Last Adventures at CCC

Lots of exciting things happened in my last few weeks at CCC. Tim and Petchy, the new SOs, did really well in learning the ropes and with my last SDP finished I was able to get in the water and diving on surveys a lot more. However, we all took a break from diving to spend a few nights in the provincial capital of Southern Leyte, Maasin. It was the 50^th anniversary of the region and we had been invited to take part in the celebrations. The first evening we went down to the Capitol – a big grassy area in front of the government buildings. There they were holding the Miss Southern Leyte beauty pageant on the massive stage. All around were food and other stalls; it was just like a festival. The next morning was the main event and we gathered on the main street for the big parade. Everyone seemed to be taking part from school children to government officials at all levels. Every so often there was a marching band and majorettes to keep the pace. We were near the end of the parade and all walked with our matching t-shirts behind our banner. It was really fun, despite the light drizzle, and everyone watching liked to wave and cheer. I felt really proud and honoured to be invited to take part in such an important occasion. When the parade finished, back at the Capitol, there was a short ceremony and Rach, Holly and I were invited to sit on the stage during it. I got to meet the governor of Southern Leyte but it was a little embarrassing as we were all wearing shorts and t-shirts and looking a bit bedraggled while everyone else were in the poshest outfits! Afterward we were free to enjoy all of the things that had been put on such as stalls with crafts from each of the regions in S. Leyte. And of course there was also time to fit in some shopping in the ‘big city’ for things we don’t get at Napantao. That evening we had our own celebrations as it was Holly and Rach’s birthdays while we were away. The next morning all the girls went to a beauty salon for birthday treatments.

On Saturday we had yet more celebrations for the birthdays (inc. Emily’s too) and my last Saturday night. We all went into Liloan to a bar for BBQ and karaoke which was lots of fun.

On Wednesday it was time for me to say goodbye to CCC and hit the road for a few weeks of travel. Tuesday was a really emotional day as I had a lot of things to sort out and really didn’t want to leave. On Tuesday evening we had the traditional goodbye after dinner. Everyone especially Rach and Holly were really nice and I even got presents! I had to say a few words and said how inspirational the people I’d met and the things I’d seen were.