Going Solo

I'm quite enjoying this excavation of old photos and memories to go with them. One of the most exhilarating trips I ever took was my jaunt to the Philippines a few years ago. I was going to join up with a good friend for a week and a half of it but for two and half weeks (of my admittedly self-indulgent four weeks) I was on my own.

Arriving in Manila was a shock to the system as it is a crazy city, full of poverty and slums but with some historical interest to be found. From there the slow boat to Cebu, another boat to Lobec, some diving, some exploratory cycling, more boats to isolated marine park islands, sandy beaches, colourful fish, shy sea turtles, scary stormy seas navigated in tiny boats, a birthday spent alone but enjoyed nonetheless and so much more. I fell in love with the country. The friendly people who helped me, lifting bikes, giving shelter, feeding and supporting at times when I planned badly. The lush green countryside with monkies, birds and tarsiers. The amazing underwater wildlife, sharks included. Diving at sunrise. The old spanish influenced buildings, starting to crumble with age but evocative of the old land even so.

I learned so much about myself, my boundries, my tolerances and my likes and dislikes on this journey. I'd recommend going solo any time and to anyone!

Steep steps down to the sleeping quarters on Lobec Island.

Albequerque Church - Spanish style - discovered during my bike trek

Tarsiers - the big-eyed cuties

Heading out on a sunrise dive

View from the hills during a hike on Lobec

Photo Credits: Me - before even my current weak photography skills had developed so excuse the flaws