I, Aksel, give you a look into one of the most practical—and refreshing—parts of living in the mountains: our outdoor shower. When you live in a place as beautiful as Ginatilan, you want to be outside as much as possible, even when you're just getting ready for the day.
Our shower setup is a testament to the simplicity and ingenuity of mountain life. It’s located just outside our house, nestled among the lush greenery. We don't have a traditional indoor bathroom with a tiled shower stall and a water heater; instead, we have a setup that keeps us connected to the nature around us.
The water comes from the same source we use for everything else—fresh mountain water that’s naturally cool. There’s something incredibly invigorating about starting your day with a cold shower while looking out at the coconut trees and hearing the birds.
Of course, living in a community means being mindful of your neighbors. While the shower is "outdoor," we’ve made sure it’s private enough. It’s a simple structure, but it does the job perfectly. In the video, I show you how we’ve set it up and how it works. It’s not about having the most expensive fixtures; it’s about having something that works and allows us to enjoy the environment we’ve chosen to live in.
I also talk a bit about the "logistics" of it all. In the mountains, you learn to appreciate things like water pressure and having a steady supply. Sometimes we have to be a bit creative with how we manage our resources, but that’s all part of the "probinsya" (province) experience. We’ve learned to live with less and realize we don't actually need much to be happy and clean!
Beyond just the shower itself, I use this video to reflect on how much my life has changed. Moving from Norway to the mountains of Cebu was a huge leap, but it’s these daily rituals—like showering outside in the fresh mountain air—that remind me why I made the move. It’s a life that’s stripped back to the essentials, and there’s a real peace in that.
Whether it’s a rainy day or a beautiful sunny morning, our outdoor shower is one of my favorite spots. It captures the essence of simple, natural, and full of good vibes. It might not be what everyone is used to, but for us, it’s just another part of our "sarap buhay" (good life) here in Ginatilan. We’re grateful for the fresh water, the beautiful views, and the chance to live so closely with nature every single day. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think it's time for a quick rinse before the next mountain adventure!
