I often think of situations from a different angle once they aren’t new anymore. It can be the simplest thing, like the weather changing, that creates a new perspective. Or maybe It’s just settling in to a routine that allows me more brain power to consider how I feel about the environment I’m in.
As the ubiquitous phrase in South East Asia says, “Same Same But Different”.
I’m very much still enjoying the experience but I’m having to increase my tolerance of how I think others are treating the opportunity. Am I being too judgemental? Possibly, everyone is at a different place in their lives. It just feels at times that some forget why they are here.
That said there is an amazing lack of ego amongst such a diverse group and It’s maybe just my logical brain wanting to create a balanced impression of what life is like for me at present.
From a more practical perspective, this last week I’ve been continuing to smash holes through concrete walls with a sledgehammer (to sledge, sledging). It’s strange how addictive it becomes to swing a 8-10lb sledge, I need a fix most days!
There are numerous videos of buildings/walls falling down at https://vimeo.com/dennershq if you like that kind of thing!
One thing I wasn’t sure of before I came was if I’d get enough food.
However on most sites, especially the schools, they give you ‘snacks’ during breaks. These have ranged from biscuits to sweet potato to sugary bread to full on spaghetti, sauce and meat. The common theme is it’ll have sugar in it. If It’s a hardcore sledging day I literally can’t eat enough. Last Friday I probably ate two days worth of food and wasn’t feeling full.
Today is Sunday and the one day off in the week. I took the opportunity to go exploring and after a long hot walk found a small beach full of fishing boats where I finally got into the sea! This counts as me having a relaxing day.
I’ll finish the post with a video of how to carry a wheelbarrow on a motorbike, Filipino style. (Technically It’s not on the motorbike)
And some photos from the last week.
Well done Iain. That is certainly tough work and not sure aabout those massive spiders! I am a bit disapointed that beard is not bigger!
So funny when you mentioned about the food having sugar all the time. Filipinos like sweet stuff, our spaghetti sauce is sweet, we put sugar on It!
I know, I’ve had it. What’s that about!