Philippines
I don't have a full post for today. What I do have is some lessons learned this week
- The best days are the ones that provide a challenge. I am currently teaching a math class to a group of extremely engaged, energetic co-workers who ask complex questions and keep me on my toes. I've been absolutely exhausted at the end of each day, yet I'm re-energized by the challenge I feel by these top-performers.
- Just because the supermarket had it last week, doesn't mean they'll have it this week. Last week's purchase of Frosted Shredded Mini-wheats and American milk were a special treat. This week, I could only find a different brand of milk but not my cereal. In a moment of weakness, I paid $12.75 for a box of Lucky Charms. For those of you keeping track at home, that is about the same amount I paid for my X-rays last week...
- Television is a bit better here. They seem to save almost all of the commercials for between shows with just one or two commercial breaks in a 30 minute show.
- I have the guts to chew out the cabbie who tries to jack up the fare for a foreigner. He tried to double the starting fare which I made him correct and he attempted to take a long route. I'm not sure if it's the pale skin, the blonde hair or the American accent but this cab driver clearly saw an opportunity in me. Instead of my usual generous tip, he got an earful from me.
- Google Analytics told me that over 100 people checked up on me in the last two weeks from all over the world. Thanks for caring enough about me to see what I've been doing.
- I can't keep a key working for more than 4 days. Fraser Place uses hotel-style keys and for the life of me, I can't go an entire week without demagnatizing a key. The keys control the elevators too, so after arriving back home, I quickly return to the front desk with a defeated look on my face. "It's okay, Miss Campbell. I will make you a new key." Henry reassures me.
- A collegue and I went to see Silver Linings Playbook, and I was able to book our tickets online. Here, you choose your seats when purchasing tickets - no need to worry about where you'll sit. I kinda dig it. And the movie was pretty good.
- I'm less homesick on this trip. I'm not sure if it having better expectations, staying busy or keeping in touch with everyone at home better, but this trip has been great so far.
- I'm thankful for the care package my sister and the manfriend put together. It's fun getting mail when traveling, but it's even more fun to open a box of goodies from loved ones.
- I need a nap. I slept for 4 hours after work, then woke up for dinner (around 4am central time) and went for the movie. Now it is 10:30am central time, 12:30am Sunday here and I'm going to catch a few hours of sleep before breakfast with friends.
Feel free to leave a comment - I'd love to hear from you :)
Things I Learned This Week
Saturday, March 2, 2013 Makati City, Philippines
I don't have a full post for today. What I do have is some lessons learned this week
- The best days are the ones that provide a challenge. I am currently teaching a math class to a group of extremely engaged, energetic co-workers who ask complex questions and keep me on my toes. I've been absolutely exhausted at the end of each day, yet I'm re-energized by the challenge I feel by these top-performers.
- Just because the supermarket had it last week, doesn't mean they'll have it this week. Last week's purchase of Frosted Shredded Mini-wheats and American milk were a special treat. This week, I could only find a different brand of milk but not my cereal. In a moment of weakness, I paid $12.75 for a box of Lucky Charms. For those of you keeping track at home, that is about the same amount I paid for my X-rays last week...
- Television is a bit better here. They seem to save almost all of the commercials for between shows with just one or two commercial breaks in a 30 minute show.
- I have the guts to chew out the cabbie who tries to jack up the fare for a foreigner. He tried to double the starting fare which I made him correct and he attempted to take a long route. I'm not sure if it's the pale skin, the blonde hair or the American accent but this cab driver clearly saw an opportunity in me. Instead of my usual generous tip, he got an earful from me.
- Google Analytics told me that over 100 people checked up on me in the last two weeks from all over the world. Thanks for caring enough about me to see what I've been doing.
- I can't keep a key working for more than 4 days. Fraser Place uses hotel-style keys and for the life of me, I can't go an entire week without demagnatizing a key. The keys control the elevators too, so after arriving back home, I quickly return to the front desk with a defeated look on my face. "It's okay, Miss Campbell. I will make you a new key." Henry reassures me.
