Last day... heading back to the USA

Today we had breakfast at our hotel. We were able to pack and relax. Don's dad and brother picked us up around 12 because this was when we had to check out. They told us that they were not planning on picking us up until 2 because they thought this was when check out was...

So then we picked up Tita Remy and Pong again. It was good to see them again, we had thought last night would be the last time. Then we headed to Angeles City to get lunch. In my head I was hoping and craving for something American. When we got to Angeles City (it was about a 20 minute drive) I saw a lot of Western Style Restaurants. In my head though I was thinking...we won't be eating that.

I was wrong. We went to a restaurant called Rumpa. There were white people there! hahaa. It was American style food. And it was pretty good! I ordered a cheeseburger and fries. Don got fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Pong had barbecue and it was very good. We all tried each other's food. It was a nice change of pace.

After we ate we all got back in the car. We then drove around and went by a mall. I did not want to go in the mall....ugh I hate shopping! For some reason we didn't stop. We drove by Clark Air Base. It did not look like much. There were a few old airplanes on display. You could see the barracks where people lived. The area looked very American.

We were going to stop at a place called Nayo Ng Pilipino. It was basically people dressed up and showing the different cultures in the Philippines. We didn't do it though because it was already 2 pm and it was so hot!

So on the way back we did stop at the mall. Don looked for a case for the new Samsung. We didn't find one. Basically no one bought anything. It was so crowded and I was afraid someone would step on my injured toe. I was happy to leave the mall.

So then we made our way back to San Fernando. There was so much traffic! We dropped off Tita Remy and Pong and said our goodbyes. Then it was me, Don, Fiona, and Sean in the backseat again. Off to Manila to the airport. I don't think I have ever been more ready to be back in the US. This was a long trip. I think it felt especially long because for the last half of it we were just being driven around. It was very nice of Don's dad and his brother to take time off and drive us around everywhere. We saw things that would have been difficult to see on our own. And we were able to see family easily. I am appreciative of that. But it felt like weeks haha...I was ready to be back in my own bed and eating things without worrying.

Ahh...but the ride there was so long. The traffic in Manila is unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it in the US. It was also hard to see the poverty in the Philippines. It was very eye opening.

Once we got to the airport it was about 7 pm. Korean Airlines were not open yet so we got in a line. We were about 3rd in line and we were told they would open around 830 pm. So much waiting! The airport was crazy crowded.

We met a guy from Maryland. He talked a lot, so that passed some time in the line. Finally at 830 we were able to check in. Then we went through security and tried to find a place to eat. We had to eat right when we  entered after security because there were no restaurants at the gate. We found a crowded restaurant and got some food. I had a chicken noodle soup that was actually pretty good. Don got some pork rolls that we shared.

We went to the gate around 10 and waited because our flight was not until 1145 pm. We finally boarded...on time and left. 4 hours and we would be in South Korea. We had the tv screens again so I put on some documentary and tried to fall asleep. I don't think I slept much though. It felt like a long flight...


We arrived at the Incheon Airport in South Korea around 430 am. It was crazy to see the airport all quiet and every shop closed. But this was good because we were tired so we found some seats and laid down across them.

We slept on and off for until about 8 am, by then the airport was busy. I think the Incheon Airport was my favorite airport ever. It was so nice and clean looking. The airport looked very new and modern. We decided to walk around a bit and get some food. We found a spa area that had showers! Ah...if I would have known about this sooner, because I was feeling disgusting after traveling for so long.

I had some Subway for breakfast/lunch again. Then we boarded our flight to Chicago around 1145 am. Once again Korean Air was on time! 4 flights and every single one of them on time! That never has happened.

I loved everything about Korean Air. They were awesome. The flight back to Chicago was good, except for the fact it was about 13 hours. It felt good to get back to the US.

Poracay

Today we left the hotel around 830. We went to a market owned by Don's family. The market was very crowded...and hate to say it but smelled very bad. It was definitely an experience. Don's dad wanted to buy us flip flops.

