Baliwag

Baliwag is the town in the Philippines where we are living.  In this post we are showing some pictures we took around Baliwag.

 This is what traffic looks like.  It's very crowded and there lots of traffic and people.

 Another crowded street around the town center.  This is a very crowded area.

 Besides cars and buses there are three modes of transportation.  Lots of motorcycles which are the best for darting around slower or stopped traffic.

 These are called tricycles.  They are motorcycles with side cares that people use like taxis for getting around.  People don't pay much attention to traffic lanes.

 This is a jeepney used for transportation.  It holds about a dozen passengers.  Most people don't have cars and they pay to ride either the tricycle or jeepney.  Surprisingly we do not see very many bicycles, just a couple now and then.

 This is the clock tower that's in the town square of Baliwag.

 War memorial in memory of World War II when the Philippines were invaded by the Japanese.  The Philippines fought side by side with Americans during the war and General Douglas MacArthur is a big hero over here.

 A large Catholic cathedral.  The majority religion here is Catholic.

 Ceiling inside the cathedral tpwer.

 Statue of Mose and the Ten Commandments.

 In the town square we each had a Bibingka.  They only cost 55 pesos, which is just about a $1.20.  It is cooking under the coals.

 The Bibingkas are like a hot custard, but are called rice cakes. It is a traditional Christmas food.  Oh, it case you didn't know the Christmas season begins September first in the Philippines and lasts through Christmas.  You can see a little of it under the green leaf. It was about 6 inches in diameter and was served with shredded coconut. I (Sister Swift) really enjoyed it.

 Here is a tiny Dunkin Donuts.

 A large number of the signs (the majority I think) are in English.  Most everyone speaks at least some English, but very little is spoken here in the province or at church during talks or prayers.  I know some of the members can speak it quite well though, and will interpret for me if I ask.  A lot must be able to read it too.

 Of course the McDonalds is in a modern building.