And for that I am truly thankful

This has been an amazing experience already. The food is great. Every moment is a visual carnival. What I think has been most impressive is the gracious hospitality. Ever since we arrived, we have been escorted from place to place in comfort and style. We have seen and eaten cow tongue, crocodile, and just about any other version of beef, pig or fish found locally. The lasting impression will be of the people whom I have been fortunate enough to meet. I will remember our conversations and travels together. Our schedule has been jam packed with tours, visits and vocational tours. These are memorable, but perhaps even more so are the moments between the scheduled events. Time for jokes, brief conversations and observations about our days.

Though there are many differences, what is striking is the many similarities. We are all much more alike than we are different, and for that I am truly thankful.

More Mati

This is a fun set of pictures - I included a photo from the drive in to Mati through the mountains, of the sleeping dragon (the mayor wants to change it from the sleeping dinosaur) mountain, an entire family on their motorcycle, more photos from the market including an unidentified fish (Brad - any clue?) and yes, cows tongue, and Marie at the warm side of the Pacific Ocean.

More from Mati - the market

let the pictures tell the story... and there are so many more...fish (fresh and dried), fruit, and all kinds of other fun.

Those Wacky-Wacky Golden LACES

I was waiting on the special group photo so this is slightly out of order, but Wednesday night we had a fabulous dinner with the lovely ladies of the Tagum Golden LACES. I saw the smallest lizard I have ever seen, we ate a fabulous meal, we shared a wonderful conversation with questions and answers from all, and we took the MOST fun group picture. Enjoy!

Overnight in Mati City

We had the pleasure to travel two hours from Tagum city to a smaller city on the coast fo the Pacific Ocean. Here are some photos from our brief stay there. The countryside lush countryside varied between rolling hills of banana plantations and coconut trees, with occasional glimpses of the Davao Gulf and the flat lands with fields of rice. We met a lot of great people in Mati city, including the Mayor who is excited about the prospects for Mati's future. We were also treated to a delicious welcome lunch of tuna sashimi, pork bellies, tuna jaw, a beef dish, and a cucumber salad. We saw a great variety of sights in Mati, from the public market, to coconut farms, a cashew farm, a beachside rest house, and even got to ride on pedicabs, known locally as tricycles.

Random Tagum shots

While I wait for the best shot from the Golden LACES club visit tonight to be emailed to me so I can post it...you all have to wait for it...I thought I would insert a few of my favorite photos from today. I included a beautiful shot inside the huge cathedral, a log truck we saw at lunch, and several of the public transportation vehicles! Enjoy.

Rubinos Furniture factory

We had the pleasure this morning of joining our host (Ryan, Trevor's, and my host) Rotarian Larry Rubinos, at his furniture factory. He started it with a single employee and has grown it into an amazing operation. Though he also makes cloth covered pieces, we were in awe of the hand carved items and I particularly loved those that were made with rattan.

Tagum North

Rotary club visits are our bread and butter. Though we all love seeing the sites and doing our vocational exchange, it is at the meetings that we have the chance to talk to the club members, usually share a meal, and spend time in fellowship. So for our readers at home - our other photos might look more exciting - but our club visits are very special - it is where we solidify the bonds with all our new friends. Last night we shared the evening with men of Tagum North and I tasted a new fruit - Mangosteen - and may have found my second favorite (yellow mangos are still pure joy). Though the entire evening was great, they treated us to our national anthem sung by the daughter of a Rotarian and WOW can she sing. They also lavished us with gifts...cementing our already strong belief that the people of the Philippines are the most generous and warm people we have ever met.

I (heart) Tagum

Our time here has been wonderful. I will always have a special place in my heart for this place.

Today half of us went to a penal colony and half went to the virgin forest.

More later, but it had to be said.

Public School Bananna Plantation and cockfighting

Tagum music and dance fest

We had prime seats for this dance and music competition with kids from all over Mindanao. My favorite were the younger ones who even danced on bences piled on top of each other - we laughed saying no parent in the states would allow that! It was beautiful and has a very Spanish influence, as you can see.

They were very talented.

TV Interview - early Monday morning

Before heading to Tagum, we stopped by the TV station in Davao and were on for a segment of their morning show. Our new hosts in Tagum brought us hats, so you have to see those as well, but the interview went well and as we went through the day in Tagum, meeting the mayor and the governor, we keep hearing, "I saw you on TV this morning." Hmmm....I am doubting we will be famous, but it is kind of fun.

The last photo is Ichie (our host, friend, and outbound team leader) with us.

Sunday afternoon at Bobby Soriano's Home

We had a lazy afternoon visiting Bobby, seeing his menagerie and enjoying a glass of coconut juice, young coconut meat and sugar all over ice. It was delicious.

The view overlooking Davao was wonderful and he continues to engage us with interesting stories and excellent company - a most generous host indeed!

I have included a photo looking up at his home, one of the place near the pool where we relaxed, and the incredible view from there. All in all a lovely afternoon. From there we had a great dinner at Jack's Peak - also viewing the city below.

Then an early night as we had to be at the station for our TV spot by 6am!!