Moalboal....

was breath-taking, extremely hot and was the perfect place to recover from the last 6 weeks of erm, chaos.

I said to myself I wouldn't blog on the little details from A-Z on my every day life in Cebu but this one time, I will.

We got up at stupid o clock for a trip to South Terminal. This hasn't been the first time. We had our bags ready and were ready to go, as usual for the past few weeks, me and the UK counterpart waited for the Filipino to get her stuff sorted. "Filipino time." It exists everyday, or its getting worse by the minute.

We were out before five in the morning and managed to find a Taxi parked by some pavement (this was one of the very few things that made me smile in the morning). It's not that I'm generally moody in the mornings, it was because 1. the majority of the time, we spend our mornings tackling, standing in front (at the ready type of pose) to get a jeepney everyday. 2. Again, Its never been that smooooottthhh!!!! Happy Days.

I would talk to the Taxi Driver and tell him exactly where I wanted to go, but from experience; travelling and watching friends ask for directions, we have always had our phones as our aid. A winner every time. Besides, I don't want to be like "CAN YOU TAKE US TO THE BUS STATION!" whether I'm quiet or not. It's not a risk I'm willing to take.

Taxi Driver reading text message: "South Terminal." But it came across as "South TerminAAl." I couldn't help but giggle. They do love their A's.

We arrived at South TerminAAL, paid our fare and made our move to Dunkin Donuts. 50 Pesos for a donut and a coffee! Why the hell not! As everyone gathered, we all discovered to find one volunteer going home.

As creepy as this may seem, I watched the UK volunteer talk to the filipinos explaining what's happening and why he wasn't coming with the rest of us. They all gathered in a serious circle with emotions I could not describe. That moment had me realise how much the filipinos value assertive, hands-on, enthusiastic people like him. Not only that, but filipinos, especially the one's we have come to know definitely do value people that have come into their lives. Their perceptions to friends and family is immense. Their culture and their values are so rich, there is no comparison. Where we are seen to be "rich" in money, this is one that we do not have in our own country. We are far too independent and our family values have withered over time. Some families may remain to depend on one another, but most families today don't feel the need to share or be under the same roof all the time. This, in some ways isn't brilliant, but it is different.

We arrived at the resort after a three hour trip on a bus (more like coach) and a really rough ride on a jeepney. It was rocky and I was close to being sick! All in all, I came across a view (the same as the one in the picture). PARADISE!

As we settled in our houses, I had found myself watching the filipinos playing cards called Donkey. I couldn't help myself but get involved. I LOVE playing cards and it was even nicer to have the opportunity to interact with them (Phoebe, Mary-Ann and Rhosette). I taught them to play the BLACK QUEEN. We found ourselves laughing and it was nice to see them trying to cheat, wasn't having it though.

In the evening, we had embraced filipino culture, most definitely. Eating rice and meat off banana leaves (I think) with our bare hands. No spoons in sight. It was difficult but it was one I was willing to do, this one time. Messy indeed. But not to worry, the filipinos as usual, mopped the floor and cleaned the whole room. It was almost like we were seen as royalty. But really, we were simply lazy!

The night ended with a bonfire, melted marshmallows, hermit crabs, "It is an avocado" debate and games. It was close to perfect. Hats off to the volunteers who made it happen - Gemma, Chelsea and Kimberly.

Day Two was even better, we all walked to the beach, in an area where there was no seaweed wrapping our bare legs and played Water Polo. To form the teams we played Paper, Scissors and Rock. The Loser Team I went. But my...the filipinos are rough! They tackle, whack, push, drown you just to retrieve the ball. Amazing. They are half our size!? In the end, the Losers weren't Losers =D

It WAS a good getaway! Now, bring on the next 6 weeks or 5..?