Leaving the Philippines

I just spent two weeks in the Philippines.. and I'm realizing... I'm on vacation.

wow.

Had a moment today after snorkeling at a world renowned dive spot (balicasag island off of Bohol) and in that moment i realized... I quit my job. I don't have an address, and I own nearly nothing. holy shit!

I expect the unexpected out of myself. It was a bold decision, I read and re-read my first entry to my blog and I'm proud of myself for having the guts, trusting myself, and making the jump. Hands down one of the biggest, most important, and life changing choices I've made. I haven't had an ounce of regret, everything about it felt right at the time and it has never stopped feeling that way.

And here I am... in the Philippines and en route to Thailand as I write this. Starting in the Philippines was the right decision. A slow start to ease into a foreign place with the familiarity of family was perfect. Having my uncle to pamper me, drive me around, and help get my bearings was priceless and I'm forever thankful to him. Seeing my grandpa in the hometown of where my parents are from was meaningful for me. Thinking back on the last two weeks, the island hopping from Puerto Galera off Batangas, Palawan and Honda Bay, Cebu and Mactan island, and Bohol with our hotel on the white sandy beach of Panglao island and a short boat ride to Baglicasag... it's been one hell of an experience and a LOT of fun. I appreciate the beauty in everything I've seen- and in the people I've met along the way. A Filipino family on the same tour in Palawan took me in like I was one of their own. We hung out all day and I fell in love with the youngest daughter (photo above).

I've traveled to third world countries many times now, and this is my second trip to the Philippines.. but I will never get used to the poverty. There is no middle class in the Philippines. there is a 27% unemployment rate and poverty is staring you in the face everywhere you go. not everyone has access to clean water, or a roof over their head and there isn't a guarantee on your next meal. how could I possibly fret about 'how small will my apartment be if I can only spend $3500/mo on rent and want to live in the west village' when $3500 is more than these people will ever earn in a year?! how can the brand of bottled water I drink in the US ever matter when there are children dying daily (5000 a day) because they don't have access to clean water?! The poverty in the Philippines makes me wonder how Im going to make a difference in the world. I think that's a good challenge to think about over the course of this trip... because I'm 2 weeks in and still have 6 weeks to go...