also said they could wash their clothes at the same time. Makes sense now.
I built a 70,000 CR Bathroom with all the mod cons BUT guess what? Most of our family bathe from a tap outside with their clothes on? Go figure!
Hi Boss – Doesn't surprise me!
Hello Bob, I'm a first time blogger on your site and your story broke me up,as I thought my purok was the only odd one in the P.I.. In 1999 I bought 1000sq.meter lot on a mountain in Bataan, Built a large house with a 2nd floor, and a large patio on the front of my slab roof. The lot next door (about 400 sq.meters) has a one room brick nipa on it (Ya gotta' love the zoning) and the entire family showers at the pump in the center of the land in various stages of undress. While having coffee early one morning, I saw something that I can never un-see, as much as I want to. A looker! I don't think so, it was a 70 plus year old Lola taking her shower. I moved all the tables and chairs to the back yard, and am trying to figire out what to do with the patio on my roof,that I used to enjoy so much. (LOL)
Hi Paul – Ha ha!!! Hey, thanks for stopping by, I hope you will become a regular here!
Hey, you're in the Philippines, viva la difference! I mean, if Lola was having a nice time, you should enjoy yourself too! 😉 Hey, who knows…. she might be looking for a foreign husband, after all! 😯
We certainly do live in a land of many interesting things, don't you think, Paul?
Again, welcome!
Well interesting or strange "We did choose to live here" I write every month for the RAO Subic website (Anybodys Point of View) under the title. "We Choose to Live Here" What I write about are the funny and odd things that we encounter while living here in Paridise. That's why I was pleased to find your site (thru Dave Star), as now I know it's not just me! I did'nt find the Philippines that hard to adjust to, as I'd lived in Puerto Rico for 9 years. Both in the Navy and after I retired. I went back to sea as a U.S. Merchant Seaman and found my way back here after 20 years gone, and said "Yup, this is for me!" So after 15 years living here, I find something new every day to smile about. Plus great people to talk with! I ain't goin' nowhere else.