Basey
I didn’t realize that I was headed down a road barely traveled, until I came to this village in Basey, Samar where the road is as narrow as it can be. It was not in any way undersized, but the residents have taken both sides of the road and laid down their freshly harvested grains for drying under the sun. Only the middle section was clear for traffic, and some sections were only wide enough for a bike to pass through.
This road led to the Sohoton Natural Caves, a local tourist spot in the region, but the more distance I traveled on this road, the more I felt that I am heading towards the middle of nowhere. Then it dawned upon me that I was the only traveler down this road.
This is probably the least friendly place I’ve been to. The usual smiles I elicit from strangers whenever I smile at them seem to be nonexistent. I can feel all eyes staring at me as I walked down the road, umbrella in one hand and camera dangling by my side. Part of this is probably because not many cars pass this way, and I might have been the only person who cared to stop and take photographs. The way to the caves is by boat at the town proper.
Never mind the close up photos, let alone a chat with the locals. I was out of my element. No smiles were coming my way, and it made me feel like I was not welcome. But there is always an exception when it comes to kids.
Back in Basey town proper; a great place to nap overlooking the water.
The local park.
A few daring souls were busy catching, slicing and baking jellyfish on the pier.
This is at Barangay Cabalawan, just across the San Juanico Bridge. A perfect place to cool off.
A walk with my camera 
When I travel I’m always curious about why some places seem friendly and others, not so much. Sometimes I know it’s me or my own projections on the experience, but some places are decidedly unfriendly.
Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Normally people would smile back when we smile at them, but there could be people who are not used to seeing strangers outside of their community. The only way to find out is to go back.
thanks.
I just love your photo!
thank you
I’ve been there myself, a few times. You walk down the road and you don’t gert good feedback at all…
My guess is this is the first time for them to see someone taking photos of just about anything, so they’re suspicious. And another thing, it is campaign season here in the Philippines. Election is this coming May.
Orly, your pics are getting better and better! Thank you for posting photos that depicts what looks like mundane activities,to your followers these are priceless!
thank you, Rose.
thank you, Rose.
Great post as usual! Many years from now, when people see your photos, they’d be grateful that you documented the everyday scenes on the streets. Like for me, it seems decades ago since I last saw rice grains dried under the sun along the roads 🙂
I don’t think that town is generally unfriendly. It must be this heat we have in the country! It can greatly sour moods.
I salute you for braving the road less traveled to take your photos in such weather!
I think you are right, Eugene. The heat was pretty much unbearable that I had to use an umbrella. It is also harvest season, and from what I’ve learned just today, Sunday is the busiest day during this time.
In case you miss seeing grains on the side of the road, you’re most welcome to visit Leyte & Samar. 🙂
Thanks!
love the last frame. smiles or no smiles you still delivered,:). it must be the heat of the sun:( thank God for the kids!!! thank you once again for our “Sunday treat”
thanks again. It is a hot summer, but the harvest is good.