These are all the photos from my summer travels. Enjoy! π
Aug 262011
Jul 312011
It was a long day of travel as we headed out of the Philippines to continue our holidays elsewhere.
We booked our return flight out of the Boracay area from Kalibo instead of the closer airport, Caticlan. This involved a shuttle bus ride from the hotel to the Boracay port at the south end of the island. We had a slight shuttle breakdown, but we were quickly transferred to a new shuttle and we made it to the port in no time. Then, it was a short ferry ride across the waters to Caticlan, where our journey had first began.
Good-bye Boracay
Good-bye Boracay30-Jul-2011 22:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 5.72mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 80
As close to seeing pukas (shells) as we got…
As close to seeing pukas (shells) as we got…30-Jul-2011 22:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.2, 5.72mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80
Dog trying to get away with his loot
Dog trying to get away with his loot30-Jul-2011 22:45, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 100
From there, we hopped on a bus which was the beginning of about a two-hour ride to Kalibo. We passed natural scenery that was similar to other Asian landscapes – rice paddies, green tropical trees, coastlines and so on. There were houses of the very poor shacks to full-size first-world looking homes with front patios. I took video a little bit late on the scenery, but you can get a sense.
Once we arrived at Kalibo Airport we prepared for our flight on ZestAir. Yes, you read that right, there is an airline called Zest Air. π For a domestic airline, it was cheap and good enough.
This plane? I don’t think so….
This plane? I don't think so….31-Jul-2011 01:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 18.46mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 250
Phew – that’s more like it!
Phew – that's more like it!31-Jul-2011 01:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 320
Zest Air!
Zest Air!31-Jul-2011 01:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 320
It was an easy and quick flight to Manila. We had a long layover, but then got on Kuwait Airways for our night flight to Bangkok. I wouldn’t say it was the best airline, but it gets a thumbs up for the food. The rest…well, it still may have Delta beat… π
Cloudy departure from Kalibo
Cloudy departure from Kalibo30-Jul-2011 17:34, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80
Coming in to Manila
Coming in to Manila30-Jul-2011 17:39, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 125
State of Kuwait Airways…my footrest… notice the nuts and bolts on the floor…
State of Kuwait Airways…my footrest… notice the nuts and bolts on the floor…30-Jul-2011 22:45, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000
Redeeming quality or Deciding factor that Hello Kitty can be bought in Duty Free of Kuwait Airways???
Redeeming quality or Deciding factor that Hello Kitty can be bought in Duty Free of Kuwait Airways???30-Jul-2011 22:54, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 80
Surprisingly tasty food on Kuwait Airways
Surprisingly tasty food on Kuwait Airways30-Jul-2011 23:27, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 320
So, now we are in Bangkok for a few days.
More to come,
-T
Jul 302011
Our last full day in Boracay was a bit better than the past week or so. We spotted a bit of sunshine for our last late afternoon visit to D’Mall.
Before leaving, we wanted to be sure to partake of the Mango Shake that many of the tour groups were promoting. It was no lie – definitely a tasty beverage to be had!
Famous mango shakes!
Famous mango shakes!30-Jul-2011 02:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200
Someone got an avocado shake… π
Someone got an avocado shake… π30-Jul-2011 02:23, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200
We were going to swim in the ocean at some point, but that just wasn’t in the cards with the weather being as it was. Instead, we enjoyed it from the sandy shores!
A glimpse of sun on our last afternoon!
A glimpse of sun on our last afternoon!30-Jul-2011 02:25, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80
Happy couple in the sun!
Happy couple in the sun!30-Jul-2011 02:25, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100
Bye bye sun…
Bye bye sun…30-Jul-2011 02:38, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80
The last afternoon at White Beach
The last afternoon at White Beach30-Jul-2011 02:38, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80
Chillaxin’ in the sand in the night
Chillaxin' in the sand in the night30-Jul-2011 05:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 800
So long to our favorite cafe
So long to our favorite cafe30-Jul-2011 05:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800
This little girl owned the area and barely came up to R’s knee!!!
This little girl owned the area and barely came up to R's knee!!!30-Jul-2011 05:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
The only major thing people might say we missed was a visit to Puka Beach, but the private beach for the hotel was far from the main part of the beach area and sadly because of the unpredictable downpours, we were just not that motivated to get ourselves there. We considered a drive-by, but perhaps our spoiled normal lifestyle of sun and sand just convinced we had probably not missed that much.
