MODULE 11: MOUNTAINEERING

Mountaineering- Is a physical activity where participants aim to reach the summit of a mountain, typically over 500
meters high, for the enjoyment of climbing. It encompasses various forms of mountain climbing, including rock climbing
and ski mountaineering. In Europe, mountaineering is sometimes referred to as alpinism, particularly when climbing in
the Alps, and those who participate in this sport are called mountaineers.
Mt. Pulag is one of the highest mountains in the Philippines. It is the highest peak in Luzon, with an elevation of 2 922
meters (m) above sea level and the third highest in the Philippines, next to Mt. Apo and Mt. Dulang-Dulang, which are
both in Mindanao. It is located between the borders of Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya in northern Luzon. Recently, it has
gained prominence as more and more people, Filipinos and foreigners alike, come to visit its peak to witness its famous
view of the sea of clouds.
Reaching the summit of a mountain is a unique experience that gives mountain climbers a sense of fulfillment.

According to the book

 Mountaineering in the Philippines, mountaineering is not just a physical activity but also a mental one. It is
defined in the book as a ‘’physical and mental activity that requires skills, experience, common sense, and guts in
ascending and descending mountains’’."

Mountaineering can be considered an extreme sport but it can also be a form of recreation. Some people who climb
regularly consider it as a profession or career.
Mountaineering in the Philippines
Also emphasizes the importance of the basic skills in mountain climbing. These basic skills include proper breathing,
backpacking, and cooking. Other skills such as rappelling, caving or spelunking, swimming, and camping also help in
making the mountaineering experience a better one. Skills and knowledge in first aid and search and rescue are just as
important as well.

1786- One of the earliest recorded mountaineering sports activities happened when Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard and his
porter, Jacques Balmat, climbed Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe. The two climbed Mont Blanc to win the
prize money, which was offered by the Swiss scientist Horace-Benedict de Saussure to anyone who would be able to
reach the summit of the said mountain. Since then, mountaineering as a sport and recreation have been performed
throughout Europe and in other parts of the world.

1953- It became even more popular when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered Mt. Everest — considered
the highest peak in the world.

1852- The earliest record of mountaineering in the country was the attempt made by Don Jose Oyanguren, then governor
of Davao, to climb Mt. Apo. He organized a group of people and climbed the mountain, but they failed to complete the
climb because of the difficulty of the ascent. They retreated, with 20 members dying in the failed endeavor. The same
thing happened years after to another Davao governor, known only as "Real."

1880- the summit of Mt. Apo was finally reached. This successful climb was led by another governor of Davao, Don
Joaquin Rajal, together with Father Mateo Gisbert and Dr. Joseph Montano. The three were able to successfully reach the
summit of Mt. Apo with the help of the Bagobos, the indigenous people in the area.

According to Mountaineering in the Philippines, the golden years of mountaineering were during the 1990s, even as
mountaineering has become quite popular nowadays. In fact, quite a few mountaineering clubs or societies—most of
which provide formal training and offer courses on mountaineering—have been established for those willing to venture in
this kind of sport and recreation.

Health Benefits of Mountaineering

Generally, mountaineering is a walking activity, and any walking activity has benefits to one's health.

Vigorous-intensity physical activities are recommended for maximum cardiovascular protection. Regular moderate to
vigorous physical activities (MVPAs) - mountaineering, included - are known to reduce the risk factors for various
diseases.
Aside from improving cardiovascular endurance, MVPAs also develop musculoskeletal strength; boost the metabolic,
endocrine, and immune systems; and help in reducing or maintaining body weight.

Aside from the physical benefits, mountaineering also has a positive impact on one's mental health. Experiencing the
natural environment can reduce stress, while walking helps you concentrate and become more creative."

Hazards of Mountaineering
Mountaineering is a dangerous physical activity. Exploring the wilderness of the mountains poses hazards that can cause
injuries or serious consequences such as death.
Mountain hazards can be man-made or natural.

Man-made hazards- are also called subjective hazards, and they are caused by lack of preparation and carelessness. Poor
judgment and unsound decisions can also put one’s health and life in danger. Dehydration, falling, and overexertion are
some common consequences of man-made hazards. Careful preparation and planning are the antidotes to subjective
hazards in the mountains.

