One day in the holy city Qom
Qom is a very important and holy city for most Iranians, not so much for tourists. So when I said that I’m going to Qom I got some confused looks and people asked me why would I go there. I didn’t really know but then I quickly realized that it’s definitely worth a visit!
Qom has some really great architecture and beautiful buildings. The holy shrine is one of the most impressive buildings in Iran and a lot of pilgrims come here from all around the world.
First I was unsure if I could just go there or if my dress code was appropriate, but then locals were really friendly and showed me where to go. Tourists enter on entrance 17. Inside the entrance your bag gets checked and in my case they cave me appropriate clothing.
The women were so nice to me! They gave me chocolate and organized a tour guide for me who showed me around.
After the holy shrine I walked to the mosque nearby and an afghan girl talked to me. We took a picture together and talked a while. It’s heartwarming how friendly everyone is and that they are curious about their visitors.
Qom was definitely a great experience and Im glad I decided to got there.
25 Great Reasons to Visit the Philippines
Contrary to the belief of a number of people, the Philippines is not only limited to the traffic jams of Manila. There is so much more to it.
The Philippines has 7,107 islands to choose from. Do you want to experience life by the beach? Do you want to conquer the highest peaks in the country? Do you want to walk the busy streets of the concrete jungle? Name it, and the Philippines has it. And because it is made up of thousands of islands, there are so many options and so many activities that you can do.
If you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia, you must not ignore the Philippines. Not convinced? Here are 25 things that might change your mind.
1. The Philippines is the perfect tropical getaway
as it maintains an average temperature of 26.6°C all year round. There are no extreme hot or cold temperatures, so your body won’t have to adjust too much. Plus, you can get to enjoy a vacation at the beach any time of the year.
2. The country has a lot of beautiful white sand beaches
that easily resemble the tropical paradise of your dreams. Nothing will beat the feeling of ditching your flip-flops as you sink your toes into the fine white sand. Add in the pristine water and laid-back vibes, you might never want to leave.
These are some of the places with the best white sand beaches that you must visit:
- Bantayan Island, Cebu
- Malapascua Island, Cebu
- Malcapuya Island, Coron
- Daku Island, Siargao
- Pacifico Beach, Siargao
- Mati, Davao Oriental
- Panglao Island, Bohol
3. Here you can still find untouched nature
While there are beaches that are already known to many, there are even more of unspoiled beaches in the country. Here, you will find serenity and be able to relax without unwanted noise from other tourists.
These are some of the “virgin” beaches in the country:
- Malamawi Island, Basilan
- Carnaza Island, Cebu
- Bonbon Beach, Romblon
- Balimanok Beach, Pangasinan
- Vulugan Beach, Batanes
- Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo
4. There are pink beaches in the Philippines too!
You don’t need to go to Harbour Island in Bahamas, Balos Bay in Greece, or Spiaggia Rosa in Sardinia, because this tropical country in Southeast Asia is also a home to a few rose-tinted sand beaches. They are a bit harder to find than the white sand beaches, but they will definitely be worth the trip!
These are the known pink beaches in the country:
- Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
- Sila Island, Northern Samar
- Subic Beach, Sorsogon
- Tikling Island, Sorsogon
- Pundaguitan Beach, Davao Oriental
5. Ever swam with sea turtles?
If the beautiful beaches aren’t enough to convince you to visit the Philippines, you have to know that you can swim with sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan,” as well. It’s not every day that you get to do swim alongside these magnificent animals, so you might as well grab the chance while you can.
Here are some of the spots where you can swim with sea turtles:
- Apo Island, Negros Oriental
- Balicasag Island, Bohol
- Pescador Island, Cebu
- Turtle Islands, Palawan
6. Swimming with whale sharks
Have you tried swimming with a creature that is as big as a bus? You can do that in the Philippines. Swimming with whale sharks is quite a popular tourist activity in the country. Although it has become quite controversial as these gentle giants are being fed by humans in Oslob, Cebu, which alters their food hunting habits, there are a few other places where they are able to roam and hunt freely.
