Yoga in Cotabato

I am by now a real local as this photo proves: I can fall asleep anywhere any time. Yes! it's me under the hat. We are on a boat trip in a fascinating untouched region, the boat is not comfortable and it is raining non-stop. But who cares! A little nap is always welcome.

We have also, at last, moved into our house. There is not much to say about it apart from the garden, where I can now start my vegetable and herbs production. Our cook is learning to make compost. I had never realised that the process of producing compost can tell so much about countries and peoples: according to my Scottish colleague it takes 2-3 years to create compost back home. In France, that would take about 2-3 months. Well, in the Philippines it's 2-3 weeks! If you apply this same ratio to other things, you can imagine to what extent life is less boring here than in northern Europe. We have to live fast and intensely if we don't want to be turned into compost.

Photo: A view from our garden. There's not much more to show from the house. 

Photo: workers commuting in Mindanao.

I am not allowed to use the public transportation. I have to use our cars and drivers at all times, and I always have security guards with me. I am used to it now, but my friends are sometimes puzzled when I arrive somewhere with my men. "Are they with you all the time?" "How can you cope with this?" etc. What I wonder about is how I will be able to survive in Europe after this experience. I am so protected and pampered that soon I won't be able to do anything on my own, like wait for the bus or stop a taxi!

I also want to use our garden for yoga. I have started a class, although I never made it to that train the teachers, in India. But in the male dominated and heavily militarised environment where I live, bringing harmony and softness is vital. So I have started my class. So far, two students have enroled. Two generals.