The Rural Life Part I
Years ago when we just bought our property in Palawan, Philippines I wondered if I could really live in a rural area permanently without feeling so far away from the world. Won’t I miss the hustle and bustle at all ?
I remember when I was little girl – I always get excited whenever we have an out-of-town trip, it didn’t bother me that it sometimes takes us 5 hours to get there. I loved every minute of it. But living there is a different story.
Fast forward to a couple of years … now that we actually have established our farm and started a few projects, I now really think that this would be our home. We started with our Tree Plantation and then some more ideas came to mind and now I cannot wait till we can actually live there.
Living in the rural area is simple – uncomplicated. People might have very limited means but they are very easy to please and are happy.
Children most of the time needs to light up a candle to study at night because they have to help out their parents after school on some household chores. You would almost never hear them complain. They are already glad that they can go to school.
These kids here never gets bored too…they don’t whine and throw tantrums if they don’t get their way. They find ways to entertain themselves without bothering their parents.
They ran around, swim at the river or follow us around ( somehow they find us very interesting ).
Whenever we are in the farm, we try to come up with fun activities where the kids can earn something extra so that they can buy stuff for themselves.
On our recent rounds around the plantation, we saw lots of plastic bags on the ground left by the tree planters. So we asked the kids to gather those plastics and turn them over to us. For every grocery bag full of plastic, they get Php20. They were very enthusiastic about the idea and made a run for it. At the end of the day, they earned more than Php 200 each. I asked them what they will do with the money – most said they will buy clothes and one said he will buy a slipper.
Sherry on Apr 21, 2009
I think when you are used to city and if you are there for long term you might be bored. Unless you got so much to do there.
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Badet on Apr 21, 2009
I get to have a taste of rural living whenever we have our vacation in our province in Aklan. Surprisingly, I love how relaxed I am when I’m there. No need to rush, I don’t even wear a watch during those times. You’re right how simple things and small amount of money can make people in the province happy.
My aunt and uncle who worked in the US now lives in Aklan after retirement, they built a beachfront house. They’re having a grand time there. I’m sure once you and your husband decide to settle in Palawan, you’ll get used to it. Besides, you have the Internet to reconnect to the outside hi-tech world. =)
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rosa on Apr 21, 2009
wow jade, is that the land? looks nice.. the kids look happy too! i noticed din na mga tao sa palawan, even na mahihirap sila at wala makain.. their still smiling and happy.
maganda rin ang rural life kasi wala masyadong problema.:D
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eastcoastlife on Apr 21, 2009
It would be nice to live in the rural. I would give up city life for such a relaxing retirement.
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Martyn on Apr 22, 2009
A lovely story that runs true with my life. I travel to Thailand 3 times a tear and hope one day to settle there. I spend a lot of my time in a Thai village in fact over the years I have become accepted by many of the locals. The village life is so natural and the kids are a delight to watch, happy, respectful and never asking for anything. How their mother’s keep their children’s school uniform so clean is a mystery to which I will never find an answer. Good luck.
liz barnett on Apr 22, 2009
Wow! one needs to buy slippers? hmmm..Living a simple life is my husband’s ultimate dream as well. But, now that we are used to living with internet, cable, TV, phone and everything, I don’t think he can live without all of it.
Your place looks great, so nice to relax and just meditate. I love staying in the province, far away from the city, so fresh and unpolluted air and surroundings…
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Camille on Apr 22, 2009
living in the country side with nothing to do would be a killer, from that point of view, living anywhere without something to do would not be good.
However, looking at the plans and ideas you have, you probably will be busy enough to keep you happy!
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David Funk on Apr 22, 2009
Those pictures and place look very peaceful. Thanks for sharing.
Also, I added both of your links to my Friend’s Link List at No. 222 & 223:
http://www.basicbloganomics.com/2008/11/friends-link-list.html
Take care friend!:)
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Angie R on Apr 22, 2009
Hi Jade! Rural life is peaceful and people seem to know how to entertain themselves without the use of computer games, retail therapy, night clubbing etc etc.. I miss my early childhood in a plantation. Our house was constantly full of people. But in the west (and sometimes here in Singapore) we have to make prior appointment just to see our neighbours! LOL…:-) Angie
Malcolm on Apr 22, 2009
Jade , you know that as humans we are happy wherever the heart is happy , I know you never thought you could live in the country , and now your little short visit sound like fun and you let your hair down and relax , but as a friend of mine use to say when you move there full time and no round trip ticket , that is when the rubber hits the road so to speak and it (the country life , with it’s far distance to town) will make or break you . and I hope you make it , I have been many places that look like fun to stay but after a while you find out you had rather be somewhere else and only visit once in a while with a round trip ticket in your hand .
My kids in the USA can’t belive I can live here in thailand after living and working there for 62 years , but if you are happy , as they say .” HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS” and I hope it is true when you live there full time . Good post and love the pictures and you do have a beautiful looking place , hope all your plans work out for the good . Malcolm
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Martin In Bulgaria on Apr 22, 2009
Hi Jade,
Village children never get bored is true here as well and work for their pocket money with a great attitute and no complaints.
I feel you are at peace with yourself there, but I feelthat full time you may have problems with the different life you have had up to now. You may occassionally miss the ‘buzz’ of town life.
A great set fo picture and commentry to reveal the wonderful setting you have there.
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shydub on Apr 23, 2009
Living in a rural area always the best for me. We smell fresh air, see beautiful scenery and life there like you said is not that complicated at all. You live happy and contented with what you have. I love living this kind of place. Nice post pinayjade.
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Jade on Apr 23, 2009
@ Martin In Bulgaria – I really admire the village people’s children. I hope they grow up and still have the same attitude and drive.
Jade on Apr 23, 2009
@ Malcolm – I do hope that I make it too – let’s see what the future will bring.
I recall that our friends in Europe said that they could never live full time in Asia. They say they would probably just go there during the winter time when retirement comes and come back to Europe when it’s summer there.
Jade on Apr 23, 2009
@ Angie R – Oh you grew up in the plantation? That must be nice – looks like our life have so many similarities. You grew up in a plantation and I will be living in one in the future;)
lilyruth on Apr 24, 2009
Dreams, do come true so don’t ever stop dreaming I know you will reach your goal because you are the type of person will get what she wants. GOOd Luck. @lilruth
lilyruth on Apr 24, 2009
Its great you are teaching the tree planters about recycling they keep their land clean and at the same time buy some nice things for themselves. Great article.
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news on Apr 24, 2009
I do not think I could live in a village.
I’m used to the city , but a holiday in the country side is always useful.
fresh air..silence
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Nikou on Apr 26, 2009
Hello,
This is great. I also dream that when I retire I would be living in the countryside and get away from the hurly-burly life in the city. I’m inspired with your posts. Keep on blogging about rural life.
Cheers,
Nikou
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Malaysia: Desaru Fruit Farm Tour | on May 13, 2009
[...] We also have these trees in our properties in Palawan, Philippines. It’s called Malamangga in Tagalog. The fruits can be eaten but not raw – you have to cook it either by boiling or by deep frying. I will try that on our next visit to our farm. [...]