Natural hazards, also called objective hazards, are caused by the natural environment in the mountain and by the
weather. Some natural hazards include weather conditions, altitude, strong winds, rock falls, and visibility. Dangerous
animals, plants, and other organisms are also natural hazards.

Module 12 HIKING AND TREKKING

Hiking- is walking in a natural environment through pre-charted paths and man-made trails and roads. In some countries,
such as the United States and Canada, hiking is referred to as a long and vigorous walk on trails in the countryside. In
New Zealand, they refer to this as tramping.

 is usually longer than walking on city streets or similar pathways. It usually lasts continually for a day. When it
lasts overnight, it is referred to as backpacking, where you need to camp in a campsite. People hike in beautiful
environments to enjoy the sight of trees and animals, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the natural
environment. Hiking, therefore, is mainly done for leisure.

Trekking- is a series of hiking activities done on paths that are usually unmarked and may not be previously chartered. It
is a longer journey within a challenging environment or in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness. Normally, people trek
in remote places such as mountainous areas where common means of transportation are absent. They walk through trails
and paths that are not usually explored by ordinary people.

 While you do trek in mountaineering, trekking is not necessarily mountaineering. Some treks are a combination of
mountain, desert, and jungle treks. Trekkers normally use maps, and they need orienteering skills to journey on.
(You will learn more about orienteering and map reading later in this unit.) Since trekking lasts for days, it
requires durable boots, enough clothes, camping equipment, a tent, cooking utensils, and other necessities that
will help trekkers survive the long journey. Therefore, trekking is more rigorous and challenging compared to
hiking. It is not only done for leisure, but also to test one’s agility and endurance and his or her mental, emotional,
and physical capabilities.
 In hiking or trekking, there are some basic pieces of equipment that you need to bring to help you survive in the
wilderness of the mountain. The following are the things that you will need when you hike or trek a mountain—
for recreation only, in this instance—as recommended by Mountaineering in the Philippines.

Bag

Your bag is one of your most important companions in your climb. It is where you put almost all the things that you need
for the climb. Two things must be considered in choosing a backpack for climbing. First, it should be comfortable.
Second, it must be big enough to carry your things. For leisure hikes, a mountaineering daypack is good enough. It can
contain necessary things such as food, water, and extra clothing.

Mountaineering Daypack
Mountaineering enthusiasts, however, use specially designed backpacks for climbing activities. Ordinarily, they use
internal or external frame backpacks.

Internal frame backpack- is designed to make the weight of the bag closer to the body’s center of gravity. Thus, it helps
you move easily as it lessens the backward pull. Most mountaineers in the Philippines prefer this kind of backpack.
However, one disadvantage of this backpack is that the owner perspires a lot on his or her back while using it as it does
not allow air to circulate between the bag and his back part of the body.

External frame backpack- holds the weight of the bag away from the body, allowing air to circulate and prevent too
much sweat on your back. However, because the frame is external, it often gets entangled to tree branches, which can
affect your pacing in the trail.

Belt bag- where you can put things that you need to easily access such as trail food, emergency kits, wallet, and camera.

Footwear

Your feet are the most used body part during a climb. They carry your body weight as you move through the terrain. It is
important that you choose footwear that will provide you comfort and aid you during the climb. A pair of boots that have
traction and sole grip on slippery ground is advisable in a climbing activity.

1. Fabric boots – This kind of boots is a combination of fabric and leather. Fabric boots provide comfort to your feet as
they are soft, flexible, and lightweight. They let the feet breathe and they can dry quickly when wet.

2. Leather boots – are heavier than fabric boots, but they are more durable and can give maximum protection to your
feet. They are water resistant and have strong cleated soles.

 However, for day hikes and other short span recreational mountaineering, a good pair of hiking or trekking shoes
should be enough. Remember also to wear a pair of comfortable socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.

Gaiters- are coverings for the lower part of the legs that are used to protect them from mud and water and from being
scratched by thorns and grasses. Aside from a good pair of shoes, you may also consider bringing with you a pair of sports
sandals or slippers. During the camp, these will give you comfort after some hours of trek wearing your shoes.

