Air Supply in the Phillippines

NUTTTER:
Horses. I saw horses surrounded by lush greenery, eating and in the middle of nowhere. Free. It nearly made me weep. Nearly. And so I feel I am officially in the Philippines. The past couple of days have been a bit of a haze for me. It's been hard to get inspired and I'm not sure why. The heat? The effects of a long travel day or long bike ride? I'm not sure. But today I feel like it all clicked into place. A rhythm if you will. I left Catablogan this morning, taking a min-van for two hours and change to Taclobgon. It looked like a town with some charm (I use that word lightly) as most towns I've been in have been void of any personality (and full of pollution from all the vehicles). From there, I took a tricycle (it's basically a moped with a sidecar attached, quite fun to ride in) to the bus station. Found the van I needed for my next stop, got in and then....waited. Often the vehicles here will wait until they are full before leaving. Fortunately it only took 90 minutes before we were on the way. I also lucked out as I was able to secure a seat in the front, in the middle with a view of the road. I did not have this option on my first van ride. I was in the second row from the back, next to the window. And while we passed amazing views, I only caught glimpses as there was a large "Air Supply is performing in the Philippines" poster blocking my view. And the road twisted quite a bit. The man in front of me took out a small bottle and started sniffing it. I knew that trick all too well. Peppermint for travel sickness. You know it's bad when the locals are struggling.

On my second van ride, I was fortunate enough to sit next to a nice Filippino guy. His English was very good and we chatted the whole way. He was great and my only regret is I didn't give him my contact info as he is planning to be in NYC later this year. He is a seaman (he he he) and travels on the seas for long stretches of time. He was coming home from one of this trips. We talked about the local culture, politics, the land, etc. It really was a pleasant time. And it's the longest conversation I've had in a week! When we got to his final stop, I jumped off to use the Comfort Room (ie bathroom) and he paid for my entrance fee. He has three older sisters and they raised him well!

After he got off, I continued on for another 45 minutes. I could have gotten on a ferry that was leaving in 30 minutes. It would have been a three-hour ride, but I opted to spend the night in town and take the ferry (6 am) tomorrow. From there, I plan to take another ferry to an island I am trying to reach. The town I'm staying in is very small. And the room is definitely one of the cheapest I've stayed in. It's about $5 and it's very, VERY bare bones. I'll spare you the details. I've been spoiled by air-con rooms with bathroom towels and televisions. Needless to say, I have no doubt I'll be getting in early night's sleep! Not much to do!

Aside from a couple in Manila and another couple in Naga (only at the aiport), I have been the only tourist I have come across. The. Only. One. I am a walking freak show (or at least that's what it feels like some days). Without fail, people will stop and stare once they notice me. Conversations will end abruptly, something will be said to someone who hasn't noticed me and then all eyes are on me. Imagine walking into a restaurant and Every Single Person starting at you and continuing to glance over at you while you are there. I have to say it's been a bit exhausting at times mentally. I keep trying to imagine I'm some famous person and this is what happens when you are well-known, but it doesn't stick. Having said all of this, the people here really are very nice. They really go out of their way to make sure you are okay, have an answer, know where you are going.

Today, when I arrived in this small town Liloan, I asked the guy running the place if he knew what time the ferry left in the morning. He doesn't understand English. So, I went downtairs and asked two guys working a pawn shop (as you do). They translated my question to the hotel guy and he walked over to some people to find out. When he came back and said 6 a.m. and it would take five hours, I asked if there was a faster boat. The pawn shop workers and the hotel guy got a local to go on his bike to the ferry terminal to find out! Seriously. He came back in about five minutes with the news. 6 a.m., a three-hour ride and he even knew how much it would cost. So, even though I loathe the staring, they are a very nice bunch of people.

Miss you all and send me an email when you can. I might not have Internet access too often, but it's always good to hear from you!

GROOVESPOOK:
Went to the Franklin Tavern Blues Jam.

written by

Groovespook on July 8, 2010 from Liloan, Philippines

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

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Legs...if you happen to exchange cell numbers with a friendly Filippino that will be in NYC in the future, please feel free to invite him over my House.

written by Kootz on July 9, 2010

Sure thing phil. I'll be sure they bring any sharp knives with them too

written by Maria on July 11, 2010

Hi Darling glad to hear you are keeping 'safe' will be pleased when Porl gets there it will be more fun with two together I am sure. (you might not think so!!) Look forward to reading your blogs keep posting . We are all well, Love to you both Mum g.XXX

written by louise gordon on July 11, 2010

Porl Roger Hastings Coleman Gordon uses flying as a passport to drinking?! He also uses days of the week, hours of the clock, good news, bad news, no news, and nightly news as a passport to drinking! G-d bless him!

written by Myles Douglas Reed on July 12, 2010

Nutter - you're a head turner, stop where you are and stare at her - person no matter what country you're in!

Avoid mosquitoes.

written by Navid on July 14, 2010

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