DIPNAY - SAN FERNANDO We were back to Palawan. Not really our minds were still in Patoyo... It was difficult to adapt even we knew the family and the place. We enjoyed our time with the kids, the family, the nature and we did rest a lot. The beach- The family The farm Misceallanous SIBALTAN 45 minutes driving and we were in Sibaltan, a village next to San Fernando. For us the seafront was different than in Dipnay, it was not a cove and was open. Our host said it was the same… We had the chance to observe for a while small crabs (not edible ones). We could not count them but we were surrounded by over 1000 blue and orange crabs. We have never seen that before, even our host. We went to the museum and discover the traditional life style: houses were made of bamboos, rattan and other trees, even the cutlery were made of bamboos and coconut shell (spoons, bowls etc). Compared with the new houses, made of concrete and palm trees, the ancient ones were more suitable for the climate. The modern society thinks that cement and plastic is a positive evolution…in this region people should reconsider this! PUERTO PRINCESSA - MANILA It was our first stay in Puerto Princesa and we stayed away from the crowd. From the bus terminal we walked around 4 km until we met a local who recommended a guesthouse. It was nice and cosy. We had local food round the corner. It was cheap and delicious! Manila was busy as ever and we spent one evening at Rica´s place where we talked about travelling and enjoy the skyline. THANKS FOR HOSTING US!
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At the campsite Friday early evening, around 6 or 7pm, no electricity only solar torch and no one around except the dogs. It was already pitch dark, the wind was blowing as usual and the stars were shining like diamonds. We were sitting in the kitchen, we listened to the constant noise of the waves rolling to the beach. We were wondering what we would be next: cooking or just sitting. We were leaving the next day. We already packed and gave some presents to Juli. His wife Nising was not there, it was a bit unusual. We offered what they need such as rice, potatoes and eggs. The light of our neighbours was still burning but the family was not there. It was strange. In the evening, they eat and listen to the radio together and go to sleep between 8 and 9pm. That night even Juli left and did not turn the light off. The “door” was still opened. When out of the blue, Juli, our neighbour popped in the kitchen and tried to explain us something with signs. Three years ago he had a stroke and lost his speech, one of his arm is partially paralysed. We could not really understand but what we understood is that something wrong happened. We had to follow him, barefoot with two solar torches, in the jungle. But where to??? We did not have a clue. When passing our tent, I put the postcard I carried with me, it took few seconds but Juli and Önder were already at the end of the property. I tried to run after them but barefoot was impossible. I lost their trace. I stood in the darkness, nervous. I wanted to walk more but I was lost. I could not find the path, it was too difficult. I could not even shout their names, the wind and the sea were too loud and took away any screaming. So, I went back and sat on the beach, resigned and waited for how long??!!! I could not tell, our mobiles were out of batteries. The dogs were around but they could not help much! The puppy distracted me for a while. I panicked 1000 of thoughts went through my head: what could have happened in a virgin island? Another fight, our host found drunk somewhere and Önder where did he go???? At some point I was about to go to Alvin´s but why and what??? There is no connection on this side of the island. I decided to wait in the tent until they came back. The wait was unbearable. 500m away from the campsite The villagers gathered at someone´s place and something occurred. It was a hectic and chaotic. Önder still did not know what happened as everyone spoke Tagalog or Cuyanon (the local dialect). Two of the villagers Mari Jane and Juli´s son in law were ready to go to the other side of the island and Juli wanted Önder to go. He went with them, still barefoot, without having a single idea what was the matter. He knew it was terrible. He was worried about me as I was alone, he could not go back. He walked up and down the hill in the jungle without shoes. Once they arrived at Henkie´s place, a part of the villagers were waiting. It was already 7:30pm. Henkie´s daughter, Jirren, translated to Önder the story: two people were missing since 5:30pm. Nising (Juli´s wife) and Julian, her grandson, were missing. They went to Linapacan for the day to buy rice and maybe to