Good afternoon and welcome back to VibePinas! Today is a day for the history books, though I’m not entirely sure if that’s a good thing or a terrifying thing. We are still in the city, staying at a place in Mabolo that I wouldn’t exactly recommend, but the location isn't the headline today.
First of all, it’s my birthday! I’ve officially hit the big 4-3. I know I look much younger—maybe 33—but the calendar doesn't lie. In true "Aksel style," my birthday wish was simple: peace and quiet, some good food, and maybe a few beers on my balcony back in the mountains. But this is the Philippines, and as I’ve learned, things rarely go according to the plan in my head.
Instead of a relaxing day, I spent my birthday managing a "triple threat" of paperwork. We had to sort out my money situation back in Norway, handle our ongoing tax registration here in the Philippines, and—most terrifyingly—start the process for Jessa to get her driver's license.
We headed over to a driving school in Robinsons Galleria. I’ve been telling Jessa for a while that if she wants to drive the car, she needs to do it the right way. There was a bit of a debate about how it works; Jessa thought she could just pay a fee and get a permit, but I insisted there’s a theory exam involved. It turns out we’re both a bit right and wrong. She has to take a three-day theoretical course first, then wait about a month before she can even think about the practical test. The thought of Jessa behind the wheel of a car is enough to turn my hair gray, but it’s going to make for some legendary videos, that's for sure.
After the paperwork marathon, Jessa decided it was time for my "birthday treats." She took me out to get coffee and bread—which she mostly ate. Then, she "bought" me a gift using my own money, which turned out to be a bottle of rum, some wine, and a pile of chocolates that I suspect she’ll be the one finishing. And the beer I wanted? Nowhere to be found!
For dinner, we ended up at an "unlimited chicken" place. Now, I love chicken, but I quickly realized this wasn't really my birthday dinner—it was a Jessa and Liam feast! I finished my plate in about five minutes, while Jessa was still going strong twenty minutes later, working her way through what must have been 20 chicken wings and multiple rounds of rice. She even tried to invent a new delicacy: rice mixed with chocolate ice cream. She claims it’s a thing in Europe; I’ve lived in Europe for 40 years and I’ve never seen anyone do that, but hey, that’s Jessa for you!
The "tragic" end to the birthday came when the bill arrived. Jessa looked at me with her best smile and told me it was time for me to pay. So, I took my wife out for my birthday, watched her eat all the chicken, and then paid for the privilege!
Despite the lack of beer and the "ATM" treatment, it really was a great day. We’ve been away from home for nearly four months due to my health issues and the typhoon, and we’re finally on the verge of heading back to the mountains. I’m exhausted, but I’m looking forward to getting home, sitting on that balcony, and finally having those four beers in peace.
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!