- A collegue and I went to see Silver Linings Playbook, and I was able to book our tickets online. Here, you choose your seats when purchasing tickets - no need to worry about where you'll sit. I kinda dig it. And the movie was pretty good.
- I'm less homesick on this trip. I'm not sure if it having better expectations, staying busy or keeping in touch with everyone at home better, but this trip has been great so far.
- I'm thankful for the care package my sister and the manfriend put together. It's fun getting mail when traveling, but it's even more fun to open a box of goodies from loved ones.
- I need a nap. I slept for 4 hours after work, then woke up for dinner (around 4am central time) and went for the movie. Now it is 10:30am central time, 12:30am Sunday here and I'm going to catch a few hours of sleep before breakfast with friends.
Feel free to leave a comment - I'd love to hear from you :)
After I made my way though customs, I started to get a bit of a stuffy nose. Over the next two days it transformed from a head cold to a chest cold until I lost my voice Tuesday. Yep, half way around the world while delivering training to a group of thirty new hires, my voice was gone.
It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that I'm a tad stubborn and continued to train without a voice and spent nearly every other hour sleeping off the bug. After a Facebook consultation from my buddy Mary Berg suggested antibiotics, I visited the doctors' office at my building. After listening to my chest and ordering X-rays, the doctor informed me that I had pnuemonia. Lovely, right?
Its hard being sick away from home. The comfort items that I'm used to from the nearby Walgreens are hard to come by here, or at least not by the same brands I'm used to. Okay, that's kinda b.s. Its hard being sick away from familiar faces. The sweet stuff like my mom checking in on me and the boyfriend bringing me soup and kleenex. Sure, my mom checked in with me via facetime and the boyfriend and friends checked in with me throughout the day and night, but it was hard not to feel the miles.
Without insurance overseas, I was a bit worried what the cost would be for medical service. I got a referral from our training department where my employer would be billed for the consultation, but forgot to get one for the x-rays. Grand total for two chest x-rays? $12.30 USD. In the states, it would be $150 at minimum. Total for two prescriptions, including a brand name antibiotic? $16.73.
Thankfully medicine, fluids and plenty of rest has allowed me to quickly recovery. Now I'm feeling nearly 90% better, but taking advantage of the weekend and getting as much rest as possible.
Happy weekend!
Sick While Traveling
Saturday, February 23, 2013
After I made my way though customs, I started to get a bit of a stuffy nose. Over the next two days it transformed from a head cold to a chest cold until I lost my voice Tuesday. Yep, half way around the world while delivering training to a group of thirty new hires, my voice was gone.
It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that I'm a tad stubborn and continued to train without a voice and spent nearly every other hour sleeping off the bug. After a Facebook consultation from my buddy Mary Berg suggested antibiotics, I visited the doctors' office at my building. After listening to my chest and ordering X-rays, the doctor informed me that I had pnuemonia. Lovely, right?
Its hard being sick away from home. The comfort items that I'm used to from the nearby Walgreens are hard to come by here, or at least not by the same brands I'm used to. Okay, that's kinda b.s. Its hard being sick away from familiar faces. The sweet stuff like my mom checking in on me and the boyfriend bringing me soup and kleenex. Sure, my mom checked in with me via facetime and the boyfriend and friends checked in with me throughout the day and night, but it was hard not to feel the miles.
Without insurance overseas, I was a bit worried what the cost would be for medical service. I got a referral from our training department where my employer would be billed for the consultation, but forgot to get one for the x-rays. Grand total for two chest x-rays? $12.30 USD. In the states, it would be $150 at minimum. Total for two prescriptions, including a brand name antibiotic? $16.73.
Thankfully medicine, fluids and plenty of rest has allowed me to quickly recovery. Now I'm feeling nearly 90% better, but taking advantage of the weekend and getting as much rest as possible.
Happy weekend!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a week since I arrived in Manila! This first week really has flown by, but before I get into details of Manila, I can’t wait to tell you about getting here!