Here are the places that are known to have whale shark sightings:
- Donsol Bay, Sorsogon
- Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
- Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte
7. Ever heard of a sardine run?
No, sardines don’t run. They swim. And you can swim with millions of them in Moalboal, Cebu. What’s even amazing about it is that you won’t have to swim that far or dive too deep to see them because the sardine run takes places just a few meters off the beach!
8. The Philippines is the Surfer’s Paradise
As the Philippines is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, you are guaranteed to find great surfing spots in various parts of the country.
Here are the known surfing destinations in the country:
- Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
- Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
- Baler, Aurora
- San Juan, La Union
- San Antonio Zambales
- Calicaoan, Eastern Samar
9. In the Philippines, you can find many breath-taking (literally) diving spots
that boast of rich marine life, such as various species of sea creatures and vibrant beds of corals. Many people from different parts globe visit the country to just to see these for themselves.
Here are some of the world-class diving spots:
- Apo Island, Negros Oriental
- Apo Reef, Mindoro Occidental
- Ticao Pass, Masbate
- Monad Shoal, Cebu
- Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
- Honda Bay, Palawan
- Blue Hole, Romblon
- Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur
10. If you want to experience the island nightlife
the Philippines has got you covered. Partying in the club is one thing, but dancing the night away by the beach is a totally different story.
Here are some of the places where you can experience the lively island nightlife:
- White Beach, Boracay Island
- Ibiza Beach Club, Mactan, Cebu
- Alona Beach, Panglao Island
11. There are a lot of hiking destinations
in the Philippines as it has a multitude of mountains, hills, and volcanoes. In some areas, camping is allowed. You can lay under the stars, breathe the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and if you’re lucky, even capture a Milky Way sighting or a shooting star on your camera.
Here are some of the many picturesque hiking destinations:
- Makiling, Laguna
- Yangbew, Benguet
- Pulag, Benguet
- Pico de Loro, Batangas
- Apo, Davao del Sur
- Pinatubo, Zambales
- Taal Volcano, Batangas
12. This tropical country has plenty of waterfalls
small and big. Even the island of Cebu alone has 90. So, you are bound to find one almost wherever you go.
Here are some of the most popular waterfalls to date:
- Kawasan Falls, Cebu
- Asik-Asik Falls, North Cotabato
- Tinago Falls, Lanao del Norte
- Maria Cristina Falls, Lanao del Norte
- Tinuy-An Falls, Surigao del Sur
- Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
- Ditumabo Falls, Aurora
- Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental
13. One of the most beautiful natural phenomena is the sea of clouds
and you can witness this in multiple areas in the Philippines. A hike is required, obviously, but all the steps you make will be worth it when you find yourself standing above the clouds. Not directly, of course.
Here are some of the best locations to witness the sea of clouds:
- Pulag, Benguet
- Kiltepan, Sagada
- Danao, Bohol
14. There are many places to watch the sunset by the sea
While there are also many spots in the world where you can get a beautiful view of the sunset, even when you’re just driving along the road, seeing the sun go down into the spotless horizon will give you an entirely different experience.
These are a few of the best spots to watch the sunset by the sea:
- White Beach, Boracay Island
- Bantayan Island, Cebu
- Anawangin Island, Zambales
- Manila Bay, Manila
15. The Philippines has the longest underground river in the world
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is an 8.2-kilometer navigable river, which flows into the South China Sea. Tours last about 45 minutes to an hour and are usually pre-booked.
16. Marvel at the beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces
which are just as beautiful, but also different, as the ones in Nepal, China, and Indonesia.
17. There are colorful festivals
in different parts of the country all year round. Locally known as “fiesta,” people gather in their respective towns to witness their annual celebrations. Some festivals are in honor of religious figures and folklore, while others are nature-related.
