cadaffie

Paradise Island Hi again; after a day with no internet-connection we are again on line to the rest of the world. We left Panabo and the small village were the Project-house is and headed for Davao City to take a boat over to Samal Island, also called Paradise Island. I was only a trip of 15 minutes so we thought we should be there within an hour or two. We did not calculate the time it would take to struggle through the heavy trafficked road going south of Mindanao. All though it was Wednesday and the clock was showing 10 am it felt like Friday in New York the day before Christmas. Somehow the traffic was formed in more lines than the circle a round Coliseum. We finally entered the city and were stopped by a ... read more

Sunday We had three godchildren left to visit so we started early while it was quite a distance to drive. Well, maybe the distance was not that far but it still took an hour to go there. Joville Dave was home with her mother and sisters. They lived in the same simple environments as all the other but here they had floor because the house was standing on pillars. I guess it was because of floodwater that now and then could come. We was invited inside and talked with a very polite 11 years old girl. Within minutes the room and the entrance was crowded like if we where celebrities. We took some pictures of all the kids and show the result on the camera screen. The effect was massive. They screamed of laughter and could ... read more

Saturday, the cleaning day. This morning we wake up really early with noise of children. Today it’s the big cleaning day were all the godchildren get their allowance. Some are here early because it’s the highlight of the week. Within a couple of hours it’s around 60 children sweeping and cleaning everything in the garden that needs to be removed. Some are more enthusiastic about it and some are disturbed by some white people. We was introduced to one of our godchildren; Jessie. He got his first allowance today and we could see he was proud. We are waiting to go with Mr. EmEm to visit some more godchildren in the close neighborhood. Today it’s sun and it’s already hot; 34 dgr. People around are occupied with all sorts of activities, from cleaning pigs in the ... read more

Hi, my name is Shibur and I am 9 years old. Today is my birthday and I can come home early today, before it’s dark. This morning, like every morning, I was waked up by my older sister. She are one of my 5 sisters and the second oldest of my sisters and brothers. My two brothers are younger than me. It’s starting to get bright during my early breakfast with rice. I have to be there before 6 am; otherwise I will miss the first busy workers. I ride with my older sister on our bike. She’s working at a big company packing Bananas all day. My sister is very lucky. Every Saturday she comes home with money enough for us to buy rice, vegetables and oil. I hope I will also come home with ... read more

The first stop of the trip to Phillipines; Barcelona. A big city, crouded streets and people all over. But probably nothing comparing to what we expect in Davao City. We found a nice hotel in the middle of Barca; Eurostar. A newly redecorated boutique-hotel located in the famous La-Rambla street. Just over 50 Euros for a doubleroom. With free internet and very clean (and new) interior, we think this is good value for money. www.eurostarshotels.com Went for some hours walk in the heart of the city....Cosy, small streets with tiny restaurants, coffeeshops and cervezerias made it impossible not to stop for some bites to eat. The impression of Barca is like several already have stated; International atmosphere, great offers (not cheap) and cosy oasis everywhere. We can imagine what it´s like in the summertime. Love to ... read more