My employer requires associates to fly coach if you are below Director Level – and even then, it can be tough to get approval. While I report to a Director, I certainly do not qualify for a business class ticket. For comparison, my coach ticket was about $1,400 and a business class ticket can run between $6-9k.
The day before my trip, I was notified that I had been upgraded to business class for my long flight from Minneapolis to Japan. I was overjoyed to hear that the 15 hour segment of my trip would be in a comfy seat with more room than I could possibly need. This also meant that I could check three bags at zero cost.
I packed Wednesday night as planned, and was able to squeeze in a few hours of sleep before my alarm went off at 5:30am. As I packed the last of my things, my sweet boyfriend arrived to take me to the airport on Valentine’s Day. Believe it or not, I was actually running ahead of schedule and we could take our sweet time on the ten minute drive to Des Moines International Airport.
As I approached the Delta desk, a familiar face helped me check in while the boyfriend parked his truck. James arrived to the ticket counter and my friend offered a pass for him to join me at the gate before departure. I was absolutely floored – what a wonderful surprise on Valentine’s Day! We made our way through security and shared breakfast while waiting at the gate.
I realized that the worst part about a travel day (aside from the TSA getting hands-y) is sitting at the gate alone. I start to get depressed and upset as I sit there thinking about how long it will be before I return and everything I’m missing out on. Instead of giving me time to sit alone with my thoughts, we were able to sit together and talk and, of course, people watch.
I was the last person to board the half-full flight to Minneapolis, sent off with one last kiss and a wave as we pushed back from the jet bridge. It was the perfect way to start this trip.
I got a bit lost in the Minneapolis airport, eventually finding my terminal and gate. The International Terminal looked familiar from my trip to Europe 5 years ago, but they had clearly remolded with comfy booths with iPads and charging stations. The iPads provided free internet access and the ability to order from the nearby restaurant for table service.
After a quick run to the restroom, I was surprised to hear the call to board so early – over an hour before departure. I made the last of “goodbye” calls and giddily boarded when they called for Business Elite.
I was at the very front of the row, just behind the first galley. And anyone on the right half of the plane walked past me as I made myself comfortable and familiar with the features of my business class seat. The seat turns into a 6 foot long bed, and they provide comfy socks, slippers, full sized pillow, travel pillow, blanket and travel kit. On the downside, I was directly next to the lavatory. But you know the expression “beggars can’t be choosers”? I wasn’t about to complain.
I made small talk with the flight attendants –international flight attendants are some of the sweetest, caring and humorous flight attendants I’ve met. I think it is because they are good at what they do and truly enjoy their job. I watched a few episodes of The Newsroom and The Mindy Project before picking a movie and falling asleep. When I woke up, we had about 5 hours before landing in Japan.
They served a great breakfast and next thing I knew, we had landed in Tokyo. When I turned on my cell phone during our taxi, it started buzzing with texts from a colleague I was meeting in Tokyo for the flight to Manila. He updated me during boarding and I was panicked as I hadn’t even gotten off the plane! I still had to go through security and get to my gate! Thankfully, my Sky Priority with Delta meant I could join the shorter line, and I boarded my last flight with plenty of time to spare.
Arriving in Manila felt so familiar – and so did the struggle to get through immigration! Luckily, my business class upgrade meant my bags were marked as priority so by the time I cleared immigration; my bags were waiting for me. After a short stop at Customs, my favorite driver Herman was waiting to whisk me away to Fraser Place where I discovered I would be spending this trip in the same apartment as my first stay here. Check out the video here!
Getting to Manila
Friday, February 22, 2013
It’s hard to believe it’s been a week since I arrived in Manila! This first week really has flown by, but before I get into details of Manila, I can’t wait to tell you about getting here!
My employer requires associates to fly coach if you are below Director Level – and even then, it can be tough to get approval. While I report to a Director, I certainly do not qualify for a business class ticket. For comparison, my coach ticket was about $1,400 and a business class ticket can run between $6-9k.
