Friends, Family and Fulfillment inside the Philippines

What makes us considering international travel? For some it may be the lure of the exotic country, a recommendation coming from a friend or perhaps the should flee the rain inside the summer (out of the box often the case inside UK). For me, it turned out disillusionment with my degree as well as the must get away from London, so I looked traveling in particular to volunteering like a kind of escapism. I had the idea that I could go somewhere and impart some of my knowledge, several of my time, and hopefully give back to someone along the way. I had the vision that I is the world, albeit in an exceedingly small way.

Altruistic? In part, but I also wished to get out of my situation and this appeared like a way of feeling better regarding it, along with making 11-month orphans inside Philippines smile. This trip was my first solo experience, and also to claim that I was nervous is definitely an understatement! Arriving into Tacloban Airport though, opened my eyes to a different world. The air was light and fresh there were luscious green palm trees and banana plantations everywhere. I was stunned in the beauty but additionally faced with the fact that view of life here has not been as I knew it. The Filipino standard of living in this region is incredibly low and I finally realized that I was going to experience a very different life style.

Throughout my time inside the Philippines, I was pointed at, stared and laughed at (especially when I attempted to get a run round the block, but I have since found that Filipinos rarely walk long distances, let alone run). But the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed my freedom. The pointing, staring and laughing happened because the people weren't use in my experience, and within the beginning I wasn't employed to them either and even if this really was hard at some part, it soon became much easier to handle. Over time, I learned to love the smells, the sounds, along with the hubbub of an city that wasn't London. I loved commuting on pedicabs and jeepneys (Google them-they are just like old style American school buses, painted and decorated for the nines!) and begun to have a real flavor for the country and more importantly, the folks.

Never in my life have I received such hospitality, and the like unusual reactions! As a Westerner, my co-workers with the orphanage saw me being a gateway for the south for sons or daughters, and many thought that I may find them a wife or husband home! At the orphanage I was poked, squeezed and pinched and I soon pointed out that it was their expression of acceptance and interest. I found that 'joking only' was area of the Filipino alphabet (nothing is to get taken seriously, that's for sure) understanding that to become English automatically equated me with 'cups of tea' and Hermione Granger from Harry Potter (though I look almost nothing like her), knowning that at 1m 75 (about 5'9), I am actually simply better than other population!

My days were spent working inside orphanage and providing caregivers with help and support. Outside of the orphanage, my well being was stuffed with studying the surrounding islands with fellow volunteers but it absolutely was also enriched by the love and support of my home stay family. I was truly welcomed in as one of them, and was shown their extended and extended-extended family throughout my five weeks inside country.

I remember on the end of time there when I was complaining about going back to London, the older brother from the family said to me, "You have to go back, Nicci. Your life isn't here. This isn't your reality." As hard as it turned out to hear, he was right. I had essentially the most incredible time traveling and volunteering, making new international friends and bonding with one of the most beautiful and giving family but my entire life was still being back London and I still hadn't figured out who the 'real' me was.

Four years later, and I'm now working for that same volunteering abroad organization that I volunteered with - Kaya Responsible Travel, and I am venturing out to live inside the Philippines in November for the year. I won't lie and point out that going by oneself, especially as a lone female traveler, is easy, but it absolutely was certainly one of the most rewarding thing I have ever done inside my life. I experienced a great deal by myself, and I saw and learned higher than a regular 'tourist,' who just scratches a country's surface.

My advice to fellow travelers seeking a challenge and a change is usually to simply do it. Forget about where you've are derived from, and truly embrace the united states that you're visiting. Get to know the area people, educate yourself on the language and embrace change. As soon as I returned to London, I started planning my next trip, and I've had itchy feet ever since. Now as an alternative to bawling my eyes out when I get to the airport, I get that nervous, excited feeling within my stomach: of chance along with the unknown. We have been because of the gift of living in 'the era of easy travel' in adventure order that it would certainly be rude to not take up the offer!

Hi! I’m Carmina, also known as Nana. I love Diy projects, parties, crocheting, and traveling. In this blog I share patterns, recipes, Diy projects, pet tips, party ideas, and travel tips.