Final Thoughts

We've been home about four full days now and I still have jet lag.  At least I'm still awfully tired.  So I want to get this post in before I forget.

Naturally, all my worries were for nothing.  No delays due to typhoons, connecting flights were fine, even customs was relatively smooth.  It was a good idea to book a hotel near JFK and spend the night there before heading back Saturday--I highly recommend it.  For the three weeks we were away, we got a free week of parking and a free shuttle ride to the airport.  The Days Inn Jamaica was great--friendly staff, nice breakfast, clean room.

This was my third trip to the Philippines and I was reminded again of how much I take for granted in the US.  I worry about Jason's driving, the upkeep on my house, impending college tuition, car costs--but these are First World problems.  Every time I go back, I see people who struggle but who are happy with what they have.  Don't get me wrong--they would like to have more just like anyone else, but Filipinos seem (to me, anyway) to be pretty laid back yet ready to face whatever might come their way.

The other thing I saw on this trip was how mature Jason is.  He was adventurous with the food (more so than I was), helpful to others when it was needed, and respectful to his grandparents.  I feel bad for underestimating him and I will have to be sure to tell him how proud both Fe and I were of him during the trip.  At 16 (going on 17), I have to wonder how many more trips he'll want to come with us.

Until next trip....

Day Twenty (Fri, 7/10)

Whew--today will be a really long day.  We boarded the flight to Seoul from Cebu this morning at 1:35 am and arrived in Korea at around 7:00 am (local time).  Since we had a twelve hour layover, we took advantage of a free tour of Seoul.  It was a "cultural tour" that lasted five hours.  So let's see.  I get a new stamp in my passport, I get to learn about Korean heritage and culture, AND it's free!?!  How could I resist?

National Palace.  Taken from the bus because this wasn't on the tour.  It looked interesting though.

Changdeokgung Palace

A view inside 

Roof painting detail.  The five colors used are unique to Korea and represent the four cardinal directions and the center.

A view of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza from the ninth floor of the building where we had lunch.

Another view of the Design Plaza.  It was designed by the architect Zaha Hadid.

A view of Seoul from the bus.

Now we're back in NYC after a 12 hour flight from Korea.  It was a good flight, but I'm afraid I lost my wide-eyed fascination for air travel a few trips ago.

At US immigration, we all had to fill out the declaration form.  Unfortunately, Kyle said "yes" to whether he was bringing in fruit (dried mangoes) and to if he'd been around any farm animals (he petted a goat).  It all worked out, but we had to go through the luggage a bit at the checkpoint.

We'll spend the night at Days Inn, Jamaica and then drive home Saturday.

Dinner: Cajun omelette with fruit and yogurt (airplane food).

Day Nineteen (Thu, 7/9)

It's our last full day here and we spent a lot of last night packing.  I forgot all of the stuff we got along the way.  It will be a long day since our flight to Seoul leaves at 1:30 am.  I hope it's not as rough as the one in to Cebu was, though I have an eye on typhoon Chan-Hom.

One of the things I've tried to impress on the boys during this trip is to see how regular Filipinos live.  On the blog and Facebook I've shown the nice things we've seen, but that's not the whole picture.  These are some photos of homes I've taken.

Three homes here--the structure on the right is a little store.  This is near Fe's parents' place.

This is where the owners of the Jjl Resort in Tabuelan live (part of the year).

Rural home 

In addition to the major churches around, every town and municipality has a chapel dedicated to Jesus, Mary, or a saint.  Some are pretty big and ornate, others are simple structures.  This little one falls in between.

Exterior of the chapel 

Inside the chapel

Dinner:  hot dogs and rice, pork BBQ, and lanzones (a fruit like lychees)

Day Sixteen (Mon, 7/6)

We checked in to Coco Palms resort in Danao, Cebu yesterday (7/5) for the last few days of the trip.  It has two pools and a decent view, so it's a nice place to relax before we have to go.

