Chapter two

Taipei has officially (according to Amanda) hit winter. For a few weeks we had hot and cold weather, but now it's just cold, cold and cold. The complaints have begun, about the lack of central heating and uselessness of space heaters, but deep down i just love putting on three pairs of socks, two sweaters and a jacket. I can't believe Christmas is only a week away. I've been trying to bring out the Christmas spirit, and savouring the (very occasional) decorated shop or restaurant. We have Christmas lights on our balcony and tree in the living room, but... Hopefully our Christmas party tonight will warm up the house and bring that spirit out.

Anyway, back to Boracay.

I left White Beach with Daryl from America and his girlfriend Shane. I met them on my last day diving at White Beach. My initial plan, or OUR initial plan was to head back to manila and get a ferry to Cataclan, which is the closest main-island port to Boracay, but in the end we took tricycles to Puerta Gallera then a jeepney to Calapan then a minivan to Roxas, then the four hour ferry to Cataclan then 1/2 hour boat to Boracay which was faster (go figure). In the minivan we met some english travellers who i ended up spending the rest of my trip with, tagging along, diving together and sharing accomodation to save money. It was great fun... but i know all you care about are the pics so here they are...

Boracay Beach

from left to right, (Ben- holding the beer), Danya, Me, George, Will and Tamsin, all from England

Cocktails on the beach in Boracay (of course)

Buying some love on the beach

Future models first discovered at Boracay

Cutest smiles ever

A Boracay sunset

The view most days

Thai dinner

Seafood dinner

After almost a week of lovely beaching, diving (not so special) and general frolicking in the sun, Danya,Tamsin and I headed off on the longest journey of my life..or at least it felt like it YES, even longer than the one from White Beach to Boracay. We left early in the morning and boarded a "boat" with all together too many other people, farewelled Boracay and headed back to Cataclan. About 10 minutes after we "set sail" the sky turned black, it started bucketing down, then we were swallowed by a fog so thick we couldn't see the island or Cataclan anymore. Well, we made it to land (against all odds), and got hassled off the vessel all the while being asked for tips, in the pouring rain. After the weather cleared we tracked down a bus to Iloilo, where we had to transfer quite a distance to the port where we boarded our 14 HOUR!!! ferry ride to Cebu. This pic is on the river coming into cebu..

When we first boarded the ferry i was seriously contemplating getting off it as quick as i could, and heading back to Boracay. We were travelling overnight, so we had "cots" assigned, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of the floating jail..

Once we made it to Cebu, and said farewell to the refugee ship, we had to take a taxi then a bus to a place on the northern tip of the island called Maya, and then endure our final 30 minutes to Malapasua on another crowded glorified dinghy. The island is raved about in the guide books as a smaller-scale, less touristy Boracay, so we were expecting beautiful beaches. Unfortunately there was coral and sea-urchins to greet us when we went for a swim to wash off the 29 hours of travelling. Hmph.

FORTUNATELY the diving there made up for the beach (and the accomodation). We woke up early the next morning and dived with thresher sharks. I wish i'd had an underwater camera! But this is what the sky looked like that dawn.

But, all in all, i would not recommend Malapascua to my worst enemy. Unless you're going for the diving, don't expect much.

We did however run into Will, who'd left Boracay before us, so we partied one night with him and the people from the dive shop. It was fun. The whole three weeks was great, and i was sad to leave...

Questions?

:)