On arrival: perspectives of the first few days
Added to website: 17 July 2006
Of all the horror stories told to prepare us for our expedition, it seemed that the most prominent feature during our five weeks in the wild would be the heat the humidity and the leeches. But from the moment I arrived here it became clear that these ‘fears’ would not be a constant spectre. Instead, we had the joys of being submerged in local culture, the most amazing and unexpected part of this nascent experience. Entirely unsure of what to expect before we arrived, it was such a totally different way of life that I am not sure I could have anticipated it. Even at this early stage, I am sure one of the biding memories will be the friendliness of the people (and their ability to laugh at the quirkiness of that great British pastime - sunbathing). Always ready to cease an opportunity to play volleyball or football, the more youthful in the community have set about exposing my meagre skills (forcing me to retreat to the sidelines in embarrassment) and lack of stamina (as they were happy to play vigorously all day in the scorching heat whilst I had to lie down - sunbathe). Whatever, it has been fantastic to be so completely surrounded by such a different way of life. I am even starting to learn some Ilongo enabling me to bid you “Maayong Gabe sa Tanan (Good evening to all) – pity it is only 10am in the morning!
Alexandra Marsh
Heathrow to Manilla, Manilla to Bacolod, Bacolod to Campuestohan: an unforgettable journey with a memorable finish. Having left for Heathrow at 6am getting to Manilla seemed to take forever but we all managed. We also managed to fly to Bacolod despite a storm (which was distinctly typhoon in nature) the night before. Then just as we thought our journey had come to a close, we found ourselves being herded into a jeepney along with our luggage and stretches of newly bought foam – our mattresses for the next five weeks. Like a loaded washing machine we were then tumbled over the rocky road leading to our village until what popped out when we arrived was a homogenous mass. However, this lump of stuff was soon to be unloaded and organised by three very helpful and calming expedition staff. From the outset, Suki, James and Wing instinctively knew how we were feeling and what to do to combat it: I wonder whether they have experienced this before!! It didn’t take long for the empathy and Milo (a hot chocolate drink with addictive qualities) to work their magic as we very much felt a part of the community within hours. Now the only thing we need to think about managing is how we will say goodbye after our time here.
Louise Kimpton
The road is probably one not many Europeans would have considered traversing due to its treacherous nature. I speak not only of the stretch of mud and boulders that has the audacity to term itself the road to Campuestohan but the seemingly challenge littered ‘road’ we were about to embark on with Coral Cay Conservation. However, if similitude was to become a feature it boded well as at the end of our bruise inducing jeepney ride was the rich reward of feeling we had achieved something collectively – I am hoping our expedition will be the same.
Isabel Wustrow
