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| The Ruins |
The Philippines is filled with cultural sights and things to
do, “right around the corner.” There is a definite close connection between
Filipino history and American history.
The fact that English is a national language is the biggest evidence.
There is an almost overwhelming Euro-American presence that is undeniable.
So far on the trip our guide-teacher has done a fabulous job
of exposing us to “high” and “low” culture that gives us a since of what life
would be like in Bacolod if we weren’t living out of suitcases in a hotel.
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| Donah, Carrie, Me, Amanda, Raymund at 7 Springs |
Weekend getaways are a part of life and no different in the
Philippines. Bacolod area has a lot to offer. For fun, Campuestuhan Resort,
where you can zipline and be in the company of King Kong. For re-charge, Mambukal Mountain resort. The
water fall hiking, Seven Springs is a grande concept. Our groups hike was three
of the seven and was slightly challenging for me, the former Park Ranger, in
floppy, worn crocs. The butterfly garden, Japanese hot springs, bat sanctuary,
and of course the whole body massage melted the rigors of hiking away. Our planned weekend beach trip to Sipalay is sure to impress.
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| Ms. Connie at Balay Negrense Museum |
Our visit to Bacolod has shown me that Filipinos here work
hard but also know very well how to take a step back and enjoy, reflect and
re-charge.
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| A view of La Consolacion College from the Pope John Paul Tower |
The Ruins, City Public Plaza, Meeting the Mayor at the new
government center, going to the market, Negros Museum, San Diego De Alcala
Parish, Balay Negrense Museum, Pope John Paul Tower, Museo Negrense de La Salle,
helped me to put this experience in a context that was familiar. With this
basic awareness I could reflect, compare, and appreciate. The analysis process
heightens my sense of what it means to be home. I miss my family and wish they
were,
here. I want them to see,
experience and share together. My appreciation for what makes my hometown and
country unique has deepened.
Odd Corner: I’m a city slicker but I’m awake to the truth
now. “Cock-a-doodle-do” isn’t just in nursery rhymes, it is a real thing. This
rooster woke me up, has been waking me up, will keep waking me up, because he’s
right outside my hotel window having a conversation with another cockerel who
is apparently not that far away because I can hear him too. They will be
chatting it up through-out the day I suppose…so cocky. ;-)
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