So, we are off soon – it will be nice to be out of the rain! π
Jul 292011
You know you’re bored when the pics of the day are of reptiles and insects….
Keeping warm
Keeping warm29-Jul-2011 05:28, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 21.22mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 125
This critter tried to scare me walking home…
This critter tried to scare me walking home…29-Jul-2011 06:13, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 18.46mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100
There was a slight clearing in the storm, which we took advantage of and went out. However, a new storm has started to come through to last for another five days! Thank goodness we are planning on getting out of here tomorrow. Please keep your fingers crossed that the weather will hold up enough for us to make our flights out! π
Jul 282011
I have to say the weather is giving me a bit of cabin fever. When the rain and wind stopped, I decided to take a short walk around the grounds of the hotel:
Our hotel room
Our hotel room22-Jul-2011 05:17, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800
Fuji 210 is our location
Fuji 210 is our location27-Jul-2011 23:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 160
Took a short walk around the grounds…
Took a short walk around the grounds…27-Jul-2011 23:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80
After that, I managed to finish my Ethical Clearance online course for ZU’s Ethical Clearance committee requirements so that I can do my research in the fall. I still have to submit an application to the university committee when I get back, but at least this is one step closer. π We ventured out in the evening for dinner, but since the weather is unpredictable as to when the next downpour will be, we stayed with what we knew nearby….
Pizza dinner at Aria. YUM!
Pizza dinner at Aria. YUM!28-Jul-2011 04:26, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 100
Wet and crazy pick-up at Budget Mart
Wet and crazy pick-up at Budget Mart28-Jul-2011 06:04, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800
Serious craze of getting into shuttle … ASIAN INVASION!!!!
Nighttime drive on Main Road
Nighttime drive on Main Road28-Jul-2011 06:07, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800
I have to say the Asian peeps are getting on my nerves…We had to sit in the front of the shuttle because they don’t stand in line and do a mad dash/dive to get into the shuttle – as if they are going to melt in the rain or get left behind to melt in the rain…. It’s an adventure every day! π
Jul 272011
Well, a tropical storm has been passing through like you wouldn’t believe. I am recalling my early days in Japan trying to get through typhoons on a bicycle and stay somewhat dry at the same time. Ultimately, there are only two ways to get through such storms: 1) don’t leave the warmth and dryness of your home; or 2) go with it!
For most of the day, we stuck with option 1 –
Wall of rain!
Wall of rain!27-Jul-2011 01:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 100
Chillaxin’ on a rainy day
Chillaxin' on a rainy day27-Jul-2011 01:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800
But, food and a little cabin fever forced us to go with option 2 –
Mmmmm
Mmmmm27-Jul-2011 03:16, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 13.09mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800
Tower of onion rings!
Tower of onion rings!27-Jul-2011 03:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800
Caught in a major thunderstorm
Caught in a major thunderstorm27-Jul-2011 03:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
Asians in shock!
Asians in shock!27-Jul-2011 03:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800
Life goes on even in the rain
Life goes on even in the rain27-Jul-2011 03:55, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
We made it thru the pools to dessert ;D
We made it thru the pools to dessert ;D27-Jul-2011 04:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800
Bunny keeping warm by the light
Bunny keeping warm by the light27-Jul-2011 05:18, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 16.1mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 800
Our nightly greeter by our room
Our nightly greeter by our room27-Jul-2011 05:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 17.22mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100
We decided that we should fully appreciate this weather since we live in the desert most of the year and won’t get such kind of weather. Still, the Oregonian in me is reminded why I left that climate for dryer scenes. However, it could be a lot worse and there is a strange sense of adventure to it all.
Plus, I am getting work done that I need to do and have launched my new Abu Dhabi POV website, which I hope will become a useful and fruitful project to keep me from going too crazy with work and studies. π
Jul 262011
The verdict from yesterday? Rain and stormy weather has come into the region to stay for a couple of days. π
The upside is that there is not much else to do other than some work things. So, I have written a course proposal, started work on the university’s ethical clearance which I need to complete even though I am waiting to hear back from MacQ’s committee as well. Plus, some writing and major blogging is getting done. So, it’s all good.
