Berichte von 07/2018

02Juli
2018

Summary of our last days at the host families

Sorry for the lack of writing in the last few days. We had an eventful time with our friends. 

Friday, june  29

Meeting nature at its purest form

At friday we visited the famous Underground River in Sabang, one oft the seven wonders of nature. We learned many interesting facts about the history and the really slow but ongoing evolution oft the Mountains and its river that is located deep inside. After that we performed another trip by boat, this time we drove through the local magrovee forest and our guide explained us the importance of it for the ecosystem in Palawan. We were also able to take another ride with the zipline, this time it was even longer than the one in Tagaytay! The day ended with the possibility to swim in the Pacific Ocean, the beach was clean, the nature beautiful as always and everyone was happy. Another ennoyable day within our journey was over :)

 

Saturday, june  30

Foster-Family-Day

On Saturday everyone of us spent the day with their own foster families. Coincidentally we met each other for serveral times. For example at the Crocodile farm, where we have seen local animals like the "Talking Mina" and of course the big and great saltwater crocodiles of Palawan. An other place that the most of us visited was "Baker´s Hill". It is a location with many restaurants and one bakery, that´s why it is called Baker´s Hill. We wondered at colourful butterflies in the Butterfly Eco Garden and got an impression of an alternative penal system in the IWAHIG prison & penal farm.
After these trips all of us met for our farewell-party on the roof top of the Sunlight Hotel with an gorgeous view along the coastline and the Bay Walk. Jonah and Marj, the two Filipino teachers, prepared some short, but nice team games for us and of corse the karaoke, so we had much fun in only three hours. It was one of the best experiences we made at our stay in Puerto Princesa.


Sunday, july 1

Island Hopping

The day before our journey back to Germany, we made an island hopping. But it wasn´t just this: In the morning all of us had to say good bye to our foster families. After all of us got gifts and greetings for home we went with a multicap to the harbour. There the journey for the day started: The first stop for the boats we used was Cowrie Island. Nearly all of us went into the water and swam. After some minutes just swimming in this warm water we made a short trip with a banana boat and ate at this island for lunch.
The next stop was Luli Island, where we tried snorkeling. It was so amazing to see so many corals and fish under the water. The same happened on our last stop of the island hopping in Honda Bay: On Artificial Island we saw bigger corals and fish. All of us got tired but this wasn´t the end of the day. At Faye´s home we got a snack and then the Germans went to Casa Linda Hotel. After a reflection round about staying in the Philippines and foster families we finished this amazing day with a dinner in a restaurant.

Monday, july 2

It's hard to say good-bye

After passing our last night in Casa Linda and eating breakfast we - the German group - went to San Miguel National High School. Once arrived we showed gratitude especially to the headmaster Ma'am Ong for the support in the exchange program and said good-bye to the headteachers and Sir Elmir - a teacher participating in the last batch. Right after we left our next and last destination in Palawan was the airport where the Filipinos awaited us. Then a time oft bidding farewell to our Filipino friends followed. Last photos were taken and tears appeared while we said good-bye. But there's also hope to see each other again. Subsequently our first flight to Manila departed and now - having six hours time before our next check in - we wait for our flight to Doha and further home to Germany.

  

 

The whole ISEP was an great experience for all of us. We learned a lot and take many impressions with us. Thanks to all involved people and special gratitude to:

- ENSA and Carpus e. V. (especially Nena, Franziska, Uwe)

- our two principals Ma'am Ong and Sir Exler

- the main orgenaizer Ma'am Maisie and Ma'am Kerstin

- our followers (particularly Eric Johne)

 

 

Hanggang Doha uling pagkikita (hopefully we will meet again)