Clothing and Other Body Protection

Typical mountaineering clothing in the Philippines consists of a pair of shorts, T-shirt, long socks, and liners. However,
you must also consider the weather or temperature in the mountain in choosing your clothing.

Sunny weather- the typical mountaineering clothing previously mentioned is the most appropriate. You may also
consider using a hat or bandana to protect your head and face from the sun’s heat.

Cold weather- you may use a fleece jacket and jogging pants. If the temperature is extremely cold, you may try using
thermal clothing or wear layered clothing to keep your body warm.

Beanie- (a head-hugging brimless cap) to protect your head from cold temperature and gloves to protect your hands from
gripping rough objects.

Tent and Sleeping Accessories

Your tent is your shelter in the mountain. Tents are used for overnight recreational hikes. The tent keeps you warm during
a cold night and protects you from getting wet in case it rains during the camp. You need to choose a tent that is big
enough to accommodate you (and your partner, if you have one). Also choose a light tent, and if possible, a freestanding
one. A freestanding tent lets you transfer the tent to another place without dismantling it all over in case your chosen
spot does not work out for you.

For some people, sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets may not be necessary for a single night’s sleep on earth ground.
However, during treks that last for days and backpacking in mountains with extreme cold temperatures, a sleeping mat
and a space blanket are considered necessities. A sleeping bag mat or pad provides padding to your sleeping bag from
small rocks that can hurt your back. It also protects your body from the cold ground. A space blanket is a lightweight
heat-reflective thin plastic sheeting that looks like aluminum foil. This special blanket regulates the body temperature.
Thus, it helps mountaineers remain warm and comfortable in spite of the cold temperatures in the mountain.

First Aid and Emergency Kits- is important in any physical activity. You will not find a clinic or a hospital in the
mountains; thus, it is important that you have with you a medical aid kit to help you in emergency situations that will
require first aid medical care.

Here are some of the recommended items for your first aid kit:

 over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol (for fever and headache), analgesic or ibuprofen (painkiller),
meclizine (for motion sickness, nausea, vomiting), antihistamine (for allergic reactions and itchiness), loperamide
(antidiarrheal), antacid (for stomach acidity), oral rehydration salt
 gauze pads or rolls
 bandages (elastic bandage, adhesive bandage, butterfly bandage, triangular bandage)
 medical tape or adhesive tape
 tweezers, safety pins, bandage scissors
 povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide solution
 rubbing alcohol
 bar of plain soap
 absorbent cotton
 sunscreen cream or lotion
 insect repellent lotion
 snakebite kit (scalpel and suction device for the venom)
 flashlight or penlight

Other Equipment and Things to Bring

You may also consider bringing the following to help you in your survival in the mountain, especially in longer treks.

Cooking and eating utensils – For a day or overnight hike, you can just bring your packed lunch and dinner. But in case
you want to cook food in the campsite, you may bring with you some cooking and eating utensils. Portable camp stoves
are advisable as man-made fire may cause harm to the forest. Lightweight small pots and cooking utensils are usually
preferred by hikers.

Camp necessities – These include flashlight/headlamp, extra food, extra clothing, pocket knife, matches, and whistle (in
case you get separated, you can call for help by blowing a whistle). A map and a compass may be of help; however, in
places where mountain trails are already well-established, you do not need to bring them.

Repair equipment – These include duct tape, needle and thread, and other repair kit essentials in case your tent,
backpack, or camping stove gets broken.

Module 13: CAMPING

Camping

 is an essential component of mountaineering especially because, in some cases, a climb may take more than a day.
Thus, mountaineers often find it necessary to camp out in one area of the mountain, spend the night there, and
proceed with the climb the following day. However, camping is not only a component of mountaineering but can
also be a separate outdoor recreational activity that people can enjoy.
 is an outdoor recreational activity that allows campers to spend a few days out of the city and away from urban
life to enjoy nature. Campers stay at campsites for a few nights. To distinguish it from other short-term
recreational activities such as picnic and hiking, a minimum of one night should be spent outdoors for the activity
to be considered as camping. Campers may use a tent, a caravan, or a primitive shelter made of wood and leaves
as temporary shelter. Campers may even camp out in the open air.
  The term camping has no universal definition. It is comprised of a range of outdoor activities, often involving
hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, and fishing, among many others. There are two variations of camping
which people usually engage in: survivalist camping, wherein campers set off and rely completely on resources
found in nature to get by; and recreational camping, wherein campers bring their own sources of electricity and
heat, and other equipment, to spend their nights comfortably in a campsite.

