Week 3 already. This week started with a manic Monday! A day at the city health office, on arrival all the staff are in a meeting and don't come out until about 9.30. The surge of people for the animal bite centre, only open Monday and Thursday morning was huge as everyone tried to hand their piece of pPer in - there seemed to be no process to it. Dr Palay (assistant medical officer) tells me he saw me in Cebu over the weekend - I didn't see him! As they get st...

Second weekend here and up early to catch the (thankfully air conditioned) bus to Cebu City. It's about a 3hr ride (cost 135 pesos, about £2.50). The countryside whizzed by as the bus driver negotiated the road quickly. From Cebu North bus terminal a quick taxi journey to the hotel and a check in. A change from what has become the norm - room is on the 21st floor. Most houses in Bogo are only one storey, some are 2, I think I've seen one or two three storeys but...

Week 2 volunteering, another busy week. We started by going to the elementary school in La Paz as they were starting their healthy eating/ feeding programme for the 5 and 6 year old - many are malnourished. Every Tuesday is medical mission to one of the rural districts, where the city health office basically ups sticks and relocates for the morning! Including dental and optical services. The OAPs are given a rice allowance, and they also give away seedlings for v...

First full weekend here, and a trike, bus and ferry bring me to Bantayan Island and Santa Fe for the weekend. I stayed in a cabana (Amihan Cabanas) on Saturday night, making full use of their wifi and sun loungers on Saturday and Sunday. The town is quiet small (didn't take too long to wander round, although I did pass 3 churches!!). Went for a swim in the sea, the water is like bath water - it's warm too! It's quite shallow here so you have to walk out quite far...

First week over already! Been a varied and busy week, getting the feel of the place and how things work. Met so many people, especially at health office and out in the Barungays (districts), everyone welcoming. This week I've helped cook at an elementary school, and come up with a couple of recipes for the vegetable mix they have to use. Ive been out to various districts. Spent time in La Paz district helping health workers with screening. Worked in the City He...