09/29/2026
We’ve been in the Philippines for 8 days so far, and it’s incredible. I have so much to share, but I’ll start with what today looked like.
After a week of great surf, there was none today, so Robbie’s boat guy took us on an excursion. You walk down a road lined with surf shops, far different than the American sort, to jump on the boat. These vessels are so beautiful to me, absolute works of art. Jose, our captain, currently has another being built by hand and that will be for his oldest son.
The water is as clear as any I’ve ever seen, and the many islands are postcard perfect. We swam, snorkeled and enjoyed the ocean’s healing properties.
After that, we walked a short way to the local market, a must for me wherever I go. Then a tuk tuk back to our villa for a relaxing afternoon. We even had a massage right by the sea, quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. You know that piped in music you have in a massage? Ours was real life nature: water, birds, breeze and on occasional distant rumble of thunder.
After a swim in the pool, we headed back to town. Instead of a tuk tuk, this time on what they call a trike, a motorbike with a frame around it to hold four seats for passengers. A feat of engineering and how many families get around. Although, it’s not uncommon to see a family of four on one motorbike, the preferred method of transportation here.
We went to an Oceanside bar and had a b**r, played some cards and then walked to dinner. One of the most surprising things has been the sheer quantity and quality of restaurants. I can’t get over how good the food is, from the street vendors to the higher end restaurants, bakeries and cafes. The culinary scene is 5⭐️.
Back to the villa, and said goodbye to one of the sweet staff who is leaving today for new opportunities and the wish to work abroad.
One perfect day, in an amazing place with the kindest, most wonderful people we’ve met along the way. Traveling fills my soul and heart.
