16. The Philippines: Part 1

Well, here it is, the much awaited post about my vacation in the Philippines. I’m actually going to do this post in parts because there are so many pictures (4 digital cameras worth!) and it would overwhelm blogger to do them all at once.

Let me first say that I totally fell in love with the Philippines. The people were amazing, so friendly, and it is absolutely beautiful there.

But let’s begin. We left directly from school, at 6:00 pm, to make our 8:00pm flight. We were beyond excited! This is myself, Anita and Suzanne in the cab on the way to the airport. We were absolutely giddy with anticipation. When we got to the airport, things got even better.

We got upgraded to Business Class! It was an absolutely perfect start to an amazing vacation.

I haven’t flown Business Class since before I was 12 (got bumped up on a flight to Bermuda as an Unaccompanied Minor once). I didn’t really appreciate it then. It really is much better than coach! First off, there was the menu. Of course, this was a flight from Korea, so the menu included one of my favourite (note the sarcasm) foods. Kimchi.

The meal, of course, was fantastic. This was just the appetizer.

We spend the first night in Manilla, and then moved on to Batangas, and from there caught the ferry to Puerto Galera. This is on the ferry ride over.

Anita, Kara and Suzanne on one side of the boat (the dry side, apparently)

And here’s me on the other side (the wet side).

This is Sabang, where we originally intended to get off. We didn’t stay here, because it apparently is the ‘red light district’, but we did go there one night to go dancing. Had an awesome time, and met a really cool girl named Cherry.

This is where we did get off and stay: White Beach, Puerto Galera (not to be confused with White Beach in Boracay, which we also went to).

One of the more common forms of transportation in the Philippines is called a Tricycle. It’s a moped with a side car attached. Here’s me in my first ride in one.

Here’s a couple of pictures of White Beach, Puerto Galera.


I think I’ll end here for now. I’ve got a whole bunch more pictures (and videos, for that matter) that I will post, but it takes time to put it all together, and today is my day off so…

To be continued…