The day before my trip, I was notified that I had been upgraded to business class for my long flight from Minneapolis to Japan. I was overjoyed to hear that the 15 hour segment of my trip would be in a comfy seat with more room than I could possibly need. This also meant that I could check three bags at zero cost.
I packed Wednesday night as planned, and was able to squeeze in a few hours of sleep before my alarm went off at 5:30am. As I packed the last of my things, my sweet boyfriend arrived to take me to the airport on Valentine’s Day. Believe it or not, I was actually running ahead of schedule and we could take our sweet time on the ten minute drive to Des Moines International Airport.
As I approached the Delta desk, a familiar face helped me check in while the boyfriend parked his truck. James arrived to the ticket counter and my friend offered a pass for him to join me at the gate before departure. I was absolutely floored – what a wonderful surprise on Valentine’s Day! We made our way through security and shared breakfast while waiting at the gate.
I realized that the worst part about a travel day (aside from the TSA getting hands-y) is sitting at the gate alone. I start to get depressed and upset as I sit there thinking about how long it will be before I return and everything I’m missing out on. Instead of giving me time to sit alone with my thoughts, we were able to sit together and talk and, of course, people watch.
I was the last person to board the half-full flight to Minneapolis, sent off with one last kiss and a wave as we pushed back from the jet bridge. It was the perfect way to start this trip.
I got a bit lost in the Minneapolis airport, eventually finding my terminal and gate. The International Terminal looked familiar from my trip to Europe 5 years ago, but they had clearly remolded with comfy booths with iPads and charging stations. The iPads provided free internet access and the ability to order from the nearby restaurant for table service.
After a quick run to the restroom, I was surprised to hear the call to board so early – over an hour before departure. I made the last of “goodbye” calls and giddily boarded when they called for Business Elite.
I was at the very front of the row, just behind the first galley. And anyone on the right half of the plane walked past me as I made myself comfortable and familiar with the features of my business class seat. The seat turns into a 6 foot long bed, and they provide comfy socks, slippers, full sized pillow, travel pillow, blanket and travel kit. On the downside, I was directly next to the lavatory. But you know the expression “beggars can’t be choosers”? I wasn’t about to complain.
I made small talk with the flight attendants –international flight attendants are some of the sweetest, caring and humorous flight attendants I’ve met. I think it is because they are good at what they do and truly enjoy their job. I watched a few episodes of The Newsroom and The Mindy Project before picking a movie and falling asleep. When I woke up, we had about 5 hours before landing in Japan.
They served a great breakfast and next thing I knew, we had landed in Tokyo. When I turned on my cell phone during our taxi, it started buzzing with texts from a colleague I was meeting in Tokyo for the flight to Manila. He updated me during boarding and I was panicked as I hadn’t even gotten off the plane! I still had to go through security and get to my gate! Thankfully, my Sky Priority with Delta meant I could join the shorter line, and I boarded my last flight with plenty of time to spare.
Arriving in Manila felt so familiar – and so did the struggle to get through immigration! Luckily, my business class upgrade meant my bags were marked as priority so by the time I cleared immigration; my bags were waiting for me. After a short stop at Customs, my favorite driver Herman was waiting to whisk me away to Fraser Place where I discovered I would be spending this trip in the same apartment as my first stay here. Check out the video here!
Just kidding!
I am doing what I do best - procrastinating. At this point, all that's left is physically putting my things in my suitcases, but I am no closer to completing this task than I was 12 hours ago.
Monday night was a little get-together dinner at Buzzard Billy's with friends before I skipped town. As I sat there in the middle of groups of friends from work and different social circles, I got caught up for a minute with how incredibly lucky I am. They are more than friends; they are family to me.
The last couple months have been some of the most stressful that I've experienced. Buying a house, getting ready for this trip, craziness at work - but I've been focusing on my new mantra: Everything in life happens for me, not to me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and even the things that I don't want or don't like, they happen for me. Sometimes that means I need to learn from them, sometimes I need the perspective to feel thankful or even to toughen me up.