sell some homemade brooms. It was a frightful news. What stroke Önder was that people were relaxed. He asked few questions such as where are they? What did you do so far to find them? Did you contact the coastal guards? Then the villagers started to show some concerns and called Linapacan but no one saw them. They reached Ben, the future mayor candidate, to call the coastal guard. The tension rose suddenly. They said that they did not see the boat at the harbour. It meant that they were still at sea. Everyone feared the worst, but no one spoke about it. At some point, Önder asked Jirren, (Henkie´s daughter) to call Alvin. But Alvin was not reachable. Jirren called Ben in Linapacan to call Alvin! There was no direct signal. Alvin got the news and went immediately to the campsite. At the campsite, I was still in the tent, worried to death. I saw a light and jumped out. It was not Önder but Alvin. He shouted that my husband was fine. I did not understand at first who is my husband??? Ok Önder!!! I: “Where was he?” A: On the other side of the island! I: WHAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT????? HOW COME???? In one second, I put my shoes on, took a torch and grabbed Önder´s shoes. Let´s go to the other side of the island. On the way, we met a villager who talked with Alvin about the situation. Alvin translated and mentioned that Önder was on a boat but he is safe now, everything is fine!!!! I could not believe it, Önder went to the other side of the island on a boat although he is not the best swimmer and the weather was stormy. It did not make sense at all. It was time to walk up the hill. Alvin had only his light of his mobile, he lost tracks several times until a villager showed him the right path. It was the second time that day that I went through the jungle. At that time, it was not fun anymore, I was very worried but sometimes my mood changed to anger, despair. I needed to see Önder alive. Alvin was maybe nervous but was just laughing all the time. He could not say much about the situation, he did not get any information. We walked as fast as we could and eventually we were on the other side of the island. The last meters were a torture, I could not run in the soft sand. On the other side of the island We arrived at Henkie´s place. The villagers were sitting and chatting as if nothing occurred?!!! What mattered is that Önder was there…he sat amongst them. I was shivering, it was such a relief, but so confusing to see everyone so relaxed!!! I could have cried but I could not. People don’t show feelings here! Önder was also so happy to see me but he could not comfort me neither. No one could understand why I was in such an emotional state. Alvin was not laughing any more, he was very concerned. I listened carefully to the story and I could not believe what Önder was telling. Nising and Julian were missing, the boat was seen for the last time around 5:30pm but no one undertook anything until Önder asked questions! It was now 8pm. The villagers were just about to call the coastal guards for a second time! At first they could not start the speed boat, it was broken. The second news was the waves were too big so they could not go at all. Three hours were gone and everyone was resigned and could not hope for good news. We were all silent. The way back It was time to go back and meet Juli. Before leaving, Henkie wanted to prepare dinner and even offered us to sleep at his place. It was very nice but we could not. We had to see Juli. 5 of us went back: Alvin, Marie Jane, Juli´s son in law, Önder and I. The walk back was not tiring as our mind was so busy! We were heading to Juli´s place when we saw him getting out a house we were passing by. He waved at us and we had to face him without news. It was a hard moment for everybody. Juli understood instantly… Minutes of heavy silence followed. Everyone was crying without showing tears. Alvin wanted to help but knew that it was impossible to search for Nising and Julian that night. He is a fisherman and explained that the current now was going to open sea. The problem in Patoyo there is no island around apart from Linapacan. No hope, Nising and Julian were still missing… Juli wanted to go back home and speak with his daughter. We said goodbye to the villagers. Juli, Önder and I went back to the campsite. It was a hard time for everyone. Juli was lost, went home but did not know what to do. Önder gave him a solar torch and he went to his daughter´s house. We stayed for a while outside silent, starring at the big waves and then went to sleep at 11pm. We were so tired but we could not sleep. The next morning After few hours sleep, Önder woke up even before the sun rose. It was 5am. Our tent was pichted 2 meters away