History of Recreational Camping

 Camping became a popular recreational activity in the 19th century. One of the widely recognized proponents of
recreational camping is Thomas Hiram Holding, a British traveling tailor.

1908- He wrote The Camper’s Handbook in to share with the world his enthusiasm for outdoor activities. The book
described the basics of camping for the first time. The information and knowledge Holding imparted in his book were
mostly based on his personal experiences of traveling with his family across the American prairies. He is often considered
as the father of modern camping in the United States Kingdom.

Holding was also responsible for developing a different form of camping which became popular in the early 20th century.
He went camping with four friends across Ireland. Then he wrote a book titled Cycle and Camp in Connemara based on
this experience. The book included an open invitation for other outdoor enthusiasts to contact him.

1901- This event led to the formation of the first camping group—the Association of Cycle Campers. The name of the
group was later changed to Camping and Caravanning Club.

1906- The association opened its own camping site.

1910- the association merged with the National Camping Club. Camping activities waned during World War I. However,
the association was quickly revived after the war when the founder of the Boy Scouts Movement, Robert Baden-Powell,
became its president.

Over the next decades, several national camping clubs were founded all over the world.

1932- the International Federation of Camping Clubs was established. All previously established national clubs before
that year became affiliated with the federation.

1960s- camping had become a regular holiday activity among families in European and North American countries. More
campsites were built, and many other forms of recreation in camping were established and gained popularity as well. By
the end of the century, camping had become popular even in African and Asian countries.

Basics of Recreational Camping

Recreational camping must be carefully planned as you would want the whole experience to be enjoyable and, more
importantly, safe. Whether you go alone or with your friends or family, staying safe during the whole camping trip is the
most important thing you should care about.

The Essentials

Waterproof tent- serves as the primary temporary shelter for campers in campsites. A caravan (a motor vehicle equipped
for living in) is occasionally used for large family camping trips.

Sleeping bag- provides insulation for warmth and comfort of campers during the cold night.

Sleeping mats or pads- are often placed underneath the sleeping bag to serve as cushioning from grass, twigs, and small
rocks on the ground.

Portable stove- is used to cook meals and prepare hot drinks when making a campfire is restricted in the campsite or is
impractical.
Safe food and water- are primary needs of campers to keep their bodies nourished and hydrated.

First aid kits- are essential during camping to treat minor illnesses and injuries. A good first aid kit usually contains
personal medication, antiseptic wipes, gauze, latex gloves, sterile compresses, tissue, cotton, etc.

Camping can be done in any season of the year. Depending on the season and the campsite’s living conditions,
appropriate clothing will sufficiently protect a camper from cold or hot temperatures and other environmental elements.

Flashlights- are the most convenient light source for campers when electricity is not readily available in the campsites.

Duct tape, matches, and a Swiss knife- are tools that may come in handy in certain situations. Trash bags are used to
keep the camp area clean.

Before the Camping Trip

 Look for a suitable campsite.

 Make a list of things you need to bring.
 Practice creating fire and pitching a tent.
 Be ready for the unexpected.

During the Camping Trip

 Stay away from wild animals and be wary of poisonous plants.

 Be careful with fire.
 Adapt to and explore new things.
 Enjoy the experience.

After the Camping Trip

 Make an inventory.
 Leave nothing but footprints.
 Revisit your list.

Two Basic Skills Required in Camping

Tent Pitching- One of the basic skills that a camper must learn and develop is pitching a tent quickly and sturdily. Your
tent will be your temporary home while you are outdoors.

The following are the steps in pitching a tent:

 Choose a spot where you would like to pitch your tent. Pick up and clear the area of any sharp objects like tree
branches and stones. Spread dried leaves and grass to free the ground of any bumps. Spread a ground sheet on the
area to provide additional covering and to prevent moisture from entering from the tent.
 Place your tent over the ground sheet. The entrance of the tent must be facing the leeward of the wind. Quickly
peg down all the corners of the tent and make sure they are secured into the ground.
 Insert all the poles in their respective positions and move the tent canvas to make the tent stand.
 Cover the tent with a flysheet. Ensure that tension is equalized around it by securing it into the ground.
 Inside your tent, organize your supplies and equipment in a way that you can reach almost anything. Set up your
sleeping bag in a manner that would give you comfort.

