There are holidays and there are holidays. Some people are happy to go to the same old place every year because they are comfortable there. It is not too dangerous and it can be fun sometimes. Others want to get away to every exotic place they can find and do it all and see it all. Trouble is you are usually doing it all and seeing it all with busloads of other tourists with the same interests. That is ok if you like that sort of thing but what about getting away on your own and doing and seeing something where there is just you and the locals.
Imagine being in an interesting place with a fascinating culture with no other tourists about to clutter the landscape. Imagine how you could really soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the unspoilt culture. Are there any such places still left that are safe to go to. Where there are no major terrorist attacks or major crime waves. Where there are comfortable and cheap hotels to stay in while enjoying a fascinating culture and all on a shoestring budget.
This sounds amazing. Where are we and why havn't we heard of this before. Well once I tell you you better get there quick before everyone else hears about it too. I am talking about Davao City, the southern capital of the amazing Philippines. I only found it because my wife found me and I went there to get married. Now I can't wait to get back there and live permenently as lots of other x-pats have done. Don't worry, you don't see them about much so they don't spoil the landscape.
Davao is an amazing place. It is the largest city in the world in area with a population of about 1.5 mill. It is on the coast of the Davao Gulf and very sheltered so there is no violent weather extremes with the temperature a lovely 30 all year round.
Davao used to be the most lawless city in the Philippines but has had an amazing turn around with the best police force in the country and has been constantly in the top 10 most livable Asian cities. You can even drink the water straight from the tap, buy a large bottle of coke for 20 cents to go with your local bottle of rum, very smooth, for $2.00. MacDonalds will cost you about $1.00 for a meal and the best 5 star restaurant dining only will set you back $10/20 for a top meal.
Hotels there are not expensive and there is heaps to do and see. That is if you can get out of the large shopping centers with their budget prices. Shopping is so much fun when you can get a pair of shoes or a nice shirt for a few dollars. And the best part of course is the local people. Go into a shop there and you are a sir or a maam. Walk the streets and you will bombarded with the local smiles, all wide and genuine. For a people with very little money and basic comforts of life they are always so happy and relaxed and will just love you because you are you and a little bit different. School kids will come up to you on the street and offer a high five. Truckies going past will still call out, 'hey Joe' and wave and make you feel a little special.
There are always the sad things too like the dirty, hungry kids begging for a meal and the same in some adults who are caught short of something and need a loan. They always make it a loan and have the intention to repay it but will never be able to. But just to see a people so happy in their poverty is a treat to enjoy. You will marvel at the tall glass high rise with the lean-to shack alongside. Davao seems to be a modern city built amongst the poverty of the past with both cultures mingling with each other in a fascinating mix of old and new.
Just to cross the street there will have you in stitches as will a taxi ride as there doesn't seem to be any road rules. After three months there I was still fascinated by the travel systems. You will ride a jeepnee and tricycle as well as taxis and a mixture of other home made styles of transport. You will buy your food fresh from the street vendor each day. That very day's catch, fresh and so cheap. You will see beaches of white sand and beaches of black sand. You will come across lots of squatter settlements and see people bathing in a tub in the front yard. There will be cocks tethered there ready for the cock fights on Saturday. There will be a small pig roasting over an open fire in the front yard and lots of dogs roaming around. Scores of little kids with cheeky grins will come up and take your hand and touch it to there forehead, a sign of respect. There is just so much to experience. If you want a holiday with a difference and one you will remember for a long time, check out Davao City Philippines. Might see you there one day..Nick
Nick Young
http://www.cadenville.com
[tags]holiday,davao city,travel,international travel,international holiday[/tags]