Here are some of the must-see Philippine festivals:
- Panagbenga Festiva in Baguio
- Ati-atihan Festiva in Aklan
- Sinulog Festiva in Cebu
- Kadayawan Festival in Davao
- Dinagyang Festiva in Iloilo
- Masskara Festival in Bacolod
- Pintados Festiva in Tacloban
- Moriones Festiva in Marinduque
- Pahiyas Festiva in Quezon
18. Historical and beautiful churches
Being a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is a home to a plethora of beautiful churches. A number of these have been standing for hundreds of years, with some housing centuries-old relics.
There are a few of the beautifully constructed churches around the country:
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Bulacan
- Church of Saint Augustine, Ilocos Norte
- Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church, Albay
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila
- Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, Batangas
- Carmel Chapel, Batanes
19. The Philippines has several bird watching spots
Being a home to about 200 endemic birds, the country is also a known migration spot for birds coming from other countries, like Japan and Taiwan, during winter time.
Here are some of the best bird-watching spots:
- Olango Island, Cebu
- Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol
- Angat Dam, Bulacan
- La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City
- Candaba Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary, Pampanga
- Palay-Palay, Cavite
- Wawa Dam, Rizal
20. Discover Adventure Sports in the Philippines
For the adrenaline junkies, there are a wide variety of heart-pumping activities that you can do while in the country. One of these is tandem skydiving. Forget about the drones, see the aerial view with your own eyes.
These are the places where you can go skydiving:
- Bantayan Island, Cebu
- Clark, Pampanga
- Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- Mati, Davao Oriental
- Subic Bay, Zambales
21. The Philippines is one of the very few places where you can find Tarsiers
which are tiny nocturnal primates that live in dense forests. There are many of them in the island of Bohol. However, these six-inch cuddly-looking creatures are already endangered, so you must not miss the opportunity to see while you still can.
22. Visiting the Philippines is affordable
When traveling around the Philippines, your money will go a long way. From the food to booze to tour packages, almost everything is affordable in the Philippines. Even a bottle of beer, or a meal, can cost less than 1 USD.
23. The unique Filipino cuisine will surprise you
The Filipino cuisine has Western and Oriental influences, which make it deliciously unique. Each region also has their different specialties. However, what you must not miss out on is the fresh seafood.
24. Everbody speaks English
Another convenient thing about traveling in the Philippines is that the language barrier is less likely to be a problem as a huge percentage of the population can speak and understand English.
25. Filipinos will be nice to you
Last but not least, they say that the Filipino hospitality is incomparable. A lot of foreigners keep coming back to the Philippines, not just because of its natural wonders, but because of the friendly and welcoming people who make everyone feel like family.
So did these 25 reasons to Travel the Philippines convince you to explore this tropical destination? I hope so because it will be worth every minute of your holiday.
14 Reasons Why The Philippines is the Best Place for Digital Nomads
Previously, I wrote about the things that I only did while living on the Philippines. Now, it’s time to talk about why the Philippines is not only one of the best places in general but especially for working remotely as a digital nomad.
Affordable cost of living
The Philippines is such an affordable place to live in. There are apartments, dorms, and even condos, everywhere that cater to different types of budget. You can even rent a condo with resort-like facilities that do not cost as much as those in other countries.
Also, most things, including supplies and services, would also cost less in the Philippines. However, in some cases, it could also mean that you are going to get lower quality, but not all the time. Most expats would agree as well that dining in the Philippines is very affordable. You can already get a decent and filling meal for just $3 or less.
Fast Wi-Fi, air-conditioned Internet Cafés and modern shopping malls
You’ll be surprised how developed the Philippines are in many parts of the country. While there are a lot of local restaurants and small shops to explore you’ll also be able to work focused in an internet café or a calm coffee place with reliable internet in a shopping mall or coworking space. Surely small islands and remote villages rarely have access to Wi-Fi or even electricity, but I would spare those destinations for an offline weekend trip! 🙂
Growing Digital Nomad Community and Coworking Spaces
Especially in bigger cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao City and Iloilo City you’ll find a lot of coworking spaces and like-minded people to share your ideas with. It might still be a more unexplored country for the digital nomad community but if you prefer being one of the people that’d like to influence the digital nomad evolution from the beginning – that’s your place!