The following are some useful tips in pitching a tent:

 In places with hard or stiff surfaces where pegs cannot penetrate, you can instead tie your tent to large rocks.
 Do not allow the flysheet and the tent to come in contact in order to maintain the insulating air between the two.
Making Fire- is another basic skill all campers must learn. Its importance is not limited to cooking, but also survival—
fire is used as a source of heat during cold weather, as a means to smoke away insects, and as a signal position to aid
search and rescue teams.

Before you start making fire, you must gather enough materials to sustain it. These materials include the following:

Tinder – Twigs, dried tree barks, and small pieces of wood which are highly combustible.

Kindling – Dried leaves and small sticks not thicker than an inch which are placed at a pyramidal position over the tinder.

Wood – Small logs and branches which are placed loosely over the kindling and tinder—starting with a slightly larger
piece of wood and adding much larger wood at intervals.

After all the materials have been properly positioned, dig a circular trench on the ground not deeper than 30 cm. This
trench will protect the tinder fire against the wind. Place a generous amount of tinder on the center of the trench. Build a
teepee shape using the kindling. The teepee shape can be formed by balancing four sticks in a pyramid-like position and
adding more and larger sticks. Use a lighter or strike a match to light up the tinder. Add more tinder and kindling until the
fire is stabilized. Once the fire is stabilized, add more sticks of wood. The teepee will collapse into a bed of ember after it
catches fire. Once that happens, feed the ember with larger pieces of wood to sustain it.

Module 14: ORIENTEERING

ORIENTEERING
 is primarily a competitive sport that requires an individual to navigate from one point to another in an unfamiliar
terrain.
 The basic idea of orienteering is to travel in a course from start to finish with a set of control points in-between.
The order of control is predetermined.
 Participants, called orienteers, travel throughout the course with the help of a map and a compass.

HISTORY OF ORIENTEERING
 originally, orienteering was part of Swedish military training.

1886- the term orienteering was first used at the Swedish Military Academy Kalberg. The meaning of the term was
“crossing unknown territory with the aid of compass and map”.

1895- military garrisons in Oslo in Norway and Stockholm in Sweden held orienteering competitions for their military
personnel.

1897- the first publicly held orienteering competition took place in Norway.

1930- orienteering had been firmly established in Nordic countries such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden. By that time,
these three countries had been regularly meeting to further develop the sport.

1932- the first international orienteering competition between teams from Norway and Sweden was held in Norway. More
competitions were eventually held, with Finland and Denmark joining in.

1959- after over a decade, an international orienteering conference with 12 participating countries was held in Sweden.
The 12 participating countries were Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, Hungary,
Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, West Germany, And Yugoslavia.

Two years later, orienteering delegates from 10 European countries founded the International Orienteering Foundation
(IOF). Soon after, many national orienteering federations in different countries around the globe were established, with
the support of the IOF.

2010- IOF already had 71 national orienteering member-federations. World orienteering championships were initially
held biannually from 1961 to 2003. After 2003, it became an annual competition and was recognized as an Olympic sport
in 1997.
BASICS OF ORIENTEERING
 Orienteering requires technical knowledge, basic to complex navigational skills, and physical endurance.
Here are important concepts that you must know before you try your first orienteering activity.
COURSES
 courses in orienteering events vary in terms of physical and technical difficulty depending on the skill level of the
participants.
 a map is usually provided during the beginning of each event.
 the course is typically marked red or purple on the map.
 A triangle is used to identify the starting point and the double circle indicates the finish point. The circles are used
to locate the control points.

CONTROL POINTS AND CONTROL DESCRIPTION SHEET

 control points are indicators placed on the map to represent features of the terrain. These are usually marked by
orange or white flag symbols. These features are described precisely through control description sheets or “clue
sheets” which are handed to participants before the start of the event.
CONTROL CARD AND PUNCHING
 each competitors carries a sheet of electronic control card throughout the whole course. It is presented at the
starting and finishing points. The control card is marked (punched) at each control point and will be used at the
end of the event to show if the participant has completed the course correctly. Electronic punching is used in
modern orienteering.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT- The following are the pieces of equipment you will need to engage in orienteering.

