Last week we had a quick trip up to the Bataan peninsula to visit with two school divisions. They were interested in learning more about our school literacy tutorial programs, so up we went. Unfortunately, when we presented our last three very large literacy projects, it was decided by our top managers that we should hold off on any further literacy projects until we get data and reports that it is working well. I can see their point, actually, but feel badly for these two divisions, because they are really excited about the program. The second division, Balanga School Division, had more time with us and even took us to an amazing Chinese restaurant, where they preordered SO MUCH yummy food. Then, since our car was coded and we didn’t want to get back to the Manila area before 8 pm, we had some hours to kill. They had the two principals that were with us accompany us, along with the van and driver, to Mt. Samat. That has been on our bucket list and is a moving and beautiful memorial to World War II veterans. Of course the Bataan death march happened in this area, so the museum reflected that sad and very tragic incident. So many prisoners died during this march, or shortly after when they were smashed into rail cars to the prison camp. It was horrendous! The cross is the second largest cross in the world. Impressive! The school principal told us they built it on the large hill there so the souls could find their way to heaven more easily. The two principals hadn’t been there for many, many years and also don’t exercise, so it just about killed them! It is in a very nicely forested area and the views were great.

Of course, whenever we travel outside the Metro area, we are always looking for good places to walk. I think we found a pretty good one in the city of Balanga. We were staying right downtown, close to the plaza area and we walked all the way to the Wetlands park- a sort of bird refuge. They even had boardwalks! Then we took a tricycle back. Good decision!