Long ago I had said I would post photos of what I feel is the most attractive part of the Philippines, the northern most province, Batanes, is a small set of volcanic outcroppings within sight of Taiwan. The indigenous tribe, the Ivatans, speak a non-Austronesian Language (unlike virtually all other Philippine groups) that is a lot closer to Southern Chinese dialects.
Prone to typhoons (Pacific equivalent to hurricanes) which hit it dead centre at least five times a year and often more, the Ivatan traditionally build their homes of stone with walls one meter (3 ft) thick. Roofs are straw thatch so that they look more at home in the Hebrides are Shetland than in Southeast Asia. All the more so given a winter temprature that sometimes dips below freezing.
Prone to typhoons (Pacific equivalent to hurricanes) which hit it dead centre at least five times a year and often more, the Ivatan traditionally build their homes of stone with walls one meter (3 ft) thick. Roofs are straw thatch so that they look more at home in the Hebrides are Shetland than in Southeast Asia. All the more so given a winter temprature that sometimes dips below freezing.