ORIENTEERING COMPASS- a specific type of compass called thumb compass is used by competitors in orienteering.
This is a vital tool for correct navigation of the terrain.

TEPOGRAPHIC MAP- orienteering events use an accurate, specifically prepared, multicolored, topographic map. The
map is a graphic representation of natural and man-made features of a terrain. A unique characteristic of a topographic
map that distinguishes it from general purpose maps is the portrayal of elevations and shapes of terrains using contour
lines.

RACE SUIT/CLOTHING- proper protective suit or clothing is important for orienteers. An orienteer’s attire may vary
depending on the local weather in the terrain. A lightweight, stretchy suit that allows freedom of movement is the most
recommended.

RUNNING SHOES- orienteers may encounter several types of surfaces such as muddy ground and rocky slopes. It is
highly suggested that participants wear light, durable shoes with nonslip soles to allow good grip on all types of surfaces.

WHISTLE- a whistle will come in handy during the event. If you think you are lost in the terrain or an emergency
happens along the way, use three long blasts to call for help.

PEN AND PLASTIC BAG- you can use a pen to mark down important features in the terrain or plan the route you will
take. A plastic bag can be used to protect your map from dirt and water.

DRINKING WATER- continuous running at high speed under the scorching sun is tiring and dehydrating. It is advisable
to bring drinking water to keep your body hydrated throughout the course.

USE OF COMPASS AND MAP- two important skills in orienteering is the use of a compass and a map. Since it is
possible that you will be facing unfamiliar terrains, your compass and map are very handy tools in helping you finishing
the course.

PLANNING THE ACTIVITY

Here is a list of guidelines you can consider in planning for your first and subsequent orienteering activities.
BEFORE THE ACTIVITY
 Check the local weather condition.
 Dress appropriately.
 Prepare your gear and gather your supplies.
 Register for a course.

DURING THE ACTIVITY

 Study your map.
 Orient your compass with your map.
 Look for your first control site.
 Punch your card or electronic dibber (an electronic device that records when you arrive at a control site).
 Proceed to the next control site.
 Find finish point.

AFTER THE ACTIVITY

 Whether you were able to finish the course or not, make sure that you check out at the table at the finish point.
 Hit the gym to enhance and maintain your level of endurance.
 Research.

DIFFERENT COLORS OF A MAP

(DITUY PO FROM TAKE NOTE GMIN SUNGA KURAURANG KEN BKA DAPAY KAMALI)

1. BLUE- Lakes, ponds and other water area.

2. BLACK- Manmade objects or rock features.
3. WHITE- Open woods
4. GREEN- Bushy Area
5. DARK GREEN- Fight you must avoid
6. YELLOW- Open land where you can see the sky.
7. BROWN- Land features like earth or contour.
8. LIGHT BROWN- paved areas

4 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DOING HIKING AND TREKKING

1. Physical Preparation- body, warm up, exercise, walking

2. Psychological Preparation- emotional, determination of your hike, goal, mind
3. Organizing the climbing theme- (leader) hear the opinion of teammates
4. Organizing the things to bring- needs 1/3 of your body weight

WHAT TO DO DURING THE CLIMB?

1. Drink water for dehydration.
2. Hypothermia (Appropriate clothes)
3. Learn first aid kits.
4. Apply insect repellent
5. Companion or a buddy.
6. When lost remember the word STOP
STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, AND PLAN
7. Bring your whistle. (3 blow)

MOUNTAIN ETIQUETTE- proper conduct that hikers and trekkers must demonstrate while there on their journey.
Take nothing but picture, leave nothing but footprints, CLAYGO

1. Camp only for designated campsites.

2. Do not feed animals
3. Use biodegradable soaps and shampoos
4. Lower your voice
5. Keep your movements silent.
6. Show your courtesy to fellow climbers.
CCC- COURTESY, COMMUNICATION, COMMON SENSE
7. Respect the local practices in the area.