Then we went to Tita Remy's and picked up her and Pong. We were on our way to something called Poracay. Up until I saw the signs for it I thought they were saying Boracay...and we have been to Boracay island before and there's no way that's where we were going. But no it was called Poracay.

Poracay is basically the most un-touristy resort you can go to I think. There is a hotel if you want to stay or you can rent places to set up for a picnic. We rented a spot to eat. So we ate and then the kids were ready to swim. Basically Poracay is a bunch of pools. There is a lake where you can rent kayaks.

The kids loved it; it was definitely more for the kids. But that was cool. I think I'm the only white person to have ever visited Poracay and the stares made me feel really uncomfortable. We swam for a little bit and then we went over to the kids pool and took some pictures of them. They thought the underwater camera was really cool.

After hanging out with them for a bit we went back to the picnic area and dried off. Then we fed some bread to the fish in the lake.

We saw these cool airplanes...

I have to say I was relieved to leave Poracay. The trip is drawing near the end and I am getting tired.

On the way back we visited Don's grandma's grave. She had passed away since the last time we had visited. Luckily I was able to meet her.

We got back to the hotel around 8 and we said our goodbyes to Tita Remy and Pong. They thought this would be the last time we see each other. During this time I was standing behind Don when getting out of the car and he backed up on my big toe. It tore the nail back. I just went up to the hotel room because I wanted to cry it hurt so bad.

When we got up there I was in so much. Half of the nail was torn back and I had to cut it off and clean it out. Ugh it was gross. Don felt so bad.

Pampanga-Subic Bay

Today Boni and Don's dad picked us up at 630 am. We went to Tita Remy's to pick up her and her grandson Pong. So then we loaded up the SUV with all of us and picnic stuff. Tito Boni and Danilo (Don's dad) were in the front. Don, me and Tita Remy were in the backseat. Then the kids (Pong, Fiona, and Sean) sat in the very back with all the bags and coolers. This would have never happened in the US.

On the way there, not even a half hour into the trip, Remy asked us if we wanted some noodles. It was like 730 in the morning, I wasn't really hungry, but she insisted. So she pulled out a tub of pancit. It was very weird to be eating this at this time of day and in a car, but it was the best freaken pancit I've ever had. Delicious.

It took about 2 hours to get to Subic Bay. It was US Naval Base at one time. We had to drive through some mountainous areas. We were looking for Zoobic, which was the zoo at Subic Bay. Boni stopped to ask if we were going the right way and the officer at the booth told us to pull over at the side because he hadn't made a complete stop at the stop sign. So we thought we were getting a stop sign ticket. All I could think was...okay if this was the USA we would be getting a stop sign ticket, no seat belt tickets, too many passengers in a vehicle ticket...hahaha the list could go on and on. Boni talked his way out of the ticket, thankfully.

We got to Zoobic around 9 or 10 am I think. We bought tickets for everyone and I noticed there were tickets to feed tigers and crocodiles. I for sure wanted to do this but we found out you just pay for it later. I was excited, I couldn't wait to feed the animals! I was ready to go on this safari, but of course we had to eat. I wasn't really hungry but I had a cheese sandwich. Then we explored a bit around the few shops.
We found some pigs in the pet store.

The first exhibits of the zoo were walking ones. We saw a lot of different types of birds. For 10 php we were able to feed  parakeets.

We were able to feed camels for free, just by picking up leaves off the ground.

Then we got on this trolley type train that would take us around the zoo to all the destinations. The first destination was a cave. In this cave was a bunch of fake and stuffed animals. It was really lame.

The next destination was the main attraction: the tigers. It was like a safari so we got in this caged SUV. A trainer was able to feed the tigers through the cage. It was crazy! We got so close to the tigers! One tiger jumped on top of our vehicle and wouldn't get down! I got a lot of good video and pictures. To check out videos from this trip check out my youtube page:
http://www.youtube.com/user/greyninja42

Next we went to where they kept the tigers. They were all in cages, the cages could have been a little bigger. I felt like it wasn't the best living conditions, but the tigers looked pretty good. We could get really close to the tigers. This would never happen in the US!

We were warned while walking next to the tigers that if they turn their butts to us to watch out because they might spray urine!

