Now we have travelled from Mindoro to Boracay in the Philippines. We were picked up by car at 08:00 outside the hotel in Sabang and travelled across almost all of Mindoro, to Roxas. All the way we drove through dense, lush rainforest and everywhere we saw people who live completely different lives than us. Just before the ferry was due to depart, we arrived.
Living different kinds of lives
Most of the people we saw along the way live simple lives, perhaps poor in our eyes. But those we met looked happy and prosperous, and we found ourselves discussing the consumerism at home.
What do we really live for? What is it that says we should be happier than them? Aren't they the ones who live as they should, and we live rather strange lives ...? At 12 o'clock the car stopped and we had to run on board ...
Tired car ferry
The ferry we would go with turned out to be a large (worn) car ferry. On deck, the staff was hanging laundry. Probably you have to do everyday chores once in a while too, even when you work on a ferry ...
Panay and Boracay
In the afternoon we arrived at the harbour on the large island of Panay, just south of the Boracay. There we were quickly and efficiently put on a small fast boat that took us to Boracay. Now we are here and staying in a hotel on White Beach. It's like having arrived in another universe. Or like travelling 100 years forward in time. The culture clash is total. We'll tell you more tomorrow.
Ditte says:
I'm glad you've arrived. But can understand that it is a culture clash, or several.
02 January 2014 - 18:11
ActiveDays says:
Fredrik Lindström's winter chat in 2013 will apparently focus on our consumerism... I was reminded that I should look for it on SR and listen... 🙂 .
02 January 2014 - 20:30
Role o Carina says:
Where are we going with all this consumption?
Only seen here in town since IKEA opened 25/10!
Full of cars and people every day alike.
Can wonder if not many people are working or if the same
people go there day after day ??
Enjoy your journey......
02 January 2014 - 23:28
Mrs Christine says:
Happy New Year and good continuation! How wonderful you are (apart from your belly) 🙂.
03 January 2014 - 1:09
admin says:
Ditte, yes, so different! Real shops with glass windows, tourists everywhere and higher prices... But very nice!
ActiveDays, yes something is wrong... and you need to be reminded of it sometimes
The role of Carina, one wonders? It can't be sustainable...
Christine, thank you and wish you the same!
03 January 2014 - 1:58
Elisabeth says:
Culture clashes in many ways.
31 March 2015 - 7:39