Everyone speaks English
Sometimes it can be really frustrating not to be able to share ideas and connect with locals due to language barriers. The good thing is that one of the national languages of the Philippines (beside Tagalog and the “island languages”) is English and everyone understands (at least the basics) what you are trying to tell them. It’s a good feeling and makes it much easier to fit in and establish friendships with Filipinos.
Traveling around the country is cheap
Traveling around this Southeast Asian country is very cheap as well. The rates on air travel are very affordable, plus there are often seat sales that would cost less than $20 for a round trip flight. However, these seats sell out very quickly as a lot of people would look out for it as soon as the sale is announced, so you need to act quickly too! Sea travel are also often cheap, even without promos, at around $10-$20, depending on the shipping line and destination.
There are a lot of decent hotels and resorts that are also very cheap, especially in the provincial, non-commercialized areas. For less than $50, you can stay at a resort with a great view and a swimming pool. There are also nice hotels in the cities that would cost as cheap as $10. Just make sure you check the reviews online first before booking, so you get the quality service that you expect.
Tours are also quite affordable in the Philippines. For example, in Cebu, you can rent a boat for island hopping at only around $40. This would usually accommodate 10-20 people. In Siargao, you can go island hopping with a bunch of other tourists for less than $30 per person. And that already comes with food and beverages. While tour guides may charge foreign tourists a higher price than what they charge locals in some places, it still does not really cost much, plus, you can haggle your way through it.
Beaches, beaches everywhere
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the homes to plenty of beaches. While there are commercialized beaches like the White Beach in Boracay and Alona Beach in Panglao, there are also many more secluded beaches scattered all over the country. Some may be more challenging to access, but they are surely worth the effort. There’s nothing better than having the whole beach to yourself, right?
The Philippines also boasts of its many pristine white sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters. However, the country also has several brown and black sand beaches, if you want to try something else. Plus, the marine life is vibrant and so diverse, which would make snorkeling or diving a great idea if you’re exploring the country’s different islands.
Tons of picturesque views and stunning landscapes
This beautiful country has hundreds of natural wonders that would be the perfect subjects for photography, whether you’re an expert or are just trying to learn the craft. From picture-perfect beaches to stunning vistas, to underwater life, to huge surfing waves, to limestone cliffs- the Philippines’ natural beauty never fails to wow anyone and there will always be enough content for your blog and instagram.
Lively and vibrant festivals
As mentioned earlier, the Philippines has over 7,000 islands. It also has over a hundred cities and 81 provinces, and each of these has their own festivals or “fiestas” as the locals call it. Every month, there is a festival happening somewhere. Attending a festival is a great way to immerse oneself in the Filipino culture and history.
Some of the most popular festivals that should not be missed include the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, Panagbenga in Baguio, Sinulog in Cebu, MassKara in Bacolod, Kadayawan in Davao, Dinagyang in Iloilo, and the Moriones in Marinduque.
Cheap beers and bars for socializing
If you have read up about the Philippines in the past, you would have noticed that most tourists would say that the beer is very cheap in the country. Well, that’s just the truth. Sometimes, it can even be cheaper than water or juice, especially in restaurants and bars! Even a bucket of beer, which has about 4 to 6 bottles, would cost less than $4. While you may skip on alcoholic beverages when you’re visiting other countries as these would hurt your budget, getting yourself a bottle while in the Philippines would feel like you didn’t even spend at all.
It’s summer all year round
One of the best things about living in the Philippines is that it’s summer all year round. The weather is always just around 20-30°C, and it’s mostly sunny, except for when storms come in. While there are cold climate areas in the country that would require you to wear jackets, like Baguio City, you are more likely to wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts in most parts. That’s a very attractive thing for digital nomads and one of the reasons why working remotely is so popular on the Philippines for foreigners.
