So many islands, such little time: February 2009

The entrance to the resort

Coming to visit mom in the morning

Life in the Philippines so far has been very different from our other experiences and different, we are in the most remote lifestyle we have had. Living in a resort in the middle of nowhere has given us many different views of life. For the first time in our travels we are living in a enormously remote area where we are appreciating the chance to see the local life first hand and learn about it. This is also the first place we have received such a strong reaction because of the color of our skin, but not in an offensive way. People are interested to see us and look at us, but are tremendously friendly about it. My favorite part is the children; they are not shy, they point and dance and are totally shocked by us. It is so hilarious. And they love to pose for my camera, I could not ask for much more. Then I show them the pictures of themselves and they squeal with delight.

Local children in their school uniforms

At the resort we are working with many locals that live within a few minutes. In the last few days we went to see and visit them at their homes. The first home we saw was Victors, he has helped build the whole resort, he does everything, electricity, plumbing, wood carving, anything that is needed. He brought us to his home so we could give gifts to his kids. The children were very scared and curious about us and our presents. It was interesting to see their total shock of white people and at the same time the joy to get new toys. His house along with other few homes we saw were very basic, dirt/cement floors, cement block walls, sometimes a stray chicken, television, and one room. Very basic homes full of people. We went to visit their rice terraces where they harvest the rice 3 times a year to feed their families and others in the area. The terraces are spectacular and green just before the harvest. Most of the locals depend on the rice and vegetable and the minuscule local fish for their daily diet. As one of the girls explained, when they are our of rice and can not afford fish they use some local flowers and plant greens to make a salad. They were all extremely welcoming to have us, and excited to show us their homes, but still very shy and scared about what we would think of there simple lives. One of the girls showed us the water that they get from a pump near their homes, sadly she said could not offer it to us, because our stomachs may not agree, but instead her mom opened some coconuts for us to enjoy.
The dogs

Up the river from the sea

Adorable children during lunch break

Playing in the river

On our beach, our dive boat in the background

We have lived in this country for over a month now and I am continually surprised by how friendly the people are.
Another very interesting thing about the culture here is the Catholic religion. Very different for us. Lots of beautiful churches, and a very modest culture. We visited a local cold springs the other day which happened to be a holiday and it was full of locals. They were all drinking and having fun swimming in the giant pool. But they had clothes on, a couple of bathing suits but mostly all dressed and swimming. Of course I had a skimpy suit on and drew a bit of attention being white and little clothes, but still just friendly smiles.
We are getting used to being the only white people in most areas and I don’t notice it any more.

Learning from the locals in our kitchen

Yeah I can finally open my own coconut

More kids smiling, my favorite

That is all I have for now, my new life is not very good for my computer and I do a lot of my writing in my journal, eventually it will all get here, but not now. Time to go enjoy my very romantic Valentines with my Mom and Russ.
More in time
Love
Rachel

P.S.
Look Down FOR TONS MORE PICS

Rain flower