I don't feel tough, but I feel grateful. Grateful for the mortgage inspector who has made home buying more challenging and the boyfriend who has doing more "honey-dos" on this house that isn't even mine yet. Grateful for the circus work has been at times, and the friends at work who can laugh along with me. And next week, or next month, or next year, I resolve to still be grateful for everything.
All my bags are packed...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Just kidding!
I am doing what I do best - procrastinating. At this point, all that's left is physically putting my things in my suitcases, but I am no closer to completing this task than I was 12 hours ago.
Monday night was a little get-together dinner at Buzzard Billy's with friends before I skipped town. As I sat there in the middle of groups of friends from work and different social circles, I got caught up for a minute with how incredibly lucky I am. They are more than friends; they are family to me.
The last couple months have been some of the most stressful that I've experienced. Buying a house, getting ready for this trip, craziness at work - but I've been focusing on my new mantra: Everything in life happens for me, not to me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and even the things that I don't want or don't like, they happen for me. Sometimes that means I need to learn from them, sometimes I need the perspective to feel thankful or even to toughen me up.
I don't feel tough, but I feel grateful. Grateful for the mortgage inspector who has made home buying more challenging and the boyfriend who has doing more "honey-dos" on this house that isn't even mine yet. Grateful for the circus work has been at times, and the friends at work who can laugh along with me. And next week, or next month, or next year, I resolve to still be grateful for everything.
As we worked our way down from the Chocolate Hills to the Tarsier and Butterfly Sanctuaries (and skipped the python exhibitions), we stopped for a zip-line through the jungle. At only $10USD per person, I was a little leery of their set-up; I'm sure this kind of place is fully bonded and insured, right? Right?
We handed our sunglasses and purses to our driver and climbed up the 100 (or so) broken, uneven steps to the first zip-line spot. As we climbed, I silently wondered if my life insurance would payout in the event of death while zip-lining and if it would qualify me for my Business Travel Accidental Death policy. I am nothing if not an optimist ;)
As we arrived at the top, we watched a couple zip on across the deep valley and reality set in. I sat there for a moment and figured that I wasn't going to get any braver, lets just do this.
As the guys got us in position, I (half) jokingly asked "these harnesses are strong enough for the fat Americans, right?" and they laughed and said yes and sent us on our way.
Upon safe arrival back at the main building, we were sold some pictures of our zipping along and continued on our journey. Our next stop was the Loboc River Cruise. The river cruises are pretty low-key; you eat lunch on a barge as it travels up Loboc river, watch some school children sing and dance and then turn around and go back.
The food was good, music was even better. When we reached the turn around point, we looked up to see people on the same zip line we rode - good thing we did the zip-line before the cruise!
We handed our sunglasses and purses to our driver and climbed up the 100 (or so) broken, uneven steps to the first zip-line spot. As we climbed, I silently wondered if my life insurance would payout in the event of death while zip-lining and if it would qualify me for my Business Travel Accidental Death policy. I am nothing if not an optimist ;)
As we arrived at the top, we watched a couple zip on across the deep valley and reality set in. I sat there for a moment and figured that I wasn't going to get any braver, lets just do this.
As the guys got us in position, I (half) jokingly asked "these harnesses are strong enough for the fat Americans, right?" and they laughed and said yes and sent us on our way.
I wasn't too scared as we zipped across the valley until I looked down and saw a tiny creek. With a boat on it. At that very moment, I realized how crazy this was. Here's my video - you might want to mute your speakers.
After we dismounted from the first line, it was time to climb up a couple dozen stairs to the return line. We met a couple who arrived after us while waiting for the return line and he asked a crew member how long it would take to walk back; the guy responded "Three hours, if you're lucky." Ha! Our new friend decided to buck up and make the return zip trip back.
Upon safe arrival back at the main building, we were sold some pictures of our zipping along and continued on our journey. Our next stop was the Loboc River Cruise. The river cruises are pretty low-key; you eat lunch on a barge as it travels up Loboc river, watch some school children sing and dance and then turn around and go back.
