May 4, 2007

Chocolate Hills

Imagine a high plateau with perfectly shaped hills resembling Hershey Kisses all around. On each side of the road lie rice fields with water buffalo meandering about. Above a stormy sky, gathers strength and for once your motorcycle is working.

An indescribable green coats everything. The smell of humidity and grass fill the air. In the distance a rumbling of thunder warns you of an immanent mid afternoon tropical deluge. The first raindrop hits your goggles, then a second; the rainstorm has begun. Ahead a small church sits along side the road. You quickly park and run inside. There you sit as the rain washes everything.

A fresh smell begins to fill the air and soon the rain has stopped. Continuing on you find yourself on a now muddy dirt road. You race your friend passing jungle huts and stray dogs. People standing along side the road laugh and wave as you rush past. Trying to take the lead you enter a corner too fast and begin to slide out. This has happened before; you remain calm, let off the gas, and allow your natural reflexes to keep the bike upright.

Needing gas you arrive at a gas station. As you step off of your motorcycle the gas station attendants, customers, and your friend start laughing. You look down at your shirt to find it covered in mud. With out a word you just smile and know you’ll get Travis back later on.

Bohol, Philippines

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