from Juli´s working place. He heart him grating coconuts. He was preparing some food for the pig. He started his day as any normal day but without Nising. His grandson, 8 years old was with him. The situation remained the same. Still no news. Önder went to see Juli and sat next to him for a while. They did not speak, it was a gloomy atmosphere. Silence spoke for them. 20 minutes later, I woke up, I had a swollen face. Why? What happened to me? In less than a micro second, everything came back to me: the wait, the walk and Juli. For the first time, I hated the sea. In 12 days, we assisted to our first beautiful sunrise, we could not enjoy it. I went to greet Juli and with signs he made me understand that two people were still missing. It was hard to handle. Juli was looking at the sea every minute, still hoping for Nising and Julian to come back. Önder and I already gave up. We could not hope any more. Juli carried on with his tasks and we tried to make fire. Around 7am, Alvin passed by and was on his way to the beach to see how he could help. Juli came to our place. We were not in the mood to cook although we had our last meal at Henkie´s place at 2pm the day before. We were hungry but we could not feel the hunger. We prepared coffee, eggs and rice. We shared the coffee with Juli and gave him some eggs. He could not eat neither. He stayed around for a while and started to cry. He gave up as well and he described with signs that his grandson and his wife were dead now. We burst into tears, we could not control it any more. Juli, despondent, went back home. We stayed in the kitchen and starred at the sea. I hated it even more. We were supposed to leave that day but we could not. We wanted to be with Juli one more day and we postponed our journey. What went through our mind was Juli is now alone and has to keep up with his life. He is 70, how difficult it will be. He has his daughter and his 4 other grandsons but it would not be the same any more. The news We did not know how to start the day. We were in despair, it was 8am. We were still in kitchen, the rice was still cooking. When I saw Alvin and Juli making signs and finally smiling. Juli was saying to Alvin: go to them, they are crying. I turned to Önder and told him something was going on. They were smiling. Önder did not believe in what I was reporting until Alvin announced that Nising and Julian were alive. We could not believe it, few minutes ago we thought they were gone for ever and now the NEWS: they are alive!!! Alvin, Juli, Önder and I laughed and cried together. Juli showed his heart and said he was relieved. It was a happy end! We were all reassured. Other friends were there and we all waited for Nising and Julian to come back home. After a short while, Juli could not wait any more, he changed his clothes: put a jeans and a T-shirt on, was on his way to his wife and his grandson. We accompanied him, we needed to see them as well. We were at the place within 10 minutes, where we were the evening before. The villagers gathered there, they were chatting and drinking instant coffee. Then we saw Nising and Julian. We could not believe it, we were so joyful but Juli restrained from showing his joy. Nising and Julian were safe and alive. What really happened, we will never know. We had just a part of the story. As it was too stormy and as the villagers there were big waves, Julian – 15 years old- decided to go back to Linapacan as it was getting dark. They stayed somewhere in San Miguel and came back early in the morning. The villagers and Nising thanked us for looking after Juli and supporting him. She told her God will guide us in our journey. As a present, they offered us 5 coconuts, rice and sweet potatoes. It was time to go back to the campsite. Their daughter visited us and she sat with us and her children in the kitchen. We offered the coconuts to the family and the children drunk the coconuts and ate the meat as if it was their first time! They were the happiest children on earth. They have a very simple life and they were satisfied with a couples of coconut. It was so beautiful to see! We laughed a lot with them. Then Alvin came and also joined us in the kitchen. After chatting and speaking about the night, he said that his sister was on her way to Linapacan. The boat will be at noon in San Miguel. Time to leave A boat was coming!!! Really?! In few seconds, we took the decision to leave. We took the opportunity to get a boat back to Dipnay-San Fernando. Boats were so irregular, people could wait few days before leaving the island. We started packing and within 15 minutes we were ready to go up the hill through the jungle with our pack backs. Nising and Juli ´s family and Alvin were very as sad as we