4 August 2013
Today in Puerto Princesa was amazing. First I was put in contact with people who took time out of their day to pick me up from the airport and drive me around the city on their tricycle (a motorcycle with a side car), refusing any compensation for their help.
After arriving at the hostel, I ventured off towards the beach to get a better view of the ocean and mountains. I walked towards an area that resembles the favelas of Brazil. If I wasn't me, I wouldn't have gone down the road alone - or maybe at all. I did have a moment's hesitation though. But in that moment a man on a bike appeared asking if I needed directions. He said the waterfront was just a bit further down the road. So I continued.
I passed a group of teenaged boys playing basketball on a dirt courtyard, then crossed two wood planked bridges leading through shack housing where I finally reached the waterfront.
The shoreline was stunning. A few adults sat on a cement partition wall gazing at the view. Although their housing may not be what one would ever dream of, the view from their front porch definitely is. Two men glanced my direction and nodded at me between cigarette puffs and turned their attention back to the view.
Then the children appeared. A large handful of them. They asked my name. They asked my age. They said "good morning", "good afternoon", and I taught them "good evening". We chatted for a while, and then I left - receiving a chorus of goodbyes with them even calling me by name while doing so.
By far one of the greatest moments in this country yet.
Today in Puerto Princesa was amazing. First I was put in contact with people who took time out of their day to pick me up from the airport and drive me around the city on their tricycle (a motorcycle with a side car), refusing any compensation for their help.
After arriving at the hostel, I ventured off towards the beach to get a better view of the ocean and mountains. I walked towards an area that resembles the favelas of Brazil. If I wasn't me, I wouldn't have gone down the road alone - or maybe at all. I did have a moment's hesitation though. But in that moment a man on a bike appeared asking if I needed directions. He said the waterfront was just a bit further down the road. So I continued.
I passed a group of teenaged boys playing basketball on a dirt courtyard, then crossed two wood planked bridges leading through shack housing where I finally reached the waterfront.
The shoreline was stunning. A few adults sat on a cement partition wall gazing at the view. Although their housing may not be what one would ever dream of, the view from their front porch definitely is. Two men glanced my direction and nodded at me between cigarette puffs and turned their attention back to the view.
Then the children appeared. A large handful of them. They asked my name. They asked my age. They said "good morning", "good afternoon", and I taught them "good evening". We chatted for a while, and then I left - receiving a chorus of goodbyes with them even calling me by name while doing so.
By far one of the greatest moments in this country yet.
1 comment:
I was out of town last week and couldn't believe how many posts awaited me today. So many amazing places to visit in the Philippines. This post was my favorite. It was heartwarming to read how you made your way down the road less traveled and found people as lovely as the scenery at the end of it.
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