2 weeks ago some of my officemates, Tin, Bjorn and Sarah, the two returned Australian volunteers, Tom and Phoebe, Tin and Sarah's siblings, Jeff and I went on an adventure to Atuluyan Island in Camarines Sur. The journey started at 5 AM when we met at the van terminal to go to Tabaco City, then a trike to Tiwi and then a bangka to the island. On the way, our trike got 2 flat tires and our boat ran out of gas in the middle of the ocean, so we had to get another bangka to tow us.
Even though there were some trials getting there, it was worth it. We spent the day swimming, or learning to swim in Sarah's case, singing, taking pictures, lounging in our hut, sunbathing and eating. Sarah's mom woke up at 2AM to make us an amazing feast for the day with tons of fresh fruit and vegetables, stuffed peppers, 3 types of fish, lumpia, squash and more.
It was a big day for Sarah, Tin and Stephanie, Tin's sister. It was their first time swimming without shorts on-two piece only. The week leading up to the trip, all they could talk about was having their two pieces ready. Typically women in the Philippines do not wear two pieces without shorts and/or a t-shirt to cover up. When they go to the pool or beach they swim in jean shorts and a t-shirt. However, since Phoebe and I were there wearing our two pieces and since they were further from home where no one would talk about them, they wore their two pieces (I should have covered up more because I was roasted by the end of the day). As we were swimming Sarah and Tin said that they were never going back to covering up. "We're proud of our bodies. If they want to stare, let them stare." Tin was especially adamant about it. She recently lost a lot of weight from cutting out rice and all meats besides fish and has just blossomed. I am so proud of her commitment to her health.
It was such a fun day and another reminder of how awesome my job is.
"Who is this strange white person?"
Please wear your sun screen, or a hat. Always love you Dad.
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