were. We really could not miss the chance. Now everything was fine, the family was reunified so we could leave. Juli and his grandsons/daughter AT THE CAMPSITE VOLUNTEERING The deal was to work 3 hours per day, to contribute 150 pesos and pitch our tent in the property. We worked 4 times in 12 days, do not pay anything but pitch our own tent. How come? Nothing really to be done except weeding. Building was impossible as there was no material provided and weeding was out of question. Regarding the contribution, we went shopping to the island (Linapacan), we carried them to the campsite and then our host wanted to buy the groceries from us to charge us 150!!! We also cooked breakfasts and dinners! We were glad to have our own tent as the ones at the campsite were not waterproof, had big holes and were falling apart! Concerning our host, we can describe him as a coloniser, antisocial and alcoholic. Our neighbours arrived about 5 years ago and are the caretakers of the property. Things have changed since April 2015 as our host wants to eject them because they are not fitting in the landscape and he declared himself as the caretaker of the property! Everything belongs to him: “My beach”, “the tent of my volunteers”… My… mine ….. ENOUGH! Greetings people and even volunteers was far behind of his habits! When he greeted people, it was for a reason: he needed their help! He prefers starting his day with a beer even at 6am rather than saying good morning! He often drinks 10l a day, a minimum of 5!!!! We had the chance to meet three Polish world travellers (Pawel, Irmina and Tomas) who stayed 8 days at the campsite. They made the shower place and some paths. They cooked for us, showed us around and gave us some tips! One other volunteer came to the campsite Pau, a Spanish guy who has been travelling for 6 months, he stayed 5 days. We arranged with him a snorkelling tour. We went with Alvin and we discovered the Philippines reefs. On our way back, it was stormy, windy and we had big waves, big enough to scare us! We had a great time with all of them! We might see us again somewhere… AT HENKIE S PLACE We were always welcome and Henkie´s family prepared very good food. Fresh fisch, squid, chicken served with rice and as a drink: coconut water. Life follows the rythm of the sea and sometimes we had surprises like the two fights! The first one was on a Sunday afternoon and two wasted brothers had a fight. The police came and had a beer at Henkies place while the mother of the two fighters went to Linapacan to see the nurse! It was too much for her! The second fight was on a weekday when three drunk people driving back (by boat) from Linapacan arrived in Patoyo. Women and guys tried to calm them down but it was a mess. Some of them had a bottle smashed on their head and feet, the other got a weapon. He fought with his mother who tried to get it from him. It was not funny anymore as the fight went from the beach to Henkie´s place!!! When we left the place for good, Henkie´s wife cried and Henkie said: "he is lonely"... ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND Beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise sea... a paradise for us; for locals sea = work = fishing! For kids, it is a playground, they eat fruits from the trees! SAN MIGUEL - LINAPACAN A small village. nice people. It is where we got our groceries: cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onions, garlic and chilli. If we were lucky we got bananas! We had some bakery stuff as well.
PATOYOPatoyo is a small island, 2x2 km and is a virgin island! 100 inhabitants have been living on Patoyo for generations. There is no electricity only from solar panels and generators as petrol is very expensive. Water comes from the well, no pump only manual way with a bucket. Hard life in paradise! The climate on one side of the island changes from end of October and will remain tough and rough until March. Strong winds blow 24 hours during 5 months and sometimes accompanied with heavy rains. The reason to go to a such place was to experience the Philippines differently away from the crowd. We had a volunteering job at a campsite. We stayed 12 days on this side of the island. It was Sun, Sand and Salt - referring to Gainsbourg´s song: Sea, Sex and Sun! AT THE CAMPSITE! Presentation of the campsite and the water system It was simple, rustic and offered a simple way of living. We loved it. In front of the beach, the owner of the propiety let built a bamboo house with a waterproof roof, it was a big open space area funished with basic furnitures (one table, few chairs, a cooker and a shelf). The cooker had some problems so first thing in the morning we had to do was fire! It could take time as the wind was very strong! The toilets were at the backyard, surprisingly a Western one. and the shower was on the other side in, quite hidden, in an open space area near the jungle. For both uses we got the water from the well which were near the facilities but carrying a bucket few meter was heavy! It was another story for drinking water, we had to go at the end of the beach. It was a nice walk in, the way back was different: 20kg to carry!!!! PATOYO´S INHABITANTS It took time to seal a friendship. Everyday we went to the other side of the island to have lunch at Henkie´s place. 