Accessibility to fresh fruits and healthy meals
The Philippines is a heaven of fresh tropical fruits, just like mangoes, bananas, papayas, guavas, pineapples, watermelons, and many more. What’s even better is that these are available all year round and are often very affordable. As the Filipino cuisine offers a lot of “unhealthy” fried meals there are also a lot of healthy choices. Visit the food markets and you will leave with your bag filled with avocados, bananas, vegetables and fresh fish.
BBQ and Food Markets everywhere
You won’t even have to worry about going hungry when you start to live in the Philippines because there’s affordable and delicious food everywhere, especially barbecue for the meat lovers! It’s literally everywhere. You can choose from different types of meats like pork, chicken, and fish, and there are even barbecued pork blood and chicken intestines. While it doesn’t sound that pleasant, it is actually pretty good and flavorful!
Filipinos love for Music and Karaoke
Filipinos also have a great love for music, hence the karaoke bars everywhere! It’s also the home to some of the world’s amazing singers! You can be sure that you’ll have a ton of additional friends after a karaoke night out.
The people
Lastly, the best thing about living in the Philippines are the people. Filipinos are naturally so friendly and hospitable. They always have a smile on their faces no matter what they are going through. Even those who have dire living situations still laugh and are usually very easy going. They would gladly provide you assistance when you need help and are often very respectful.
How to spend an amazing day in Davao City
Davao City in the Philippines is a great place to visit. Known as the largest city in the country in terms of large area, there are plenty of places that travelers can visit.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, there are several things that you can enjoy while touring the city for a couple of days or more. However, if you have only 24 hours in Davao, you don’t have to worry at all because there’s still a lot you can do.
Here are some ideas on how you can spend a day in Davao City.
Learn the city’s history at the Davao Museum
The Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is the place where you will learn about the city through a timeline showcasing its rich history, from its first settlers to the current, as well as dioramas depicting the lives of Bagobos, who were the first ethnic group in Mindanao, where Davao is; and even artwork and artifacts that reflect the culture of Davao.
The museum preserves and protects remnants of history. It is open on Mondays to Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pro Tipp: Go to the top floor and enjoy an incredible view over Davao City during sunset!
Get to know the city’s wildlife scene.
Located near the base of the famous Mt. Apo, which is the highest mountain in the country, the Philippine Eagle Center is a wildlife sanctuary that serves as a home to more than 30 Philippine Eagles. These beautiful winged creatures are known as one of the biggest and most powerful birds of prey in the world, which makes a trip to this place a must!
In the sanctuary, you will learn about the eagles, as well as other animals like monkeys, raptors, and pythons, while walking through the tropical rain forest. The Philippine Eagle Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also visit Malagos Garden Resort and Orchid Farm, which is 12-hectare nature theme park in Davao City. Here, you will find various species of wildlife, such as indigenous birds and colorful butterflies, as well as various types flowering plants, fruit trees, orchids, palms, and many more.
But that’s not all. The resort is also where you will get to taste the award-winning Malagos chocolate, as well as a variety of cheeses and wine.
Taste the gastronomy that Davao has to offer.
The city has a lot of restaurants that would fit any traveler’s budget. If you want to try fine dining, there’s the White House Restaurant, Bondi & Burke, and Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville. But the best: Viking’s. All you can eat of Filipino and international food.
If you’re looking for some cheap eats, there’s Luz Kinilaw, Conching’s Native Chicken, and Penong’s Barbeque Seafood and Grill. Other restaurants like Jack’s Ridge, Marina Tuna, Blue Post, and The Vegan Dinosaur are popular as well.
Also, when in Davao, you must not forget about fruit tasting. The city is famous for its Durian, an exotic fruit that has a unique smell and taste. The Pomelos in Davao are quite delicious as well. You can easily get these from outdoor fruit stands.
Spend some down time at Seawall
After hours of touring and food tasting, spend some down time at Seawall, a small park that offers a nice view of the sea. It’s located along Times Beach and you’ll easily spot this place when you see a naked statue.