Still, I wouldn’t mind the sun coming back soon! π
Rain rain go away…
Rain rain go away…25-Jul-2011 19:54, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80
Jul 252011
Recovering from too much happiness the night before, we had a slow day by the pool. We managed to get down to D’Mall for massages and then went down to the buffet at Paradise Garden.
Lanterns on the beach
Lanterns on the beach25-Jul-2011 04:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 15.06mm, 1 sec, ISO 100
Buffet dinner – like the food here at Paradise Garden
Buffet dinner – like the food here at Paradise Garden25-Jul-2011 04:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100
It was an extremely windy evening, which R said was either going to bring in really crappy weather or blow in some great weather. Which do you think is the result? ;P
Jul 242011
Yesterday we spent some time trying to figure out what we should do – stay here in Boracay for another six days or head to somewhere else like Cebu. After some searching and consideration of transportation challenges (sea, air, luggage, etc.), we decided to go ahead and stay here. So, I looked online to book the same hotel again since it is cheaper to get the rates online than to do it in person here. Hotels.com offers a match guarantee if you find the same exact room on another site for cheaper. Since they already have my information and all that, I figured I would go ahead and contact them to get them to match the rate. Sounds easy, right?
It should have been. However, Agoda.com listed the room class as Deluxe. Hotels.com lists the same room class as a studio suite. Because the sites offer different options for listing amenities and such, HDC would not believe that they were the same room class even though I had someone get on the Skype line to confirm this. After spending a half hour trying to convince a woman who was in the Philippines, she transferred me to customer service. Customer service wanted to transfer me back, but I said NO WAY. I went through another explanation, the man told me the same story. I asked him to call the hotel again and after an hour of my morning had passed, it finally worked. Yes, I could have just saved time and booked on Agoda.com instead, but it was the principle of the matter at that point. I mean, if they are going to offer something, they should do it without making the customer’s life difficult. Both representatives compared the website information over using common sense to think that the picture captions were the same or that there were only two classes of rooms listed on both sites and though the name may have differed, one could reasonably assume that they were the same… Anyway…I won’t complain because it worked out in the end, but it wasn’t easy! π
So, you’d think that we would be getting tired of being in the same place for so long, but surprisingly it hasn’t been bad considering we have yet to actually swim in the ocean or go to the private Puka Beach area. With happy hours and and the pool here, we are doing alright. Though, I may not recommend happy hour without some food as it tends to mess you up… π All in fun.
Here are pics:
A couple of hours each day spent on the computer…
A couple of hours each day spent on the computer…23-Jul-2011 22:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100
Spent an hour on Hotels.com trying to get a price match…
Spent an hour on Hotels.com trying to get a price match…23-Jul-2011 22:21, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100
Time I will never get back….
Time I will never get back….23-Jul-2011 22:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100
The sun is back!
The sun is back!23-Jul-2011 22:58, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.45mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80
Another happy hour! ;D
Another happy hour! ;D24-Jul-2011 03:09, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200
I only had two margaritas…
I only had two margaritas…24-Jul-2011 03:09, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200
Sunset
Sunset24-Jul-2011 03:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 18.46mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100
Might be getting a little bit happy…
Might be getting a little bit happy…24-Jul-2011 03:13, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200
Searching for food, but having a rest on the sand first…
Searching for food, but having a rest on the sand first…24-Jul-2011 04:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400
Jul 232011
The sun still seems to be hiding, though we did see a slight glimmer of it in the late afternoon into dusk. We tried out one of the buffets on offer down by the White Beach area. It was okay, though the lack of breeze allowed the bugs to give me an annoying sense of formication throughout the meal, so I couldn’t enjoy it as much. However, it is always good to get down to the beach each day.
Here are the pics from the day:
Enjoying the pool despite the lack of sun
Enjoying the pool despite the lack of sun22-Jul-2011 21:31, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80
The sun came out in late afternoon – just in time for a nice sunset
The sun came out in late afternoon – just in time for a nice sunset23-Jul-2011 03:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 320
Dinner at Paradise Garden’s buffet and the lonely performer
Dinner at Paradise Garden's buffet and the lonely performer23-Jul-2011 04:15, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 2500
