Philippine Daydreams..

Since being home from my travels and been having excessive amounts of time to myself it has given me a chance to reflect on certain parts of my trip. Adventuring over to the Philippine Islands was such a missive highlight of my trip, particularly from the South East Asia leg of my trip. Looking back I realise how much I jumped into the deep end. Travelling around the main areas of SEA (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) was SO incredibly easy, the language barrier barely exists. Though there isn't a huge language barrier in the Philippines, in certain areas of the country and particular islands you are the only westerners. Starting your trip in this sort of way was difficult, unsure whether we should trust locals, where to get buses or in the hustle and bustle of the City if it was even that safe. 

After a couple of days settling in, I realised how amazing this Country is! The people are so friendly, I chatted to a local on a bus back to Cebu's main city for almost 2 hours. I understood more about their education and their influences as a Country but also really got to know the incredibly wonderful woman that I sat next to on the sweaty local non air-conditioned bus. I wish I could remember the ladies name, but I still remember how difficult her life has been.

My bus partner opened up about how hard it hit her and her family when her husband died of cancer. Both her and her husband had good jobs, but unfortunately not being able to afford the cost of health care meant that Chemo was not available. Looking after her husband right up until his death, trying to keep a job and raising 3 sons made me truly realise how incredible she was. Her older 2 sons are working, and her youngest was at University, not much younger than myself.

Though the Philippines is so far away from the UK, I felt at home amongst their principles and morals. I understand I can't make a full judgement from only a 2 week visit. Although the country is underdeveloped and it was heart breaking being amongst steel homes that would continuously get ruined in the next typhoons, the families were so welcoming and friendly and always full of joy! It was eye opening to be around.

I urge anyone to go and visit, the weather does have its ups and downs but it all adds to the experience. I also know that country has had an on going issues since the new government came into power, including terrorism, but don't let that stop you! Experience the Philippines before it turns into a trashy version of Thailand and the culture changes dramatically. I truly feel it pushed me to see the rest of the trip differently and the experiences haven't faded from my memory. My only regret is that I wish I took more photographs - particularly a portrait of my lady on the bus.