The food was good, music was even better. When we reached the turn around point, we looked up to see people on the same zip line we rode - good thing we did the zip-line before the cruise!
 |
| Mr. G was right - tininkling is a real thing! |
 |
| Our cruise pulling up |
 |
| See those dots? Those are people on the zip line! |
The river cruise was the last of our excursions, so we made our way back to the resort for a little more time on the beach followed by another delicious dinner before calling it a night. Monday morning, it was time to catch our flight back to Manila!
Bohol was an awesome trip and an amazing deal for the price!
Bohol Island Getaway - Part 3
Thursday, September 13, 2012
As we worked our way down from the Chocolate Hills to the Tarsier and Butterfly Sanctuaries (and skipped the python exhibitions), we stopped for a zip-line through the jungle. At only $10USD per person, I was a little leery of their set-up; I'm sure this kind of place is fully bonded and insured, right? Right?
We handed our sunglasses and purses to our driver and climbed up the 100 (or so) broken, uneven steps to the first zip-line spot. As we climbed, I silently wondered if my life insurance would payout in the event of death while zip-lining and if it would qualify me for my Business Travel Accidental Death policy. I am nothing if not an optimist ;)
As we arrived at the top, we watched a couple zip on across the deep valley and reality set in. I sat there for a moment and figured that I wasn't going to get any braver, lets just do this.
As the guys got us in position, I (half) jokingly asked "these harnesses are strong enough for the fat Americans, right?" and they laughed and said yes and sent us on our way.
Upon safe arrival back at the main building, we were sold some pictures of our zipping along and continued on our journey. Our next stop was the Loboc River Cruise. The river cruises are pretty low-key; you eat lunch on a barge as it travels up Loboc river, watch some school children sing and dance and then turn around and go back.
The food was good, music was even better. When we reached the turn around point, we looked up to see people on the same zip line we rode - good thing we did the zip-line before the cruise!
We handed our sunglasses and purses to our driver and climbed up the 100 (or so) broken, uneven steps to the first zip-line spot. As we climbed, I silently wondered if my life insurance would payout in the event of death while zip-lining and if it would qualify me for my Business Travel Accidental Death policy. I am nothing if not an optimist ;)
As we arrived at the top, we watched a couple zip on across the deep valley and reality set in. I sat there for a moment and figured that I wasn't going to get any braver, lets just do this.
As the guys got us in position, I (half) jokingly asked "these harnesses are strong enough for the fat Americans, right?" and they laughed and said yes and sent us on our way.
I wasn't too scared as we zipped across the valley until I looked down and saw a tiny creek. With a boat on it. At that very moment, I realized how crazy this was. Here's my video - you might want to mute your speakers.
After we dismounted from the first line, it was time to climb up a couple dozen stairs to the return line. We met a couple who arrived after us while waiting for the return line and he asked a crew member how long it would take to walk back; the guy responded "Three hours, if you're lucky." Ha! Our new friend decided to buck up and make the return zip trip back.
Upon safe arrival back at the main building, we were sold some pictures of our zipping along and continued on our journey. Our next stop was the Loboc River Cruise. The river cruises are pretty low-key; you eat lunch on a barge as it travels up Loboc river, watch some school children sing and dance and then turn around and go back.
The food was good, music was even better. When we reached the turn around point, we looked up to see people on the same zip line we rode - good thing we did the zip-line before the cruise!
|
| Mr. G was right - tininkling is a real thing! |
|
| Our cruise pulling up |
|
| See those dots? Those are people on the zip line! |
The river cruise was the last of our excursions, so we made our way back to the resort for a little more time on the beach followed by another delicious dinner before calling it a night. Monday morning, it was time to catch our flight back to Manila!
Bohol was an awesome trip and an amazing deal for the price!
After an amazing night of sleep, Candice and I spent Sunday on an all-day excursion, booked through our hotel. At first, I was a little cautious of booking an excursion. I was a little worried we'd spend eight hours on a bus with a bunch of tourists; turns out that it was a completely private tour - for under $100USD, Candice and I had a driver all to ourselves for the day as we explored the island.
