So, I noticed yesterday that my blog about fresh peanuts got as much attention as some of my most profound existential posts. Maybe I ought to mix it up a little more often!
Well, do I ever have a lot more local stories to share as I weave through lands!
Take yesterday for example. I went up the mountain with two of my priest friends to visit the old parish Bishop. Over coffee we got talking about some of the indigenous foods and medicines.
They told me what they do with dogs. I almost fell out of my freaking chair!
You see, there are alot of dogs in the village. There always has been. And, when people get sick, or need an extra boost of health or energy, they take one of these dogs and bring it into the house.
Then, they tie them up, take a little knife and make an incision in it’s jugular and insert a straw.
And then they sip!!!
I am totally serious here folks. These weren’t some guys kidding around at the bar– these were the local Anglican priests and Bishop– some of the most well educated and cultured in the village. All three in fact have taken the drink. One of their priest colleagues is an avid… er… what shall we say… Dog Sipper, and proponent of the cure. I’ve checked around with other villagers, it is a rare but actual ongoing traditional practice in the village. They use it in cases of heavy fever or after transfusions.
The bishop explained that although he had given it a shot, er… sip, he hadn’t been able to swallow. Apparenttly, the dog gets a little agitated and the pulsating flow and warmth of it through the straw all was too much to take.
I can’t say I blame him!
Ok… Next I’ll share what they do with live cobras.
Location:Sagada,Philippines
