Since leaving Coron, where we partied with the wonderful people we had met on our Island hopping adventures, we have done a lot of travelling.
We left Coron by plane to Cebu City. From there it was an unexpectedly long drive to Moalboal.
After 2 days taking in the sights and vibes of this cool traveller beach we journeyed on south to take ferry's to Dumaguete and immediately again on to Siquijor. Travelling in the Philipinnes is not the easiest, quickest or most reliable. There is planning and timetabling to consider. It's pretty hot and humid. This type of travel would certainly not be for everyone.
We are now three weeks in to our trip. We are in Siquijor. Despite the fact that it's 2*celcius at home and drizzling, we sat on a deserted pure white sandy beach, overhung by dangerously heavy coconuts in 29*c heat feeling mildly homesick and frankly a bit low. One of us even complained that the incredible fine sand felt a bit like mud. An odd thing about travelling is that it's bipolar.
Of course, it can't really be described accurately as bipolar. More so, there are extreme highs followed by some Meh days.
Can I hear the playing of a metaphorical violin? I know you aren't going to feel sorry for us. I am not asking for that. Just documenting a weird phenomenon that I've noticed before. The sad day in paradise.
We had planned to stay for a week. Since the mood dip we have in fact, had the very best couple of days. Nevertheless we decided to cut short our stay here. Sometimes it's worth just wresting back control. Life Lesson, if you are not feeling it, do something about it.
So we altered our travel arrangements, and still managed to discovered some of the very best snorkelling we have done on this trip here in Siquijor. We also found the worlds best breakfast spot, enjoyed sunset cocktails for £1.50, got royally drunk and literally danced on the tables. Visited waterfalls, did a rafting trip and jumped a rope swing into a lagoon. It could make you feel young again.
Notwithstanding our initial reaction to Siquijor, I would heartily recommend it to anyone planning their itinerary for the Philipinnes. Absolutely wonderful reefs, great waterfalls, good traveller vibes and white magic healers.
So very temporarily, we weren't really feeling it. I think it started a few days earlier for me , in Moalboal. Travellers paradise. Home of the sardine run. I hired a scooter. You can probably write the rest.
I went for a practice ride before daring to transport my precious cargo around on the back. It's been a while but how hard can it be?
I sensibly did some figure of eights, started and stopped the bike, drove alone 40 minutes away from home and back. Then I literally flipped the stationary bike. Unceremoniously, on some uneven ground, whilst trying to get it up on its stand. Leaping out of the way and trying to stop the bike hitting my leg to soften its landing I launched myself sprawling across a very uneven car park area. The grazing to my knee and shin were very superficial. No one saw. Except the Philippines very own Jeremy Beadle who screamed with laughter. My pride took a knock. But I couldn't let falling off the horse stop me riding a simple scooter ever again.
Louise was very lovely and didn't make any fuss. She simply tended to my physical wound and consciously applied balm to my mental injuries. She even got on the back of the thing when I plucked up enough courage to try again. I remain more nervous riding it than I should. But it's getting easier. The scooter was a godsend in both Moalboal and Siquijor.
Tomorrow we go to Bohol to stay on the Loboc river. An inland waterway teeming with river based stuff to do. We've splashed out on an expensive resort. Even I am getting fed up with smelling slightly mouldy and having permanently damp clothes. All our accommodation has been great value, most has exceeded expectations, but sometimes a reliable flush, hot water in the shower, limited cockroach entry points, and a bath on the veranda are just essential. I'm excited.
Travelling is very different from a resort based holiday. It's so much more emotional. Backpacking is often hot heavy sweaty humid work. Ferry ports are to be endured and not enjoyed. Transportation is key, and logistics sometimes feels like a job and not a break from work.
It is vital to remember that cheap accommodation is not a badge of honour. And is often best balanced by a few days of luxury. With cocktails in the bath on your balcony and jungle river views from your outdoor shower area.
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