Go shopping and grab dinner at the night market
Since Davao is a becoming a more progressive city, you won’t have to worry about looking for a place to buy supplies or to simply grab a meal. But for dinner skip Gaisano Mall of Davao or Abreeza Mall and instead head to Davao’s night market and enjoy a variety of food including BBQ, shakes and fruits. The best part? Tons of clothing stands for a low-budget adventure.
End the day with a mangosteen shot in Downtown
There are plenty of bars and restaurants to spend a fun night in Davao. Huckleberry Southern Kitchen & Bar is a cozy and warm place that has great beers as well as exotic liquor like mangosteen shots. Cheers!
Ein EPIC Wochenende in Jordanien
Das war der Plan: Nach Israel fliegen, am nächsten morgen die Grenze nach Jordanien überqueren, Petra bewundern und wieder zurück fahren.
Das ist passiert: Ich bin nach Israel geflogen, hab Eitan getroffen, meine Kreditkarte verloren, sie wiedergefunden, bin im Slingshot fast ohnmächtig geworden, zu viel geraucht & selbst gebrautes Bier getrunken. Cheers.
3h später aufgewacht, mit gemischten Gefühlen zur Grenze gefahren, nach Jordanien gelaufen und in der schnellsten Taxifahrt meines Lebens um mein Leben gebangt.
Da sind wir: In Petra
Omar hat mich aufgegabelt, mich fürn 10er zu dieeesem Platz die Felsen hochgepusht und wieder runter getragen. Dann gabs da noch Mehdi und Michael Jackson, die mir 3h gefolgt sind und mich vollgequatscht haben.
Dann hab ich ne Gruppentour gebucht. Da traf ich Moussa, der mich an Hamza vermittelt hat und mit dem ich 2h durch die Wildnis gewandert bin und erfuhr, dass die Gruppe aus einer Person besteht. Nämlich aus mir. Hamza war echt nett, aber ja, es war etwas unheimlich mit ihm alleine. In seiner Höhle. Ohne Empfang. Hamza konnte echt gutes Frühstück machen. Danke dafür.
Aber der Ritt mit Tennessy Whiskey war echt nichts für schwache Nerven
Das wars mit Petra, auf nach Aqaba. Da traf ich Tarek und Hassan. 2 crazy Typen. Nächster Morgen, zurück nach Israel. Dem Security war das nicht ganz geheuer mit meiner Erzählung, also wurde ich 2h befragt und auseinandergenommen.
Also lohnt sich der Stress für ein Wochenende nach Israel und Jordanien?
Ich würd mal sagen ja.
Teil 1: Eine unvergessliche Woche in El Nido // ASIENREISE
Die erste Woche ging es auf die philippinische Insel Palawan nach El Nido, DEM Paradies auf den Philippinen. Als ich dort ankam konnte ich es auch nachvollziehen – wunderschöne Strände und atemberaubende Inselberge.
Yay! Ich war nicht allein
Natürlich war ich nicht die einzige, sondern es gab auch etliche andere Touristen. Vor allem Deutsche, Italiener und Engländer. In meinem Hostel habe ich dann auch direkt Rebecca gteroffen. Zufälligerweise macht sie auch ein Freiwilligenjahr auf den Philippinen und kannte sich mit der philippinischen Kultur also ebenfalls bestens aus 🙂
Es war wirklich schön auch mal eine Gleichgesinnte aus einer anderen Insel und einer anderen Organisation zu treffen. Man denkt ja sonst immer, dass wir hier die einzigen Freiwilligen sind.
Ein (ei)nschneidendes Erlebnis
So dauerte es nicht lange, bis wir uns am Abend mit anderen Philipinos zum Abendessen und der obligatorischen Flasche(n) Tanduay dazugesellten.
Wir haben über unsere Zeit hier auf den Philippinen geredet und auch darüber, was wir noch unbedingt erleben wollen bevor es zurück nach Deutschland geht. Naja was muss man auf den Philippinen noch erleben?
