Hello again from the South Pacific! It has been a while since I've posted and it's about time to rectify. Until Friday of last week my days were rather routine, up at dawn to train for a few hours then breakfast and sleep followed by more training in the evening and finally dinner and a few drinks with friends. That all changed however when I decided to join a group of French divers on a trip to Baracay. Because Sensei had previous engagements on the mainland I decided to brave the travel by myself. I then discovered that there were no available flights from Manila to Panay but seeing as its just the next major island over from mine I thought I would try to bus and ferry it. This was mistake number one. Leaving at 7am I took one tricycle, a jeepney (pictured below), a van, a cargo ferry and a motorbike only to arrive at the boat terminal around midnight. This meant I had to wait 5 hours for dawn to cross a narrow channel that in all likelihood I could have swam. Falling asleep in front of said terminal I awoke covered in morning dew and rather perturbed. I made it to Baracay but it had taken 22 hours instead of the 10 I was told before I set out...

The Island itself was a bit too touristy and crowded for my taste. While I did get to enjoy some good company and some excellent food for a change I did not however get to go diving! The weather while at times clear was still spotted with bouts of rain and wind causing less than grand visibility. Instead a few of us opted for sailing which was a pleasant change of pace. While my French companions headed home in the wee hours of Monday morning I again unable to book a flight headed out around noon to catch the only available ferry. One would think I had taken heed from my first jaunt but alas I am a slow learner. While this trip was less frustrating in terms finding my way it was no less lengthy. To make a long story short it took me 26 hours this time, with the highlight being my stay at a hostel in Calapan. It was there that I was completely drenched by a storm, argued with a trike driver who tried to bring me to the most expensive hotel in town and befriended some lost Russians who were also headed to Puerto Galara.

All in all a memorable and tiring trip for certain! For now Sensei and Master are still on the mainland and I've gotten to enjoy a week without heavy training. Though the weather has been at times less than agreeable I really haven't been one to complain. Instead I've simply taken the time to fix some things around the house and finish reading my books. I am now the proud owner of a functioning toilet and a cold water shower! Ahhh the excitement of island life! Until I blog again!

PS the picture of me with the "Beer Snorkel" is me getting my unofficial SCUBA certification from my friend and instructor Dorthee at Pacific Divers.

~T

Sorry for the lack of udates lately but life has been a blur! Traveled to Batangas and Manila to train. Training at the village was quite an experience. Dauntingly long sessions of drilling coupled with dummy fighting and direct combat left me more than a little exhausted. Spent the fourth of July eating burgers and drinking beers which Sensi and I felt was most appropriate course of action. I managed with considerable effort to acquire a new camera and air mattress so that was a positive. You will see some pictures below which include the village and pictures of me eating a south pacific delicacy called Balut. Oh and don't click that link unless you have a rather strong stomach.

We have had several typhoons in the area causing lots of rain and huge surf. After training last week we heard cries for help from the friends of a man who had been pulled out by a large wave beyond a rock wall cliff. We ran to help and after climbing up and over the rock face found him clinging to a boulder amid the surf. We managed to swim out and retrieve him but it was quite a hairy scenario. Aside from the storms this week started off with some safer adventure as not only did I complete my PADI SCUBA diving certification but we also held a big party to celebrate Master Rodel's 60th Birthday! It was filled with seafood, cake, Karaoke and exorbitant amounts of merriment.

This weekend I may be traveling solo to meet some dive friends in Baraki, on the island of Palawan. I have no clue where we are going and what the exact plan is however I see little reason not to go. Sensi and our other American guest will follow Master again to the mainland for some in depth training and to be honest I'm a little relieved to me missing out. That is all for now!

~T