Kelly nodded her understanding, and got thoughtful again. She stayed that way until a couple hours later, when Mhay and Cherry showed up again. Remembering our previous lessons, she greeted them in Tagalog, and thanked them in it when they told her she was doing very well.

Cherry and Mhay both gave us language lessons a couple more times during our flight to Manila; after Kelly and I had our talk, she was appreciably more intent on the language lessons, and much more willing to ask Cherry or Mhay the why of a certain phrase. She showed more interest in asking them cultural and situational questions – what do I do if…, how should I…, and so on. Being female as Cherry and Mhay were, Kelly thought of things that simply wouldn't have occurred to me and I learned even more about the culture in the process.

We finally made it to Manila, and made it through Customs without any problems. Baggage in tow, we made our way out of the secure part of the airport to the receiving area for our flight. Tired as we were, it still didn't take us long to spot Ms. Ramos.

She seemed to recognize us about the same time, and moved to meet us as we headed toward her. Straight black hair to the middle of her back, a little button of a nose, full lips, dark eyes, and a nicely curved figure, she was a delight to look at with her smooth, clear complexion.

Standing a full 5 feet, 2 inches tall, Kelly and I both towered over her.

"Mr. and Mrs. Marshall? Welcome to the Philippines."

"Mabuhai (Greetings)" I told her, followed by Kelly asking "Kumu sta ka?" (How are you?).

Ms. Ramos got a delighted smile on her face, and answered "Mabuhay!

Mabuti!" ([I'm doing] Fine!).

She looked at both of us for a moment, and then asked "How is it that you know Tagalog?"

I explained to her that I'd been there while serving in the Navy (I saw what she thought of that), and that both of us had asked for – and gotten – language lessons from a couple of the stewardesses on the plane.