Nuttter: The first few steps

NUTTTER:
The Philippines and I got off to a rough start. But then my first impression was Manila after all. Manila is a distant relative to New York City. The relative who shoots up heroin, doesn't shower and just doesn't give a shit. It was crowded, polluted, noisy and just plain grimy. There were just as many buildings being constructed as there were dilapidated structures. I just wasn't in the mood for it. So, I left.

I arrived late Thursday night and by Friday afternoon I was on a plane to Naga in South Luzon. The area is known for its mountains. Sadly, Naga and I didn't get along too well, either. I had a terrific and inspiring chat on the plane ride over with a young man who grew up in Naga and was returning to visit family. He also, it turned out, used to work as a guide on treks through the mountain. He told me I could do a one-day hike easily. Unfortunately, when I went to speak with the guy who arranges such things he said that wasn't doable. He sketched out a map and told me how I could get near the mountain and do some jungle trek, but it involved taking a bus, then a motorbike, then finding a guide, then timing the return so I didn't miss the last bus. I couldn't be bothered. So I left. (Sense a theme here?)

I took a bus bound south for Legazpi. It's known for the looming, perfectly conical volcano. And it is a sight. It's breathtaking. But I was seeking a smaller town vibe. (While Naga was smaller than Manilla, it didn't feel that way with streets choked with traffic and pedestrians and major exhaust fumes). Legazpi had similar potential. So, just before I arrived to Legazpi, I transferred to another bus and headed further south to Sorsogon. I'm happy I did. It's a one-main road type of place. Granted there's still a buzz of traffic but it doesn't seem as claustrophobic. And the drive there was fantastic. The concrete buildings slipped away and were replaced by papaya trees, gorgeous blue waters, patches of rice fields and limestone covered mountains. And, I just found out, the place I am staying at has managed to track down a mountain bike for me to ride tomorrow.

So, it's all good. Well, until I get lost that is.

As for the Philippines, I'm finally getting into the rhythm of it. I'd forgotten how unsettling the staring can be here (there's no way to blend when you are white, tall and a solo female). That part sucks, but everyone has been very nice and kind. Most people speak English (some very well and some not so much). There's definitely a difference in culture here compared to Laos. In Laos, the people are very modest and reserved. Clothing that covers the shoulders and goes as low as the knees are required. Here, men wrap or tie their shirts above their navels. Sadly, it seems to be only men who look like they are six months pregnant. And why do they do this? Because it's HOT here. You know it's hot when even the locals carry around washcloths to wipe the sweat from their upper lip and brows. And they do their best to avoid the sun by covering their heads with umbrellas or whatever else comes in handy.

I'm hopeful my body will get used to the heat soon and I won't feel like I'm walking around in 90-degree weather with a wool blanket wrapped around me!

GROOVESPOOK:
90-degree weather? PAH! I say, it's 90-degrees here too, only I am pushing a lawn mower over my straw-like lawn instead of a mountain bike through a glistening rain-forest. PAH! Again.

written by

Groovespook on July 3, 2010 from Sorsogon, Philippines

from the travel blog: Nuttter and Groovespook go Philippine island hopping

Send a Compliment

Go Maria! Have fun Miss! You are becoming quite the traveller/travel writer xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

written by Vee on July 3, 2010

Oh my!!! So glad for you guys!!!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!! Beth

written by Beth on July 3, 2010

Looking forward to the next installment! Better than TV!

written by Morris the beard on July 4, 2010

Following with bated breath! Photos too please!

written by Lynda D on July 4, 2010

so glad you are safe Darling love reading your 'blogs'
will be waiting to see what you and Porl get up to when he arrives to be with you. love you take care.XXXX mum G

written by louise gordon on July 5, 2010

As always, I'm enjoying reading about your travels! I hope you find the place you are looking for!

written by Mary Nacarlo on July 7, 2010

"Manila is a distant relative to New York City. The relative who shoots up heroin, doesn't shower and just doesn't give a shit."

Awesome.

written by Saint on July 7, 2010

comment on this...