Philippines Vacation: Day at Kalibo and Ati Atihan

Before reaching our Paradise Destination we took a very long road trip to the port. My little cousin, Kate was with us and our family insisted that we make a stop in Kalibo and attend the festivities in their town, Ati Atihan.  Kate had a friend that lived in Kalibo, so when our bus stopped we met up with him and he quickly whisked away to his home where their family was having a family reunion.

If you haven't heard of the great hospitality of the Filipino people, you've been deprived.  The moment we walked into their home, they greeted us with smiles and welcomed us with literally... open arms. There weren't any moments of akwardness or stares that made you so uncomfortable you wish you could crawl out of your own skin to hide in a dark corner. Oh no! It was like we were family, though we have never EVER met before.

They fed us with an over abundance of food that catered to the local town's taste.  And though it was hot, we managed to cool off with the glass bottles of coke handed to us.

After eating, I started to feel ill and while sitting in the car waiting to head out to go sight seeing a sudden rush of nausea filled my stomach. I ended up vomiting in the bathroom and when I finally felt well enough to walk out the door, I nearly fainted. So while, Jerry and the boys headed out to Sampagita, I stayed in bed in one of the rooms.

Here's our hospitable they were; while I layed on their bed with what felt like my death bed, someone would come in every so often to check my temperature, give me a glass a water, cover me with a blanket, or brush my hair away from my face.  But here's the kicker... I don't know them at all! At all! Yet, they were kind enough to care for a stranger.  That kind of compassion is unheard of in the States without some sort of hidden agenda tied into it. It simply blew my mind!

Meanwhile, the boys were having a blast!

After I came to and the boys came back from Sampagita, we headed out to the bus terminal ready to head to Boracay. But Kate's friends parents were insistent that we stayed for Ati Atihan. I didn't think I was up for it, but once we were there a sense of celebration came over me and suddenly we caught ourselves in the middle of the parade dancing with the locals and a few tourists to the beats of drums and footsteps. The experience was beyond amazing and I know my boys will never forget this experience. What a gift it's been to be showered with the blessings we have in a country so foreign yet fulfulling.

Some great moments today to cherish forever:

• Compassion and love is the universal language of the world.
• Heat stroke and exhaustion CAN cause vomiting. Blegh!
• Good food can be found anywhere, you've just gotta be willing to try it.
• Small town celebrations can make a huge impact in your life.
• My boys are pretty awesome for adapting to an entirely new environment.