The next attraction was watching a tribal dance. These were real members of a tribe from this area.

Then we went a walk to the crocodiles. Here for I think 50 php we could get a raw piece of chicken attached to a pole, kind of like a fishing pole, and feed the crocodiles. It was a really cool experience and I got some good video.

After this our safari was over. It was a pretty cool experience. Then we left and drove to a beach. We went to a place that looked like a resort on the beach. I guess it was a place where you could bring a picnic and use their beach. There really wasn't much of beach you just took stairs right into the water. The kids swam and then we ate. The food was delicious. The best Filipino food I've had anywhere. After lunch we relaxed.

Then we started back to San Fernando around 4. I was tired and feeling so gross and sweaty. The drive home was very scenic though.

We went back to our hotel when we got back to San Fernando. We were tired and gross. We got cleaned up and then we went across the street to the Walter Mart. It was basically a mall. Don bought a new Samsung cell phone for about $80 to replace the old blackberry we use overseas. It was a good deal. Then we got some dinner at Shakey's. It's a fast food place. We had pizza. It was okay....nothing like the pizza we had in El Nido.

Los Banos to Pampanga

Today we had to check out at 11 am, but Don's dad was not able to pick us up until 5. We didn't know this until this morning around 9, we just assumed he would be there around check out time. So we left our luggage at the front desk and had lunch here.

After lunch it was around 1230 so then we just hung out by the pool. The internet wasn't working. I mostly just read and relaxed. Don took a nap. I got in the pool a few times to cool off.

The internet did start working and I was able to check facebook. From facebook I learned about the Boston Marathon Bombing. It was so sad to hear of this. Who would think this would happen?

His dad and his dad's brother, Boni, arrived at the resort around 530. Boni brought his 2 grandchildren, Fiona and Sean. They were probably around 7 and 5. This made the ride to Pampanga really crammed and it wasn't comfortable. We were all sitting in the backseat. There was so much traffic when we got to Manila, it was unbelievable. We arrived in Pampanga around 8 and checked into our hotel.

His dad booked us a room at Hotel Gracelane in the city of San Fernando in Pampanga. We didn't stay long at the hotel though because we left immediately to have dinner at Tita Remy's. We have been hearing that people from Pampanga are known to be good cooks and this seemed to be true at the dinner.

We were really tired so we went back to the hotel around 9.  We watched a lot of news coverage on CNN about the bombing.

Los Banos 88 Hotspring Resort

Today I woke up around 8 and decided to get an early start on relaxing. So I went outside and read for awhile. I am re-reading The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. It's been a long time since I've read it and it is one of my favorites. I did a little swimming and then got cleaned up to go out to lunch with some of Don's family.

We went to lunch with Tito Boni and his wife, Tita Doree, Tito Mar and their kids Eunice and Jonas. We ate a very cool looking restaurant. All of the tables were on their own little floating room. I have a picture that can show it better.

The food was good. We just ordered a bunch of dishes and shared them all. When we came back Tito Boni talked to us about our relationship with Jesus. He is a Christian minister and has his own church. It was a good talk.

Then we went out and explored our resort more.

That water slide was very slow! The first time I went on it, it was fast and fun. But then I would always be dragging down it haha. 

Once we were done swimming we decided to go out for dinner. We took a tricycle to a Max's Restaurant. This time I had a chicken sandwich; it was pretty good. Don ordered breakfast. I then ordered a box of caramels. The way it was described I thought it would be like chocolates and caramel but it was more like a caramel brownie. Still good though. 

Quezon City to Los Banos

Today we woke up around 9. I could have slept more but the roosters outside were going crazy. Plus I could hear other people getting up. So I woke up Don and he was a little hungover. We ate breakfast and then got ready. Once everyone was ready we all went to the cemetery to see Lolo's resting spot. It was very emotional. You could see how much their grandfather was and still is loved.

