Open Heart and Open Mind

The view from my room

Could see lightening in the distance on the way back from dinner and the sounds of rain reminded me of home... when I was going to sleep.  Woke up to a beautiful sunrise, ever so ready for another day -  Day 2 of the CSC project in Cebu.

Cebu City Government Building

Turned out the originally planned assignment for me and David was no longer feasible for the client, which is quite unfortunate - a real missed opportunity for all..., but as often when one door closes, another opens... and David and I are teaming up with other volunteers - David w/ Denise and Cedf-IT, and I w/ Nora and Tati in the City Gov't HR Development office (HRDO).   What an excellent chance to practice being flexible, strengthen our adaptability muscles, and demonstrate we're in the CSC experience with truly open hearts and open minds!

Look forward to learning more about HR and Organization Development practices with my new project, and expect there is lots to gain from both my IBM experts as well as all the delightful people at the HRDO.  We get to also hang out with Janet and Garima, who are working in the same Executive Building.

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At all levels, the sensory experience is rich and omnipresent - new colors, smells, sounds, sights, pace, climate, realities...

Dried Fish/Shellfish at the Taboan Market

Fertilized duck eggs

  Yesterday
  afternoon
  we went to a local
  dried fish market -
  wow!

  It's hard to see the
  condition many live
  in, and yet in true
  Filipino fashion 
  everyone is
  tremendously kind,
  generous and
                                           offering big smiles.

Most families eat rice at every meal

Dried octopus

Shellfish

     

* * *

Another special surprise came from within the team - Phil, Alexis and Falk made IBM CSC "heart" Cebu t-shirts for the whole team and presented them to us on the way to dinner on Monday - way cool, thoughtful and creative - Thanks!

* * *

Larsian  Barbeque

Pork, Chicken, Fish, Squid, Intestines, Liver, Chicken Skin...

Today's story wouldn't be complete unless I share more about tonight's dinner - much revolves around food here and I've been fortunate to taste some fabulously delicious local cuisine.  The overall experience of the Larsian Barbeque market is a definite must try!