30 minutes trekking in the jungle (one way)! It was worth it as lunch was delicious: fresh fish, squid with rice and coconut juice! We greeted everyone we met with "hello" the first days, at the end people asked us where we were going or what we did! They were very nice and welcoming to us especially the kids who followed or accompanied us for a walk. The last days Henkie and his wife, Alvin and our neighboors were very sad and even cryed! It was the same for us! Everyone on the island lives with basic things (simple but fine) which are a boat to go fishing, a house to sleep and hear the radio, outside a kitchen and in the backyard the bathrooms. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND: a paradise on earth The following place was a bit further than Henkie´s place. It was about 15 minutes walk (one way). Up and down the hill! It was a quiet beach with white sand and turquoise sea. A paradise for Westeners who look for adventures!
FLYING FROM SAIGON TO MANILA We could have gone to Indonesia and Malaysia as well but we limited our stay in this region to one place: the Philippines. We did not know much about the country except that Manila the Capital is dangerous, lots of streets kids and a French song: “Être né quelques part”. We booked a flight to Manila, departure on Thursday 22nd October with Philippines Airlines. Let´s discover a new country. The morning of the departure, Önder wanted to arrive two hours early at the airport. I followed his wish although I found it unnecessary. Our hotel was located 20 minutes away from the airport. We had no need to hurry. Once we wanted to check in, the stewardess asked us for the flight out Philippines???? What she explained at the beginning: “the Philippines government requires a flight out, if not you will be deported”, at the end: she finished with “maybe you might be asked to prove a flight out at the immigration border”. It was our first approach with Philippines rules: the Maybe rule! As we arrived in advance, we had time to book a flight out without any rush. We had to find a Wifi connection! Burger King (BK) sells it for 20 000 VDN, about 0,50 €. We found one for free one meter away from BK! For once we already knew our next destination which was Hong Kong and checked in. ARRIVING IN MANILA We flew over so many islands, it was so beautiful. We were very excited. Finally we could enjoy nice beaches and clear water! The main goal to visit the Philippines was to take a break from the world tour: no volunteering jobs. We thought of playing the tourists there! Our first stop: Manila. We had to make one stop in the Capital as I had to buy a bikini, I forgot mine in Sihanoukville (Cambodia). We decided to contact couchsurfers (CS) and it was so easy to get accepted. We had to select to whom we will go. There was Felix who offered us to spend one night in Manila and the week end at his hometown (Batangas), two hours away from Manila. This sounded very good so we opted for Felix. Once out of the airport we managed to get on a local bus, people helped us. Let´s the adventure begin! 90 minutes later we were still in the bus, managed to drive 3 km! Saigon Manila takes 3 hours for 1640 km. We got off at Ayala and decided to walk to the rest of the way to our meeting point, about 3,5km. It was still hot but it was pleasant walk through Makati – business centre and some streets of Manila. We could see contrasts between the neighbourhoods. What we noticed is that people played basketball everywhere, in some places, families hang out outside. We eventually arrived at our meeting point Cash and Carry, a mall. We had to go through a check point before entering. The security guy looked a bit confused when he saw us with 4 bags!!! Without any problem we were in. We had to find a Wifi connection to write our host that we arrived and were waiting for him but Internet was so bad and slow. It was like a mission impossible but we succeeded. It was time to have drink and wait for Felix. Our meeting time was 6pm, Felix showed up 90 minutes later. MANILA At our CS´s place Felix is a lawyer and entrepreneur, he is busy in Batangas to open a bakery! The first evening was not as good as expected as our host made us understood that we could not come with him anymore. We understood when at 1am he asked us for the third time what were our plans! It meant that we had to change our plan within 24 hours. Early Saturday morning, Felix was going back to his bakery business! The very next morning after breakfast we went to the mall as Felix did not want to do hotspot. We were lucky as Internet was good! Mission of the day: find a bikini and our next destination. 