First week-end in Mindanao

Mindanao is a beautiful island, forgotten from most tourist guides. It is on top of the list of the "travel advice" warnings of ministries of foreign affairs though. It is a priviledge to be able to work in a place of difficult access to foreigners. It is a bit sad though because people are extremely nice and welcoming and would love to see more foreigners around and to have more business opportunities. It reminds me of a giant size Corsica. Vendettas are called here rido, and businesses do blow up every now and then.

Yesterday the international contingent where I am posted was going for a bicycle ride. There aren't so many activities around so I gladly joined. I forgot to consider that soldiers are slightly more fit and exercised than me! It was a bit hard, but upon arrival by the river breakfast was waiting for us. Well, a kind of a challenging breakfast for a vegetarian, but still, the logistics and the intention were there.

They were also very kind to slow down because of me. I came back exhausted and swearing it would take me long time before I recover and start again. But this morning again, wake-up at 6 for a bicyle ride. They mention a beach. So I forget everything, I pack my bathing-suit and kikoi and off I am! 10 metres after we passed the front gate I realised my mistake -they forgot to mention that the beach is 40 km away, behind the hill.

So after less than 10 km I abandon and put my bike on the van. It's after all not so bad to be so closely monitored. I still enjoyed the beach - and the fried banana yum! One thing is for sure we are not starving.   

Photo: Our Norwegian colleagues arrived one weeek before us and had time to prepare our "red carpet". We are the only 2 ladies in the team and everybody is taking good care of us.

We have to enjoy cycling before the rainy season starts. Our plan B is playing bridge, which we've started to learn last night. Gardening and yoga should complete the picture.

I also expect some friends' visits, as soon as we've sorted out the house - we're still in a hotel- and the security guidelines for foreigners. Don't expect to walk around Cotabato city on your own. You will probably spend most of your time at home -when we get one.

Cotabato city: the market by the river

But there are also lovely and fascinating places to visit in the country: Siquijor the island with the witches, Bohol with its "chocolate hills" and its tarsiers, Boracay and its sandy beaches, volcanos, rice fields and other beauties. In Mindanao, you can climb mount Apo, the highest peak in the country. Mabuhay!