A Dumagueteño in Cincinnati

(Above: The shimmering lights of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio at night. Photo credit goes to Cincinnati Images.)

Assuming all goes well with the immigration process, Marilyn will be leaving her humble home in Dumaguete and joining me here in the Cincinnati metro area sometime next year. I often wonder how she will respond to such a drastic change in culture after spending her entire life in the Philippines. I am convinced she will find this place devoid of the activity and personality of Dumaguete. Sure, there are many options for entertainment, but very few involve any actual interaction with other human beings. Socially speaking, Americans tend to be dead from the neck up. That isn't to say we aren't among the most amiable people in the world, but we often must be reminded of our capacity to fellowship with others.

Marilyn, if you're reading this, I'll be honest with you...Cincinnati is no Dumaguete. In fact, I doubt there exists such a place in America that compares with the culturally rich and uniquely hospitable landscape which undergirds Dumaguete.

Ahh, but I am here...and this, she tells me, is all that will ever matter to her. Ain't love swell? :)

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, cincinnati, filipina in america