Blog 2: Well? How did I get here?
This attempt at a written blog with (video?), pictures and (music?) is overwhelming. I want to avoid the simplicity of a diary but yet document the scope of events for a project and inject happenings of interest for the reader. These “happenings” include comments and visuals of everyday life in The Philippines — and more specifically the Visayas region (central Philippines).
Beyond…USA
Traveling in and out of the Philippines is very easy. Let me preface by saying that English is understood by almost everyone in the urban areas or avenues of travel. You do not have to know the local dialect to travel in this country. Also, I have met several people that do not understand English or Cebuano (the local dialect) and they make it work. An example is an older gentleman that has lived in our barangay (village) for 7 years and only speaks Italian. Of course his wife and dog are the only ones that understand him. Wouldn’t it be an interesting study in micro-sociology.
Arriving in the new Cebu Mactan Airport and making your way to a reliable hotel was the best way to let the inner you take control of your travel scattered brain.
When I arrive in country or visit Cebu I usually stay at the Mayflower Inn Pension House. It is nothing fancy, but it gives me the comfort of knowing the people, rooms and menu at the Pensionne are there and reliable. There are many good alternatives including many major American hotel brands. After resting, it is nice to have a short conversation with the front desk, food servers, guards or other travelers to get comfortable with the area. Unless your schedule demands it, try not being the “efficiency-obsessed American” and put yourself on a busy itinerary for the entire trip, unless you’re trying to see half of Asia in two weeks. This laid back approach is obviously coming from a recently retired individual.
Cebu has a lot to offer a traveler. The city is nice for enjoying the luxuries of a major city especially after an extended time in the rural areas. But Cebu is also a large island with countless beaches, resorts, and other tourist spots that are easily accessible from Cebu City. The hotels and reliable, professional travel agencies in the city can direct you to many interesting adventures and you can spend a little money or you can spend a lot.
After a day of roaming around Cebu I decided to take the Supercat/Oceanjet boat to Ormoc City and eventually home. It was an easy taxi to the pier (P200/$4), porter two heavy bags onto the boat (P200/$4), boat trip (P650/$13), another porter off the boat (P200/$4) and a greeting by my local family with a vehicle.
If you are on a budget or want a little more adventure, try the night boat from Cebu-Ormoc. It leaves around 11 PM and arrives at 4:30 AM.
After arriving in Ormoc, head to the market area for some puto maya/tableya (sweet rice/hot chocolate). Mornings only.
Before leaving Ormoc, pick up some comfort foods for the house if you need and SETTLE IN.
Talk to you later.