7100 island and one destinations! Isn´t it a bit complicated? We already did some researches and we had ideas but now it was time to book. Around 4pm, we bought a bikini, rearranged new plans for the new days, bought a flight ticket to Puerto Princesa (Palawan) and ate all day long! We spent the entire day at the mall as Felix did not give us the key of his flat! Our next meeting was at 6pm. No long to wait! We went back to his building and waited there for a long long time! Even the butler gave us a chair checked on us every hour. Finally Felix turned up at 9:30pm! Apologising as quickly as possible and for him was everything ok until I said: maybe next time for your CS you could give them your key. What did I suggest ?!!! Felix turned green, yellow and red when we were in the flat. He exploded and said several times I was so rude, I should have said it in another way and so on!!! In his culture we cannot tell people such things!!! Whatever… It was time for us to pack, have a shower and sleep. But no, Felix said that we were going out. We planned it…not really!?. We just wanted to have dinner together. He was not happy when we told him we were staying and not going with him. For a second time the same evening he got angry at us. His only problem was to leave us alone in his flat with his valuables!!! He started to put everything away: laptop and electronic devices were locked up. He checked his place several times and asked us three time whether we had questions! We just discussed the time we should leave: 6:30 am would be ok but after a while he corrected it and mentioned he needed us to be out by 6am. As far we were concerned, we wanted to have our own peace and sleep! We could not wait to go to the airport. Second rules: a Pilipino cannot say no. in the street of MNL One day at Cash and Carry District 5 - Manila MANILA – PALAWAN ISLAND: PUERTO PRINCESA- EL NIDO We left as planed our host place at 6am, lost one of my lock at his place and got in a taxi. Driving in Manila, early in the morning is a pleasure: no traffic. We arrived Terminal 4 in advance like in Saigon. Our flight was not announced… We went to the information desk: we were at the wrong terminal. We had to go to Terminal 3 for domestic flights! It took us 45 minutes for 2 km. We were still on time! It was so stressful. Once in Palawan, our final destination was El Nido – 270km away from PP, 6 hours bus drive. We managed to go to the bus terminal, get on the bus and arrive in El Nido around 7pm. Our hotel was located 4 km away from the bus terminal, booking wrote less than 2 km. We and walked at least 2 km until a jeepney driver took us to nearest place of our hotel. ⌠same same as a rickshaw or tuk tuk but different: it is a tricycle⌡. What we did not know is that we had to go down a long staircase, walk to a first beach, pass by restaurants and a bar, walked a bit more, pass another bar and then we were at our hotel: Orange Pearl beach resort. The hotel is located in a quiet place, near the beach and far away from the El Nido center. Our first feelings was to think of the guest house in Sihanoukville the “Mark syndrome!”. Being in a 2stars hotel, but with lot of problems. Unlike at Mark´s place, we were here as tourists. Let´s play the tourists for the next three weeks. PALAWAN - EL NIDO Sunday, breakfast at the hotel: half of it. A typical situation (third rule): if a Pilipino does not have what you ordered, he will not tell you at all. You can wait forever unless you ask him until he is fed up with you and tells you that there is no bread! That day we were asked for how many times whether we were interested in any activities. Activities means Tour A, B, C and D. We were absolutely not interested and we went for a long walk on the beach instead. We went to have a sunbath as well. Something was wrong! We were BORED and we could not think of spending three weeks that way. We made our way back to the hotel and decided to look for couchsurfing and volunteering. What we forgot to write is that electricity was only available from 6pm till 5am. No electricity no Internet. We tried our luck: we had an Internet connection and found our next job in Patoyo, near Linapacan, working in a campsite! We wrote the guy in charge Karel and the very next