It's so easy to get lost in the beauty of this country. You can't help but be astounded by how blended and different these people are, their culture, beliefs, tales of daily life. The kindness. The openness to welcome you into their lives with the recognition that your presence there will make theirs richer for it; no better way to find yourself than not only exploring the landscapes that paint themselves across kilometers and years at a time but to meet the inhabitants that call them home every day like they're doing us all a favor by existing. It's unusual because there isn't much difference between rural life here and urban life - people flow freely between both; neighborhoods morph quickly from one central hub into another without formal recognition of the change. Within a kilometer of being outside your resort, you're likely to be fishing under makeshift docks with local children, slurping on soft coconuts that have fallen from the palms overhead (with their adorable accompanying "hacks" to open them), sitting in someone's backyard or front porch sharing noodles and fruit juice or a packed lunch. You start to understand the value of a handshake in a country where it's prevalent for strangers passing on the street to stop, chat and exchange numbers for catching up later over dinner or coffee.
The food is one of the most incredible things to come home with you from this trip - every meal feels like an adventure into something you've never had before, like an argument with yourself over whether or not you'll be able to try it all. It feels like family here because there's so much flavor packed inside everything they cook, every meal made to order exactly how you want it. They love their fried things, their salty things, but I always find myself leaving satisfied and yet somehow still wanting more because it's just that good.
After spending a week in the Philippines, I can tell you that it's no wonder, so many tourists come to this country. The culture is vibrant, with beautiful natural scenery all around. There are some challenges here, too, of course- but they're worth overcoming if your goal is happiness or enjoying life more fully. If you ever get the chance to visit this place yourself, don't pass up on it!
