A dumptruck ride to the mountain Aetas

Today we had an absolutely incredible experience.  It began with an old dump truck pulling up in front of Olongapo City hall and the driver hauling down a step ladder. Within minutes our whole team of 20 and 2 eight year olds were sitting on red plastic patio chairs in the back bed. It was like being on the top of a double decker bus... but not really.  We were all full of anticipation despite the high humidity and the 30+C sun beating down on us; we were in a state of endless sweat.  As we rode through town we had to be mindful of the live wires crossing the road above our heads as we waved back to all the people whose homes we peeked into from our raised view.  Soon the paved roads of Olongapo came to an end and we were fording rivers and climbing up a mountain track where the thick mango tree branches were whipping past, inches from our face.  Our convoy included a swat team in two trucks. They would often get stuck crossing the rivers in their 4x4s.  As we got higher what opened up before our eyes were rolling mountains filled with lush vegetation, mango trees, palm trees, bamboo trees and flowered shrubery under a beautiful azure blue sky. Now and then you would see a nipa hut in a clearing or women washing clothes in the river or a boy in his underwear with a snorkel and goggles 2 sizes too big, dunking his head underwater to spear fish with a pointed stick.  It was quiet in the dump truck and I suspect we were all in awe of the mountain beauty and images of life surrounding us. We drove on and eventually stopped at a small school full of waiting children that looked so different from the children we had seen in the city.  The children lined up in rows in front of a banner thanking TWECS for coming to their village.  Each child had made a little paper flag saying "welcome Canadian doctors, we love you" and then gave one to each of us.  Our team was treated to Aeta children dancing and a "boodofight" feast.  Two twelve foot bamboo tables were laid out with banana leaves.  Rice and chicken adobo was placed on the leaves.  The team were then invited to eat with them, we stood lined up on either side of the table and ate as the Aetas eat, with our hands, and the food was delicious.  The event ended with the team giving out candies, Canada pins and clothes to every person and child in the village.  On the ride back into town, we passed the children running along the river bank waving with all their goodies from us, and repeatedly shouting "thank you".  I know we will look back on this day and wonder ... did I really experience that?