After that we went back to the house. We looked at Tito Rom's chickens and roosters. He has a lot. I believe he is raising them in hopes of putting them in fights...Then we had lunch and hung out for awhile. Then we got back in the van so we could be taken to Los Banos. Tito Boni had helped us book a resort in Los Banos. We will be staying there for 2 nights. It's called the 88 Hot Spring Resort and it's a Korean owned resort. We got to Los Banos around 2 and we checked in. The place was really nice looking. There were a lot of pools and the resort was beautiful. After we got checked in we went over to Tito Mar and Tita Doree's house. There we visited with them and saw Jonas and Eunice. We were also able to see Tito Boni and his wife.

Tito Rom wanted to go back to Quezon City so we stayed a bit longer with Tito Boni. He let us try coconut water straight from a coconut. After we drank all the juice we put ice cream in the coconut and scraped off the edible pieces. It was very good. This was the first time I had eaten fresh coconut and drank coconut water. After we had this Tito Boni took us back to our resort. On the way we were able to stop at a pharmacy. I needed new deodorant because mine broke and some first aid stuff for my foot. It is still not healing from when I cut it on the rock in El Nido.

Once we got to the resort we wanted to check out the pools. There were so many of them! We have one big one right outside our room. When we got in we were surprised that it was warm, like hot. But it felt really good. Then we moved to the next area where there were 9 round hot tub looking pools. They were very hot, I couldn't even get in them. The sign said you were supposed to stay in each one for 5 minutes. We didn't want to do that! We tried out all the pools we could find. We found one that was colder but still warm.

After we were done with the pools we got cleaned up to go to dinner. They have a restaurant here that is Korean food. We ordered bibimbap and a noodle dish along with some spicy beef. But then they brought all these little plates with things on them. It was a little weird, I've never seen anything like it. I was also very surprised when I got my noodle soup and it was cold and it was supposed to be this way. Like really cold. I wasn't expecting that and I didn't like it really at all.  When I first saw the soup I thought "oh that's weird there's ice cubes in my soup." I do not remember the name of this dish and did not mention it was cold noodles so needless to say I was disappointed haha.

After dinner we relaxed in our room. It has been the best room we have had all trip. We splurged a little for this hotel. It is our own little bungalow. The room is very nice and the TV actually works! The shower is great and the water gets hot! Ahh...love this place. Only thing is, the bed is very hard. Like sleeping on a floor haha, maybe the Koreans like it this way.

Leaving El Nido..Heading to Quezon City.

This morning we got up and made sure we were packed because we were leaving El Nido. It was sad to leave. This place was so beautiful and relaxing. We got our breakfast and then our van came to pick us up at 9.


I was worried what our van experience would be like since our trip here was not so good. Luckily, the company we were originally supposed to do our transfers with got their van fixed. The hotel booked our ride with Day Tripper.

The van was really nice. The seats were roomier it was just more inviting and friendly. There was a water bottle for every passenger and even a little snack! The snack was dried pieces of banana...they were kind of like eating chips. It was really good. There was one passenger in the front seat and then one passenger in the next row of seats. We sat in the next row. Later though Don moved to the row behind me since there were only 4 passengers we could all have our own space! It was awesome!

I was able to look out the window more on the trip home because the driver was much better. I didn't feel car sick. It was a complete upgrade from our previous experience. It was comfortable and it made the 5 hour ride back to the airport much easier.  Here's some pictures from the ride.

You can see in the last picture that people would ride on top of buses. It was crazy.

When we got to Puerto Princesa Airport there was a line outside the door. I thought that this would mean it would take a long time but it really didn't. Once we got checked in we realized our flight was later; it had been moved. That was a little annoying for me because I hate waiting. But we made it.

Tito Rom and Tita Nitz picked us up at the airport in Manila. We picked up Robbie on the way to their house in Quezon City. Once we got to their house we got settled into our room and saw RJ and Regan. Regan showed us his pets. He has a ball python named Sally, a tarantula named Brownie, and a scorpion (can't remember his name). Crazy pets! I held the snake but wouldn't touch the tarantula. After we had got settled in a bit we decided it was time to go out.

We got to meet Robbie's girlfriend, Bambi, and we also met up with Franz. Then we went out to the first bar, it was on a rooftop and had a view of Manila. It was a nice place. Then we went to the next place and we all drank a lot. RJ ordered 2 Filipino cuisines, pig ears and pig intestines. Of course he made us try them before he would tell us what they were. The ears were okay. But I did not like the texture of the intestines. Very weird haha.

