Day 5: I went on a motorbike today, sorry mum!

Today we all rose early this morning to catch a boat from Lapu Lapu Island to Olangu to participate in the Camp J Building Project! Little did we know that we would be the first people to begin the project...

To get to the building site we caught a 30 minute boat ride to get to the Island and then a botabota (motorcycle/ tricycle). Botabotas consist of a motorcycle on the left and a little carriage attached to the right. Since arriving in the Philippines we have seen more botabotas than cars and although we could only fit five of us at a time on a botabota, the locals can fit 10 people on one!

Once arriving at the site we all were confused at why we were at a random field with nothing on it. It soon dawned on us that we were the first to begin the project. The project plan consisted of a drug and alcohol rehab centre, church, rental stores and apartments, a massive project. We all grabbed our shovels and started digging holes to be used for foundation. You cannot comprehend how much hard work digging the holes were as nature's concrete; limestone, was abundantly under the ground and together we probably could have filled up a swimming pool with our collective sweat.

After lunch at the local church, we went to a beautiful beach; the majority of us ran into the water fully clothed. We swam for about 30 minutes in the warm blue water until Brayden stepped on a Sea Urchin... a very painful experience.

After the remains of the sea urchins was removed from Braydons foot we returned to the work site. We were greeted by many smiling children who we played with for hours and hours whilst learning how the locals make and use concrete.

The end of the day was filled with many ripped pants... yes ripped pants. Somehow five of the girls managed to rip the insides their pants whilst they were building. So moral of the story, buy some better quality clothes!

Okay, seeya later people!

- Steph