Farewell Philippines

Another day in paradise although the internet here is next to useless! I did find the island's post office though and literally covered a postcard with stamps! They assured me it would get there within two weeks and we're delighted to boast that they used airmail!

We didn't dive today but went kayaking around the islands again. Well, that was the intention but the kayaks were all rented out so we used a small boat and after an hour or so and a quick swim we got caught in torrential rain in the middle of the bay and couldn't get back to shore for half an hour despite our brave efforts! The girls at the dive resort laughed their heads off when they saw us out in the boat, absolutely drenched and snapping at each other.

Then we went riding at a place called Horse Valley Riding Club. Quite a grand name for what was essentially a run-down barn and paddock with a few ponies, but what a hoot! There were no adults to be seen there, only loads of children, dogs, chickens and horses obviously. Shaggy's 'Mr. Bombastic' was being cranked up on the radio. The boy who took us on the hack can't have been more than 13 years old, though he refused to disclose his actual age, and the horses were as we expected, tiny! Ric's had a mind of its own (plus he hadn't ridden for some 20 years) and so would I if I had to carry his big gangly dimensions! It was a good way to see other parts of the island. We passed locals washing their clothes in the streams, farms, lots of shacks full of children(!), fields of palms and other lush rugged rural views. Lovely place.

Where to go next? We're a bit sick of cities. We've thought about visiting idyllic Boracay and the rice fields and the Whale Sharks in Donsol but have decided to head off to Thailand as this will be more cost-effective and easier. So, to Manila tomorrow for an 8 hour wait in the airport and then we'll fly to Bangkok tomorrow night. Yes it's a city but we have to go and we'll get out of there and on to some beaches soon enough. There's also a cycling tour I'd like to check out!