If an eighteen hour plane ride or the occasional lizard on the wall didn't convince me that I was far from home, looking up at the sky and not recognizing anything but the Big Dipper did it.  I've always been fascinated by space (surprise), so being unable to pick out more than one or two constellations was a weird feeling.

Venus and Jupiter in conjunction 

Fishing boats

Mountain at sunset 

Pool at Coco Palms beach resort 

We head back to Lilo-an on Wednesday to prepare for our departure Friday at 1:35 am.  I'm a worrier so the news of a typhoon on the way has me a bit concerned.

Dinner:  Cheeseburger and fries 

Day Fourteen (Sat, 7/4)

Happy July 4th--a day early if you read this soon after I post.  The Philippines were granted independence from the US on July 4, 1946, but their official Independence Day is on June 12, when they declared independence from Spain in 1898.  It's early in the day so I don't know if we'll see anything different.

Taking it easy today.  Started out at the lawyer's office in Lilo-an to get an affidavit and then to the police station to file it.  Since it's Saturday, they can't do it until Monday when the government office that handles this is open.  I tried to get a police (pulis) shirt but they weren't giving any away.

Lilo-an police station 

Monument in downtown Lilo-an

I've had a slight cold the past few days with a sore throat and stuffy nose (Fe helpfully suggested it was MERS), so it might be a good idea to rest some.

Tonight we saw Fe's sister, brother and his wife off at Mactan airport for their flight home.  They will have a 12 hour layover in Seoul like we will.

Dinner: calamari, humba (a pork dish) and rice.

Day Thirteen (Fri, 7/3)

Catch up from yesterday: after we left JJL Beach Resort, we went looking for another cold spring pool near Balamban.  We found one but it was closed for cleaning.  Instead we went to a resort called Cabo San Miguel where we had some snacks and swam in their pool.  Our group had the place all to ourselves. Then we rode over the central mountains to the eastern side of the island.  Some of the views were pretty spectacular and it was the first time on this trip that I was cool.

JJL Beach Resort

Sunset at the resort

I also noticed on this trip to the western part of Cebu that there was a lot of roadway construction going on.  Fe said that it was a sign that the local governor or mayor spent most of the money on public improvement projects.  It does look like they're trying to increase tourism.

I certainly would have preferred not to lose my wallet, but it did lead to an interesting trip to the police station today (7/3) in Lilo-an.  We went there to file a loss report just to be sure that no one tries to use my ID.  I have a feeling that it was outside the routine for them.  It certainly was for the prisoners they had in the cell that we sat beside as we were waiting for the officer.  There were about four of them in there and they seemed friendly.  I asked Fe what they had said to us and she said that they asked for five pesos to buy bread.  I don't think the officers would have liked it if I threw coins into the cell though.  It turns out that they couldn't do anything until we filed something called an "Affidavit of Loss" with some other official.  We went to that office and he had left earlier in the morning to give a report to the mayor.  Ah, bureaucracy.

The rest of the day was spent surfing the web at a coffee shop while Fe picked up a few things for people back home.

Dinner: Dimsum with shrimp and pork.

Day Eleven (Wed, 7/1)

Update #1: Lost my wallet Monday, I think it fell out of my pocket on a rough ride.back to our room.  Checked everywhere and couldn't find it so I cancelled the cards on Tuesday and ordered a new drivers license online.  Lost some money too, but it could've been worse.  I'm glad I have a rich wife who can pay for everything.

Update #2: Remember when I said there'd be more on China?  Well, we're not going because we need a visa for each of us at $145 apiece.  We almost booked a trip to Taiwan, but there seemed to be a lot of obstacles--from a 4.5% fee for using credit to a 4 am flight from Cebu to the charge machine at the travel agent breaking down.  It seemed ill-omened, so we decided to save the money for a future vacation.  I'm disappointed, but we'll be doing a tour of Seoul during our 12-hour layover.

