Recent trip to the Phils--mini-review

[Stevephoto 230]

Mabuhay!

 

Sorry this is a "late" review. Joan and I visited family and to check on the progress of our house (many of you know that we are planning a move in early to mid-2024) in June. This note is late is because unfortunately, despite being extremely careful for the past 3 1/2 years, I tested positive for COVID the day after we returned to Hawaii. Many of you also know that I have Cerebral Palsy and I am on the list of people at high risk for a severe respiratory outcome--or worse--from COVID. In fact, it has now been a month and while I am thankfully alive, I am still congested with an annoying cough. So, no editorial intent here, but this junk is still out there (always will be), so be cautious. I can now say that this is not a fun virus to deal with. Oh, for what it is worth, I was only around people I did not know without a mask for 5 minutes maximum. Anyway...

 

Things are moving along beautifully. The house looks amazing! There were some questions about eTravel before we left and I had some questions about Joan traveling as a dual citizen. I know that this information is a month old (so things could have changed plenty by now!), but our experience was very easy and smooth (relatively!) First: eTravel. VERY simple. Fill out the form online and download and/or receive a scan code by email. Save the the scan code (sorry, I'm old and don't know the actual name for those thingys (NO laughing @RO_AH!). To be honest, I am not sure that anyone actually looked for the code. I know that we passed a quarantine section in the airport and we both had our phones out. There were two lanes--one for those who had the code and one for those who still needed to register. Remember, I was receiving wheelchair assistance, so perhaps the assistant "nodded" us along. I don't know, but we were never stopped for a check. We were also "required" to register for eTravel for the return trip to the US and I am sure that no one checked it at the airport. The hardest part was getting the information registered on the website with the hotel wifi (I think we just used the data part of our phone plan instead). Nothing to it. No vaccine card check. No questions. Nothing.

 

The information stated here about traveling as a dual citizen was spot on. US Passport in the US. Both passports in the Phils. Done. The only "funny" incident was returning. I had the "balikbayan" extension marked in my passport. I was asked if I had extended my stay and then the immigration officer noticed Joan and put two and two together. Done. Easy...for now!

 

Salamat again to all of you for your support! I hope this helps those traveling soon. Safe travels...and don't forget...it is HOT in the Philippines!

[RO_AH 1,659]

2 hours ago, Stevephoto said:

This note is late is because unfortunately, despite being extremely careful for the past 3 1/2 years, I tested positive for COVID the day after we returned to Hawaii. Many of you also know that I have Cerebral Palsy and I am on the list of people at high risk for a severe respiratory outcome--or worse--from COVID. In fact, it has now been a month and while I am thankfully alive, I am still congested with an annoying cough. So, no editorial intent here, but this junk is still out there (always will be),

Sorry to hear this. I have had it 2x and I am also in a high risk group. It sucked but I never found it too bad. If you are still suffering with long Covid, I would recommend "Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup - Sambucus Elderberry Syrup". It really helped me with clearing up the lingering effects (like coughing and phlegm. I just took 3 or 4 doses a day till I finished a bottle. I bought a 2-pack on Amazon. I am more of a natural supplements guy and  this stuff is very highly rated on Amazon.

2 hours ago, Stevephoto said:

Save the the scan code (sorry, I'm old and don't know the actual name for those thingys (NO laughing @RO_AH!).

That would be a QR code 🤣

[Stevephoto 230]

14 hours ago, RO_AH said:

Sorry to hear this. I have had it 2x and I am also in a high risk group. It sucked but I never found it too bad. If you are still suffering with long Covid, I would recommend "Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup - Sambucus Elderberry Syrup". It really helped me with clearing up the lingering effects (like coughing and phlegm. I just took 3 or 4 doses a day till I finished a bottle. I bought a 2-pack on Amazon. I am more of a natural supplements guy and  this stuff is very highly rated on Amazon.

That would be a QR code 🤣

Thanks! It definitely sucked. I think I am out of the woods but I will keep the syrup in mind.

 

Yeah...QR code...that's it (nod to Jon Lovitz)!!!

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Fully recover soon, bueno amigo!

[Stevephoto 230]

6 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Fully recover soon, bueno amigo!

Gracias amigo! Feeling a little better every day. Como estas? I miss our chats. Will send a PM soon. I hope all is well.