Kung Hei Fat Choi!
What was intended to be a running commentary on our observations and musings while living in Hong Kong, has transformed into a travelogue of our ventures. Well, as they say, "The best laid plans of mice and men and yada yada yada."
Which brings me to our most recent adventure. Boracay Island, Philippines. See the photos here.
Our troupe consisted of our good friends the Rogers. We've been running with this family for a couple of years now and we always have a great time. This time was no different.
It all started out on a rather dubious note. We were booked on a Saturday am 7:45 from HK to Manila and then on a 11:55 into Caticlan. From there, we were looking at a short boat ride that would have us lounging pool side sipping San Miguel Pilsner by around 3 pm. Well one debacle turned into another and we finally got there at 12:45. AM. On Sunday.
Instead of going the usual hotel / resort route, we decided to rent a house for the week. As far as I'm concerned, we'll choose this option from here on out. We got a great deal and ended up with a great place with great amenities. The house came with a driver and two helpers as well as a very willing manager who helped us really enjoy our time without having to worry about all the particulars that would normally come with staying off the reservation.
The island itself is only about 3 miles long. But, with only one road (frequently only one lane on the one road) it took a little while to get any where. We were riding in an air conditioned van but the majority of the transportation options were of the three wheeled variety (see the photos). Still, easy enough to navigate and become immersed in the local culture. Did you know cock fighting is still legal in parts of the world? It is and the practice is alive and well in the Philippines. But, as with most situations, there's usually a silver lining. There certainly is in this place.
Boracay truly has some of the best beaches I've ever been on and certainly the best I've been on in the SE Asia region. White sand like talcum powder and crystal clear blue and green water underneath azure blue skies. Great diving, lots of inexpensive boats for hire and some pretty decent nightlife.
However, take just a few steps away from the beach and you get snapped back to reality and to the plight of the locals. Maybe plight is too strong of a word because honestly, these folks don't see their situation as unfortunate or even difficult. They plug along making the best of things despite living in huts with dirt floors, spotty electricity and questionable plumbing.
These are the nicest, friendliest people we've met since we've lived in this area of the world. All of them are good looking, clean and hard working. Certainly makes for a great vacation.
Since our place was a bit off the main road, we had to drive through a typical neighborhood every day. I don't know if there were more kids, dogs or chickens but judging by the amount of roosters crowing all day, the chickens were probably accountable for the majority of the population.
Charles and Annette, having lived in Nicaragua, were familiar with this type of situation and came up with the idea to put together some care packages. So we ponied up some cash and the house staff put together about 30 packs of staples like rice, sugar and coffee. Then we got a trunk full of toys to hand out to the kids. Again, check out the photos.
That was the crowning jewel on a stellar week. Can't wait to go back again.