If I've learned anything on this trip it's that you have to be flexible.  Today we were going to a hot spring on the north side of Cebu.  After a long, winding road up in the mountains, we found a locked gate that said, "No booking, no entry".  Instead we rode over to the west side of the island and visited a cold spring called Molobolo Spring.  We'd've never known about this place if not for our sister-in-law, Leni.

Kids (not mine) playing in the spring 

Our final stop was JJL Beach Resort, the place we'd be staying overnight.  There was no TV, wifi, or even much of a beach, but the views were spectacular and there was a great pool.

Me and Kyle swimming with the BVM

Sunset view 

Sunset view 

Sunset view 

Dinner: pork and hanging rice by the sea

Day Nine (Mon, 6/29)

The Only two major events today but they were at the southern tip of the island, so it took a while to get back from there.

First was swimming with whale sharks.  Since we'd be spending a good deal of time in a natural environment with a large undomesticated aquatic animal, I wasn't too excited, but I have to say that this was really worth it.  

We went out in an outrigger canoe and then got in the water.  The sharks were guided to us by food and our guide then took pictures underwater as they swam by.  After a while I ignored the guides instructions to submerge for the picture and looked at the sharks myself.  Everyone at the place went out of their way to make sure you had a good time.  I also did not get the feeling that the sharks were being mistreated.  In fact, the operators told us that not following the rules about touching the fish would result in a 2500 peso ($50) fine or four to six months in jail.  I told Fe she'd better listen because I didn't have the money.

Next stop was the Tumalog Falls.  These were really spectacular.  We walked the road to the falls, which was only 0.2 mile, but at a steep decline.  I knew we wouldn't walk it back.  Anyway, the walk was worth it.

Tumalog Falls 

Tumalog Falls 

Fe showing off

Since we were eating at her parents' tonight, we stopped at Consolacion Public Market for food.  I always like to visit a place like this because you see how people live everyday--unlike at a resort or even a mall.  Good thing I'm not a germophobe though--I'd've gone into catatonic shock.

The seafood section at the market 

Dinner tonight: giniling, a ground pork and vegetable dish 

Day Eight (Sun, 6/28)

Missed Saturday's post due to lack of wi-fi, but just to fill in, we got back from Leyte around 5--our scheduled ship was canceled and we had to book another one--then we went to the mall.  Doesn't sound like much, but it was a long day and traveling as a group of nine takes longer.  

The beach near MacArthur's memorial, Leyte

Today (Sunday) we got up early because we were headed south of Cebu City to a beach resort.  It was an interesting trip because I'd never been this far south on the island and neither had Fe.  Before we got to the resort though, we stopped at a huge church up in the mountain.  It was built on the grounds of a monastery (which is why it's so remote) and while Fe said that the original was still there, we didn't search for it.  It may have been only 84F out, but it was very humid.

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, Sibonga

The altar inside

Ocean Bay Resort, Dalaguete

Philippine flora 1

Philippine flora 2

We (mostly me) have always chuckled when someone speaks Spanish to Fe thinking she is from Mexico.  On this trip Jason has found out what that's like because everyone here assumes he's a native Filipino.  It's happened about five times so far and he just shrugs and shakes his head.  Luckily, there are enough people in our group who can interpret for him.

Dinner tonight: grilled pork, hotdogs, fish (a whole yellowfin--which I didn't eat), watermelon, palmetto, rice.

Day Six (Fri, 6/26)

We got up early today to get some sunrise pictures, but it was raining.  Still got some good ones though.

Cloudy morning 

Koi pond

Left Ormoc today for Tacloban.  Over the mountains to the other side of the island and saw MacArthur's statue.  Even with it raining most of the way, there were some pretty spectacular views.

Tacloban was one of the worst hit cities by Typhoon Yolanda, but you see a lot of rebuilding.  You also see that a lot needs done though.  

