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The Campfire / Re: Adapting to your country
« Last post by mpo on May 17, 2025, 09:24:37 am »
FYI

Pure Land Buddhism is a broad branch of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on achieving rebirth in a Pure Land, a superior place for spiritual training that is free from the distractions and fears of the current world.

 This tradition is particularly popular in East Asia and is one of the most widely practiced forms of Buddhism in the region
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The Campfire / Re: Adapting to your country
« Last post by mpo on May 17, 2025, 09:21:28 am »
Quote from: Martin on May 16, 2025, 08:01:12 pm
How has your spouse embraced the new ways of western living?

In short, she has NOT embraced new ways at all. It has caused a lot of trouble which almost lead to the marriage ending. here is one EXAMPLE:

the issue of DIVORCE

Because of my faith and beliefs I reject that option and will not allow it. (happened 1 year ago)

And, yes, I was divorced from my first wife, but I also rejected divorce back then, and it was FORCED onto me.
I had no choice, and no option.

This time I was able to convince my Chinese wife that this was NOT a good option/solution to any problems.
And we have to work it out together.

There are many more issues ...

In fact my wife has not adapted at all, but has gone even further away from our western ways
rejecting the faith I stand in, and declaring that she now follows "Buddha", and attends a temple.
This happened when her bible reading, God fearing, Christian Mom passed away. (before 2020)

My wife has some kind of universal mind set, that all faiths are the "same", and lead to the same God and Heaven. Except that Buddha people will receive rewards in a place called "pureland" which is superior to the Christian "heaven", and therefore is the superior faith. Just as the Asian race is superior to my race.
(her view)

I pointed out to her that it is clearly NOT the same, since she thinks divorce was OK, and I think it is completely NOT OK, by rejecting it completely. Once that was worked out, we can now work on other issues, the run of things to work on, ... never ends it seems. 

but as time passes the list gets shorter... people pass away, or kids grow up, and move out :)





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The Campfire / Adapting to your country
« Last post by Martin on May 16, 2025, 08:01:12 pm »
I'm just curious how your wife adapted to your country?  For many of the women, this might be their first time leaving their own country.  This was the case with my wife.  In the case of many in the Philippines, they are well aware that things are done differently in other countries, and they go in to the new country ready to embrace the changes.  But how about women from China, or other asian countries?

An example of my wife doing something new in Canada...I love to go camping.  I grew up with it.  My wife had her own idea of what camping was.  In her experience, camping was when you pitch a tent at the beach, when you are going there to spend the day.  The tent is basically a place to escape the sun, and nap.  But not really something you would stay in for more than the day. 

Early into her time in Canada, we went camping in Banff, and Jasper Alberta.  Campfires, tents, cooking hotdogs over the fire, smores, and wilderness. She loved it.  The children, 12 and 14 years old loved it as well.  So much so, that every spring, I get asked if we are planning a camping trip for the upcoming summer.  We have retired the tents, and migrated to a camper trailer now...and she likes this even more.  Refrigerator, washroom, furnace (so we can camp later in the season), and awning, in case it rains.  She (and the kids) have totally embraced the camping culture. 

How has your spouse embraced the new ways of western living?
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The Campfire / Re: How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by Martin on May 14, 2025, 12:23:21 pm »
Thankfully, I have never been to Gitmo.  Seems like a place I would rather not go to.  Cuba is a beautiful country, with very nice people.  Most countries are pretty nice, if you separate the country from the politics.
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The Campfire / Re: How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by Robertt S on May 12, 2025, 10:43:16 pm »
Damn Martin, I forgot about my 3 weeks in Gitmo Cuba getting recertified Damage control and Battle readiness! That was prior to our circumnavigation of the earth!
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The Campfire / Re: How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by Martin on May 12, 2025, 09:36:24 pm »
I don't think I have been to as many as you guys, but here is my list:

USA
Holland
Cuba
China (x2)
Japan
Philippines (x10)
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The Campfire / Re: JOKE
« Last post by mpo on May 09, 2025, 02:32:24 pm »
 8)

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The Campfire / Re: How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by mpo on May 08, 2025, 01:34:02 pm »
I have been to a few ...

1. Canada - too many times to count, and I lived there for 3 years
2. Mexico - a few times
3. Ireland - once
4. China - 3 times
5. South Korea - 2 times
6. Japan - once

Went to New Jersey a few times .... I think it counts


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The Campfire / Re: How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by shaun on May 08, 2025, 10:25:30 am »
Interesting.

1.  Mexico        - too many times to count as I grew up on the border.
2.  Iran            - 1
3.  Switzerland - 1
4.  Israel          - 2
5.  China          - 5
6.  Texas          - Haha
7.  Canada        - I'm not counting them because they may become the 51st state.   Just joking Martin.

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The Campfire / How many countries have you visited?
« Last post by Robertt S on May 07, 2025, 11:06:36 pm »
I thought this might be an interesting topic. I must confess that I might have a slight advantage since I spent 6 years in the United States Navy.


1. Spain x 3. Rota and Palma Mallorca twice
2. Portsmouth England
3. Holy Loch Scotland
4. Egypt ( Port Said) (Transited the Suez Canal)
5. Diego Garcia Indian Ocean ( 3 months of boredom)
6. Perth Australia ( very friendly people)
7. Panama ( Transited the Panama canal)
8. Mexico ( Neuvo Laredo) Picked up a load of pottery and wrought iron products
9. China x 3
10. Philippines x 2 ( Cities visited include Cebu, Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa , Cagayan de Oro, Lanao Del Norte)
11. South Korea x4 (Incheon)


And as a bonus I also belong to the Order of Magellan for circumnavigating the earth, as well as being a Shellback, belonging to the Order of the Golden Dragon, Royal Order of the Ditch ( Panama Canal), and Safari to Suez!
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