It is an active volcano located in Negros Island, Philippines. During the time, we passed by the spot with the best view of the Volcano. They said the Volcano had a low ash eruption 5 years ago but at that time, it was still erupting ashes. People near the area still continue their normal life routine but were advised that hiking at the foot of the Volcano is no more allowed until the ask eruption stops.
You know @Reisen I always considered people living close to a volcano very brave. I mean it is a ticking bomb. Grew up watching 100’s of documentaries about volcanoes I’d love to see or come close to one. They always fascinated me.
How often do you visit the island? Did you ever hike on that mountain?
@JacobLED My Mom’s family lived closer to the village near the foot of the Volcano. When I was a kid, we would always visit 3 to 4 times a year to see my grandparents who lived there. Currently, I can only visit it whenever I go back to the Philippines. I have not tried hiking yet. But we usually go near the foot of the Volcano to buy fresh crops from the farmers who lived there. My parents go there once in a week.
It is very beautiful. I can sit down and watch the view of the Volcano in my Aunt’s little store bench for the whole afternoon in peace.
@Nyainurjanah Thank you! Yes. Recently, it started to erupt ashes which can be dangerous to the lungs especially to the people who live closer to the tip of the Volcano. Some houses of the villagers were already covered in ash so they advice not to hike the area for now.
@BorrisS The closest inhabited area is a barrio called “Cabagnaan” and it is located near the middle of the Volcano and can be considered almost the beginning of the foot of the Volcano. After this Barrio, it is all forest up to the top area where no plants can live.
People in this area are mostly living in poor conditions and have been used to the way of life there. Mostly, they have Happy-Go-Lucky personalities and most of them stay in the area for family ties. People in my Island have great respect for elders and ancestors that it is sometimes hard to disobey traditions and often live in extended family structures. People who live here are mostly farmers who took care of the Landowners Farm. I don’t think they even worry much about the volcano erupting. In fact around 2016, the Volcano erupted fire balls around the crater for a few minutes and made a loud noise but people in this area, stayed even if their houses where covered with ashes because this has been their comfort zone and I don’t think they would want to live elsewhere.
@Ant_Bad_Yogi I remember the Pinatubo Volcanic eruption documentary in 1991 which destroyed villages. It was sad because after the eruption, a typhoon came after which resulted in a lot of hardships to the villagers that survived. A lot of houses where covered in ashes and mud. Yet Mount Pinatubo is one of the most beautiful places to hike and visit according to the people who have been there. It would have been a great opportunity but also a risky one.
I bet it is as nice and peaceful as you described it @Reisen
I love to watch mountains. I am looking from my balcony to a mountain. It is really calming me down. You said you visit then when you are in the Philippines. So I assume that you are living out of motherland?
@JacobLED Yes, I am from the Philippines but currently living in United States. I also spent 2 months living in Singapore before. It is great to learn different cultures and discover that sometimes what they say about a country may not really be true until one starts to live on that country.
How long have you been living in Turkey? What can you say about the culture and way of life there?
Thank you for your reply.