Almost got to cross off another island off my list today.  Our driver took us to the San Juanico bridge to Samar Island, but instead of taking us over, he stopped midway (!) and we got out to take pictures.  Got some good ones, but it was weird to stroll along a somewhat busy two-lane bridge.

Dinner tonight: "Burger steak" and rice with egg drop soup (I think).

View of Samar

An island beside the causeway 

Tacloban street view

Day Five (Thu, 6/25)

Yesterday I couldn't post, but we really didn't do much.  We visited a church on Mactan Island, got our hair cut (I only paid $6 for mine!) and tried to book our China trip--more on that later.

Today we took a supercat to Leyte, the island MacArthur landed on and also where Fe's grandfather lives.  I was worried that we had no accommodations even though we bought the trip tickets, but of course that was for nothing.  First thing off the boat Fe and her brother negotiated a taxi driver who found us a hotel.

SuperCat St. Jhudiel 

Sabin Resort Hotel, Ormoc, Leyte

View of Ormoc, Leyte

Kyle and I swam a bit and then her grandfather came by the hotel for a visit.

Day Three (Tue, 6/23)

The flight from Korea to Cebu was only three hours, but it was much rougher.  I'd almost prefer a long flight that was smooth.  

Passport control and immigration was as chaotic at Mactan International as I remember from the other times I went through it.  I was trying to get in the line for non-Filipino passports, but we were directed to go to the Filipino line.  I was skeptical, but I should've trusted my native-born wife who said, "We're in Cebu--there are no rules!"  We actually got through the line for diplomats after Fe switched lines again.  What can I say?  I'm a mid level bureaucrat at heart.

We stopped by her parents this morning and had a good breakfast of cooked rice,  coffee, watermelon, magoes, bread, and mace, which is a desert of peanuts in a rice-based coating.  They kept bringing stuff out and I was worried about wasting it.  Fe had to remind me again of where we were.  

Dinner: Palabok at Mang Inasal (Mr Roast).

Day Two (Mon, 6/22)

Here we are in Incheon airport enjoying free wifi.  It's a rare airport in the U.S. that has this.  Yeah, I'm talking to you JFK.

Twelve hours on a plane is a loooong time.  And we were flying in daylight the whole time, so the airline imposed its own cycle on us.  It makes for fitful sleeping.

Now we have a 3-hour layover until our flight to Cebu, KE 631.

Day One (Sun, 6/21)

We got to the hotel around 8:30--I forgot what a challenge driving in NYC was.  Thank goodness for GPS and my naturally aggressive driving style.

Maybe we were early in the day, but JFK didn't seem so busy.  Check in at the Korean Air counter was easy, TSA check was a drag.  But even then, one of the agents helped us when Kyle left his neck pillow on the other side after we had gone through.

Lunch was at some place called Eat & Go, which had Turkish specialties.  It was good, but I hate airport prices.

About 1:15, people were lining up to board.  A Korean Air clerk (the same one who checked us in) came over and got us from the waiting area and we were among the first to board!  I'm thinking that  Korean Air has taken Cathay Pacific's place as my favorite.  Or maybe I just have a thing for Asian  airlines.

Our plane

Korean water!

Dinner: Beef and pasta, salad, fruit (airline food)

Had to delete the old blog and start this one.  I should have practiced more!

Today is the last full day before we leave at 5:00 am for JFK.   Everyone's packing is done--except mine--and this afternoon we're going to a cookout.  I hope we can leave before I eat too much.  That won't be long.

Our flight is at 2:00 pm from JFK on Korean Air (KE) Flight 82 (an Airbus A380-800).  We'll arrive in Seoul on Sunday at 5:20 pm.  Then a 3 hr layover and we land in Cebu at 11:55 pm.  That's way past my bedtime!

I am old enough to remember KAL 007.  Different airline (maybe), and since we're getting along with the Russians so well, I know that won't happen again.  Right?

Dinner: Crabs, Steak, Hamburger, Corn on the cob.