Comments on: Walking on water in El Nido, Palawan.

By: mccabe

mccabe — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:37:17 +0000

magic!!

i like coming here.
it feels like i am traveling
too…

mccabe

By: The Longest Way Home

The Longest Way Home — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:19 +0000

-Keira- Hi Keira, it’s an interesting point you bring up about living in the Prairies. There’s certainly a similar lifestyle involved there when comparing to living on an island. Personally I think the Prairie life would be more interesting (at least to me!). But yes, either way both can capture that avoidance of consumer life. But again I think no matter which one chooses, one needs to have a strong hobby, or work etc. Otherwise the change over from west to isolation might be too much. Unless one was living on a prairie already

-Kirstin- I liked Manila too! One of the few that does I think! But know what you mean. Thanks for checking the site out.

-Melissa- Thanks so much for those kind words about the blog. I’m glad you to see the true wonder of untouched happiness through the smiles and faces of people. Outside of the tourist routes this is where you will meet real people who actually bring a smile to your face as well. Many people miss out on this when they travel. Which might just be a good thing. As usually once this is discovered, the massive buses soon follow. Glad to hear you are going to visit a few of these places soon!

By: Melssa

Melssa — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:32:29 +0000

Beautiful Post. Simplicity and happiness. I’m new to reading your blog so thanks for the inspiration in depicting mankind, the cultures and the earth as you do. I’ve travelled a little myself and it is remarkable when visiting countries and places like in Africa, and you see the smile on the faces of kids, teenagers, and adults – unrelated to anything but true happiness. They have nothing (to those that define ’stuff’ through a monetary sense) but embody more happiness and peace than most people (who define life by what they do or the stuff they have) will ever feel. It is the simplistic, magical nature of the meaning of life. I will be in Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay soon…. as well as other SE Asia counties… I am ready to walk on water…. Be safe. God Speed.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:54:18 +0000

Ace post! I’ve been to Palawan myself but unlike you, I’ve had the convenience of living in Manila for most of my life.

Great to have you in our country. This comment is being written with envy as I type away from my desk in the City.

Keep safe and happy traveling!

By: Keira

Keira — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:42:26 +0000

That’s a beautiful post, my friend. Voluntary simplicity is certainly a challenge in the consumerist “west” and I have always been drawn to island life. If I didn’t live in the Prairies, I would live on an island.
And whether you have a lot or a little, the challenge is, indeed, contentment. One only has to look at the high rates of depression and suicide, even among the wealthy, to realize that it isn’t all what you know.

By: The Longest Way Home

The Longest Way Home — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:38:32 +0000

-Tim- You’re always welcome to comment here. Hope there’s something now, or in the future on the site that might help you out on your own journey. Thanks for the kind words and best of luck with the move!

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:29:23 +0000

You are so right about hobbies and/or other interests. I think I’ll be ok.
My first comment on your blog may seem negative which is unfortunate. The reality is that I’ve enjoyed your musings very much and have found them thought provoking and refreshing. The photos are awesome. Thanks for sharing!

By: The Longest Way Home

The Longest Way Home — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:51:44 +0000

-Rose- Thanks for your kind words Rose. Yes it is one of those pondering questions. A friend of mine said to me “that’s why children are always happy, they don’t know so much” Then we grow up Personally I don’t like the word content it makes me think of settling for something rather than trying to achieve something of the original goal. But then that’s just my take on the meaning of the word.

There’s another side to the coin too. If we choose to switch off and not achieve, are we failing ourselves? A catch 22. Then again, over analyzing is never a good thing either!

But yes, walking on water so far from shore is quite an experience

-Tim- Hi Tim, thanks for your first comment! Indeed it is subjective, as is this journal. It’s a journal about my journey. So in turn it’s my experiences, which not everyone will agree with, nor relate too. And this of course makes the world a more interesting place.

Indeed many, many people have settled in the Philippines and had a great time. Some on a small island, others on the larger island and others in the big cities etc. Many there look to escape the western ‘bombardment’. And this can happen. Though you will, meet many locals looking to do the opposite

One of the biggest mistakes I see expats do in the Philippines, is not having a productive hobby or routine. Even with oodles of cash, diving, partying, beaching, trekking and whittling away the days can become monotonous.

Either way I certainly wish you the very best on your move to The Philippines and hope to see you back here too!

-jessiev- Hi Jessie, good to see you again. Thanks for those flattering comments, I’m glad you liked the article It’s certainly something I enjoyed writing as this topics been on my mind for a while.

By: jessiev

jessiev — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:27:28 +0000

incredible article. this is one of my favorites of yours, to be sure. the clarity of thinking that comes when you’re immersed in other cultures is truly something. excellent food for thought! (and photos).

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:02:03 +0000

I’ve been reading your posts about the Philippines since you arrived but this is my first comment. Your contention that life on an island is boring certainly has merit, but it is very subjective. The constant onslaught of information (most of it useless or deceptive) in the West is wearing me down. I will be calling the Philippines home soon and testing out your postulation in real time. Even though I’ve not spent more than a month at a time there during several trips I’m confident the lifestyle suits me. Perhaps my confidence comes because I will be able to live on more than a few pesos a day. Being poor is no fun regardless where in the world you are.