Richtig, Balut essen ;D – ein bereits entwickeltes Hühnerei. Rebecca hatte das schon hinter sich und wie bestellt, schrie ein Balut-Verkäufer vom Strand “BALUT BALUT BALUT”. Gut, dass die Flasche Tanduay schon geleert war. Damit lies es sich besser ergehen 😀 Es war echt eklig, aber ich wollte es wenigstens mal ausprobieren.
Balut essen? abgehakt √
Am nächsten Morgen wurden wir zu einer Bootstour eingeladen und haben danach die Stadt erkundet. Ich habe durchgängig gedacht, ich sei in einem Hollywoodfilm – unbeschreiblich schöne Landschaften und Strände. Wow!
Am vorletzten Tag war ich noch auf einer Inselhopping-Tour zum Sonnenuntergang. Das war wirklich schön, vor allem als ein Walhai vorbeigeschaut und hallo gesagt hat. Die Woche in El Nido ging sehr schnell um und ich habe die Ruhe und das Paradies sehr genossen. Auf jeden Fall ein Ort, der mich irgendwann mal wieder sehen wird!
33 Dinge, die man nur auf den Philippinen macht
Wer auf die Philippinen kommt, der wird schnell die Unterschiede zu seinem Heimatland feststellen. Dabei passiert aber auch etwas mit einem selbst: Man passt sich an und tut Dinge, die man vorher nie gemacht hat. Man mutiert zu einem Inselbewohner, der von günstigen Massagen und Kinobesuchen profitiert oder auch einfach versucht, mit den alltäglichen Dingen stressfrei klar zu kommen.
Im Alltag
- im Klo warten bis man ein zweites Mal spülen kann
- immer genügend Kleingeld dabei haben
- zu spät kommen
- immer und überall FlipFlops tragen
- mit jedem verhandeln
- zu 4t ein Zimmer teilen
- sich von anderen die Tür aufhalten lassen
- mit FlipFlops ins Fitnessstudio gehen
- SMS schreiben
- den Zahnarzt meiden
- “Weißen” auffällig hinterhergucken
- Wäsche mit der Hand waschen
- auf Mäuse- und Rattenjagd gehen
- immer eine Jacke oder ein Tuch dabei haben
Im Kampf gegen die Hitze
- sich wie ein Baby mit Babypuder einschmieren
- ohne Zudecke schlafen
- 24/7 einen Zopf tragen
- 3mal am Tag duschen
- beim Nichtstun schwitzen
- Haare statt mit dem Fön, mit dem Ventilator trocknen
Rund ums Essen
- 8h in einem Café sitzen und nur einen Kaffee bestellen
- zum Frühstück Reis essen
- Haferflocken mit Wasser essen
- Dinge essen, die undefinierbar aussehen
- Milchpulvermilch trinken
- Alles mit einem Löffel durchschneiden, statt ein Messer zu benutzen
- sich angewöhnen, alles “without sugar please” zu bestellen
Weil alles billiger ist
- 3mal pro Woche ins Kino gehen
- jeden Monat zur Massage gehen
- ein Taxi nehmen, wenn man den Weg nicht kennt
- die besten Restaurants in der Stadt austesten
- nichts sagen, wenn der Jeepneyfahrer mal kein Rückgeld gibt
Weil man immer Guapa [schön] ist
- immer und überall FlipFlops tragen
- im Schlafanzug durch die Stadt laufen (und trotzdem beautiful genannt werden)
- ungeschminkt feiern gehen
- sich mit fremden Leuten fotografieren lassen
Nach einem Jahr auf den Philippinen, weiß man immer mehr die Dinge zu schätzen, die zu Hause selbstverständlich scheinen aber es hier nicht sind. Gibt es noch mehr Dinge, die man hier tut und sich erstmal wieder abgewöhnen sollte, wenn man wieder zurück ist? Wahrscheinlich merkt man nach einer gewissen Zeit selber nicht mehr, wie man sich verändert bzw. unterbewusst angepasst hat.