At Nuuk Taal, every corner of our lakeside villa is infused with stories—stories of the past, the present, and the natural wonders that surround us. Today, in celebration of National Book Lovers Day, we invite you to join us on a literary journey that connects the history of Taal Volcano with the unique heritage of our beloved property.
The Mysteries of Taal: A Book with Deep Roots
One of the many treasures that grace the shelves of our villa is a captivating book titled The Mysteries of Taal: A Philippine Volcano and Lake, Her Sea Life and Lost Towns by Thomas R. Hargrove. This remarkable piece of literature is not just a book; it’s a gateway to the enigmatic world of Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines' most fascinating natural wonders.
Hargrove's work delves into the enthralling history of Taal Volcano, its underwater archaeology, and the stories of the lost towns submerged beneath its waters. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book offers readers an intimate glimpse into the rich and sometimes mysterious past of Taal Lake.
A Personal Connection to Nuuk Taal
What makes this book particularly special to us at Nuuk Taal is the personal connection we share with the author and the subject matter. In the 1980s, Dr. Thomas Hargrove visited our lakeside villa during his research for the book. At that time, the villa was the home of the Nielsen family, and it was during these visits that Dr. Hargrove shared his findings and stories about the lake’s secrets.
One of the fascinating tales he recounted involved ancient volcanic rocks with square holes found right off the shores of our property. These rocks, as Dr. Hargrove explained, were used by locals in the olden days to place large wooden crosses as part of their prayers for protection from volcanic eruptions. This intriguing piece of history adds another layer of depth to the already rich narrative of our surroundings.
A Lasting Tribute
In appreciation of Dr. Hargrove's work and the friendship that developed during his visits, the Nielsen family gifted him a couple of prints that Mrs. Nielsen had acquired from The Auction House in the early 1980s, shortly after the family acquired the property that would become Nuuk Taal. One of these undated woodcut prints, likely from the 17th or 18th century, depicting the main crater of Taal Volcano, would eventually grace the cover of The Mysteries of Taal. This connection between our villa and the book is a testament to the intertwined histories of the property and the volcano it overlooks.
Discovering the Mysteries for Yourself
When you visit Nuuk Taal, you’ll find copies of The Mysteries of Taal dotted around the villa, inviting you to pick one up, flip through its pages, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history that surrounds us. We encourage our guests to take a moment to explore this literary treasure, to delve into the stories of Taal Volcano, and to perhaps even discover a new perspective on the place we call home.
As we celebrate National Book Lovers Day, we’re reminded of the power of books to connect us to the past, to each other, and to the world around us. We hope that this story, like many others at Nuuk Taal, will inspire you to explore, to learn, and to cherish the history and beauty that make this place so special.
A Fascinating Footnote
As a fun and intriguing fact about the author, Thomas R. Hargrove, did you know that a Hollywood movie was inspired by his life? After his time in the Philippines, Mr. Hargrove wrote a book titled Long March to Freedom, in which he recounted his harrowing experience of being kidnapped in Colombia and the intense negotiations that led to his release. This gripping true story caught the attention of Hollywood, and it became the inspiration for the film Proof of Life, starring Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan. It’s a remarkable tale of survival and resilience, adding yet another layer to the legacy of this extraordinary man.
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