I, Aksel, take you on a nighttime adventure that is truly unique to our life here in the mountains of Ginatilan. This isn't your typical grocery run; tonight, we’re heading down to the river to catch our dinner: frogs and river crabs.
The expedition started around 7:00 PM, once darkness had fully settled over the mountain. I was joined by Jessa and her family—her father, brother, and sister. It’s a real family affair, and seeing how effortlessly they navigate the terrain at night is always impressive. We were armed with flashlights and bags, ready to see what the river had in store for us.
The trek down to the river can be a bit treacherous in the dark. We had to be careful where we stepped, navigating through tall grass and slippery rocks. I was particularly worried about my camera equipment—water and electronics don't mix well! But Jessa’s family knows these paths like the back of their hands. Her father was leading the way, his eyes sharp for any movement in the water or along the banks.
Catching frogs is an art form. You have to be quick and precise. We were looking for specific types that are good for eating, and it was fascinating to watch Jessa’s brother and father at work. They’ve been doing this their whole lives, and their skill is undeniable. We also kept an eye out for river crabs and even some snails. At one point, we even found what Jessa called "pregnant crabs," which are considered quite a treat.
While it’s a fun adventure, there’s also a bit of a competitive spirit. Jessa’s father joked that he had only caught a couple of frogs so far, but he was determined to get enough for a proper meal. For me, it was a bit more of a struggle—I'm still learning the ropes of "mountain hunting"! It’s a far cry from my life in Norway, where food usually comes in a package from a store. Here, if you want a fresh, exotic meal, you have to go out and get it yourself.
After we gathered enough, we headed back to the house to prepare our catch. This is where the real magic happens. We set up a fire and started cooking. The menu for the night? Frogs and river crabs. Jessa and her family handled the preparation, cleaning the catch, and getting the fire just right.
I’ll be honest, for some of you, eating frogs might seem a bit "exotic" or even strange. Jessa teased me about it, saying that while this is normal for them, it’s a big deal for me! But that’s the beauty of my new life; it’s about embracing new experiences and learning the local ways. The soup was actually delicious—rich, flavorful, and incredibly fresh. There’s a certain satisfaction in eating something you’ve caught yourself just hours before.
One of the funniest moments was Jessa telling a story about a friend who didn't know she was eating frog until after she’d finished. She apparently loved it until the truth was revealed! It just goes to show how much our perceptions can change once we know what's on our plate.
As the night wound down and we finished our feast, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This is what the "sarap buhay" (good life) is all about—sharing a meal with family, surrounded by the quiet of the mountain, after a successful hunt. It’s simple, it’s raw, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure. It was a long, productive evening in the river, and I definitely earned my sleep that night.