My other reservation was caused by my intense fear of snakes. No lie, TERRIFIED and I had googled "what snakes live on Bohol" to determine that I should be very VERY afraid. The premium tour package we selected included visiting one of the many python exhibits that dot the roadside. While we had been promised the tour could be customized... I had my fears of any possible encounters with snakes.
With our modified agenda in hand, we set out for the Chocolate Hills, a natural monument with almost surreal views. The winding roads left me questioning my breakfast choices.
My other reservation was caused by my intense fear of snakes. No lie, TERRIFIED and I had googled "what snakes live on Bohol" to determine that I should be very VERY afraid. The premium tour package we selected included visiting one of the many python exhibits that dot the roadside. While we had been promised the tour could be customized... I had my fears of any possible encounters with snakes.
With our modified agenda in hand, we set out for the Chocolate Hills, a natural monument with almost surreal views. The winding roads left me questioning my breakfast choices.
But within an hour or so, we arrived at the park. After selling us the tickets, they inform us of the 214 steep stairs we need to climb to get to the top :)
After we took in the sights of the beautiful Chocolate Hills, we started our way back down to lower elevation with stops at a butterfly conservatory which was much cooler than I anticipated. We had a great host who guided us through their gardens and took photos for us.
 |
| Candice is braver than I. Much. |
 |
| Gatorade in glass bottles |
Then we visited a nature preserve that is home to a group of Tarsiers, an endangered primate that calls Bohol home. They kinda look like a groundhog, a Chihuahua and a rat cross-bred. Some places allow you to hold the Tarsiers which is terrible for their health so I was happy that the place we visited really was a nature preserve, set out to protect them. As we climbed around the stone paths, I (of course) was also terrified of running into a snake. Thankfully, any snakes there were smart enough to stay hidden.
I'll have to finish out the getaway story with my next post!
Bohol Island Getaway Part 2
Friday, September 7, 2012
After an amazing night of sleep, Candice and I spent Sunday on an all-day excursion, booked through our hotel. At first, I was a little cautious of booking an excursion. I was a little worried we'd spend eight hours on a bus with a bunch of tourists; turns out that it was a completely private tour - for under $100USD, Candice and I had a driver all to ourselves for the day as we explored the island.
My other reservation was caused by my intense fear of snakes. No lie, TERRIFIED and I had googled "what snakes live on Bohol" to determine that I should be very VERY afraid. The premium tour package we selected included visiting one of the many python exhibits that dot the roadside. While we had been promised the tour could be customized... I had my fears of any possible encounters with snakes.
With our modified agenda in hand, we set out for the Chocolate Hills, a natural monument with almost surreal views. The winding roads left me questioning my breakfast choices.
My other reservation was caused by my intense fear of snakes. No lie, TERRIFIED and I had googled "what snakes live on Bohol" to determine that I should be very VERY afraid. The premium tour package we selected included visiting one of the many python exhibits that dot the roadside. While we had been promised the tour could be customized... I had my fears of any possible encounters with snakes.
With our modified agenda in hand, we set out for the Chocolate Hills, a natural monument with almost surreal views. The winding roads left me questioning my breakfast choices.
But within an hour or so, we arrived at the park. After selling us the tickets, they inform us of the 214 steep stairs we need to climb to get to the top :)
After we took in the sights of the beautiful Chocolate Hills, we started our way back down to lower elevation with stops at a butterfly conservatory which was much cooler than I anticipated. We had a great host who guided us through their gardens and took photos for us.
|
| Candice is braver than I. Much. |
|
| Gatorade in glass bottles |
Then we visited a nature preserve that is home to a group of Tarsiers, an endangered primate that calls Bohol home. They kinda look like a groundhog, a Chihuahua and a rat cross-bred. Some places allow you to hold the Tarsiers which is terrible for their health so I was happy that the place we visited really was a nature preserve, set out to protect them. As we climbed around the stone paths, I (of course) was also terrified of running into a snake. Thankfully, any snakes there were smart enough to stay hidden.
I'll have to finish out the getaway story with my next post!
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