After awhile Regan kept saing we should do karaoke. People were ready to leave though so he said he had karaoke at his house. So we went back to the house and started up the karaoke video. Regan and Don were singing songs. They stayed up to around 5 am. I went to bed at 4....so tired.

El Nido-Island Hopping Tour B

Today we went on Island Hopping Tour B. There were 5 other people with us.


The first stop they just let us jump off the boat and snorkel around. I believe it was Pangulasian Island. There were a lot of jellyfish here, but it was a good snorkeling site. There were a lot of fish and coral. I did feel like I was getting stung though but I didn't think I got near a jellyfish, maybe it was all in my head.

The second location was Snake Island; this is also where we had lunch. There was a little trail you could take up to the top of Snake Island. It took about 5 minutes to get to the top. The view was so pretty.

Then we walked back down and got in the water. There wasn't much to see, it was very clear but mostly grass and rocks. After swimming around for awhile we had our lunch. The island was really beautiful.

The next stop was Cudognon Cave. This was very cool. We started out by going through a small opening into the cave.

Once inside there were some really cool rock formations. I think there were bats but we didn't actually see them...

After we came out of the cave we were able to snorkel. We saw a lot of fish here.

The 3rd stop on the tour was Cathedral Cave. We didn't actually stop here we just floated by in it the boat very slowly. Unfortunately I didn't get very good pictures of the interior of the cave. You could see it open up into a big room from the boat, but the pictures did not turn out.

We were able to see the the Lagen Resort on the way to the last stop. It is very expensive to stay here...maybe someday. We are more budget travelers right now...haha.

The last stop was Pinagbuyutan Island. This was probably one of the most beautiful islands/beaches I have ever seen. There were palm trees every where and some of the softest white sand I have ever seen and felt.
The island looked very cool. We were able to do some snorkeling here and there were some pretty cool fish. The snorkeling was pretty good and maybe my favorite spot in El Nido. It was a great way to end the trip to El Nido.

This fish was very aggressive. I followed it around for awhile. If I got too close to whatever it was protecting it would come at me. It was funny.

I loved this island....

I got a good photo of our resort, Stunning Vistas, on our way back.

They left us a nice design on our bed...

Tonight we decided to watch the sunset. I don't know what it is about watching sunsets...I've never really done it or had an interest in it, but we did it in Santorini and Mykonos and it is quite relaxing. I think the sunset at El Nido was probably the most beautiful one we have seen...

While we were watching the sunset we talked with Alex and Yan. We talked about all the things we had done. They had rented a kayak one day and kayaked to one of the near islands. Yan snorkeled while Alex laid out on the beach. Later there was a man pointing a gun at her telling her the island was private. She got Yan's attention and they told the guy the didn't want any trouble. He said it was fine they just had to leave...they got a picture with him and left! hahaha crazy. They did recommend a place in El Nido town for dinner. It was a pizza place. Yan said it was some of the best pizza he ever had. Now we had ate pizza in the  Philippines and it had been absolutely disgusting so I was skeptical. Although it sounded really good by the way they were describing it.

So Don and I walked along the beach looking for a place to eat. After no success we decided to go into town and give this pizza place a try. We had some idea where it was so it wasn't too hard to find. You could see them making the pizza dough right in front and you had to take off your shoes in the restaurant. We left our shoes downstairs and went up to the restaurant. It was awesome looking. Nice wooden floors, a good looking bar. A great atmosphere, unlike anything we had experienced in the Philippines. The food around us looked amazing. People were just ordering whole pizzas for themselves so that's what we did. I ordered a Margarita Pizza. Don ordered the Prosciutto Pizza because Yan raved about it. We also got a calamari salad for an appetizer. It was so good! The pizzas were amazing. I think it was probably the best Italian style pizza I have ever had. Amazing...great way to end our stay in El Nido. The place was called Altrov'e. If you are in El Nido and craving pizza this is the place.