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.