day we were on our way to Linapacan. Fourth rule: you should not say what you want but what they have! Before that we had to spend the afternoon in El Nido. We went to the city centre walking the distance and searched for the bus timetable and an ATM. Bus schedule was departure between 9 and 12. We were recommend to come around 10am. As far as the ATM is concerned, there was none. The lady at the money transfer after asking five times told us there is one but maybe tomorrow it will be in use! The next ATM were in Puerto Princesa (6 hours bus drive) or in Coron (6 hours boat drive). It was a back and forth what to do and we still did not have any reply from Karel. We were so confused. We finally opted for the boat trip. The lady at the agency where we were announced that the boat trip was full and the next departure was in two days. We were back to square one and we had to go to Puerto Princesa! Meanwhile we bought a sim card and get in contact with Ben (Karel´s owner property), we got the phone number on Helpx since Karel did not post his own. He confirmed that we were welcomed any time. Good news! It did not resolve our money issue. Back to the hotel, we explained our problem to the personal in charge and gave the solution! Buy money from the hotel up the hill. You need for that a credit machine. We were relieved not more 12 hours journey so we “celebrated” it with a nice meal! We went to buy money at the hotel but it did not practice it any longer!!!! Again back to square one! The jeeney drivers who got to know us after a couple of days helped us! They knew where we could go and buy money: the petrol station took 6% commission and the restaurants 8%. At that time the petrol station was closed but the restaurant not. It took us time to decide whether to go to the city again. We did not want to risk and not to have money the next day. For whatever reason the petrol station could not sell money, we were stuck in El Nido: the bus was leaving around noon and the restaurant not open before noon!!!! We were only 4 days in the Philippines and we knew the system: maybe, not sure! Let´s go back to El Nido and buy money. Around 9:30pm we had our money with 10% commission!!! And we were ready to leave the touristic area…. EL NIDO – DIPNAY (former SAN FERNANDO)We arrived around 9:45 and left at noon! It was a holyday week for Pilipinos so the bus was overloaded in goods and passengers. One was travelling with her children and her hamster; she said: “Vacation with pet!” People are very lay back and take everything in an easy way! 30 km took us 3 hours!!! We stopped every 2 minutes, in 30 minutes at least 10 times!!!! One of the helper in the bus talked to us and described the Philippines life as hard! DIPNAY We arrived in this tiny village and wanted to take a boat to Linapacan. After discussions with some locals, the boat left at noon and there was maybe a boat on Wednesday. It had an engine problem! Stuck in Dipnay. The locals disappeared when the police came and started chatting with us! It was a nice time watching the officer having a coffee and some local biscuits! Do you think he would have offered at least one???? We only had breakfast and we were starving. I went to buy some and we enjoyed it. Meanwhile the officer told about cottages 500 meters away. We were offered a place to stay at the coastal guard office for one night. We were stuck at least two nights! Önder went to the cottages and it found the place fine. Let´s go there! Everything there go at a slow pace… we were in a different time zone! After two hours we checked in! We stayed two nights and three days. We had a great time with Dice, Roberts and her kids (Ysa and Enrique). They have such a big heart but most of people abuse of their generosity. Dice and Robert really want to help their community but either people destroyed the material or politics see in donations (library or toys for Xmas) a competition. It is the hard reality! Dice helped to buy the boat ticket to Linapacan. The lady told us it costs 700 Pesos, the real price is 600 Pesos. She made us a special discount for 600!!! The same lady wanted to make business with Dice: whenever Dice sent her clients, Dice will receive a percentage!!! Dice found it disgusting and cannot cheat on people. It happened a lot in the Philippines and since we started our world tour. We paid 10€ per night included breakfast and even dinner! We had two nice dinners: once macaroni with tuna and cheese and the second day: crabs! Crabs are so cheap! It costs 95 pesos per kilo (1,87€). The only problem is how to eat a crab!!!! I only had them from a can!!! With some difficulties I found a way… It was delicious but complicated. The aera is very quiet and charming. The beach is a paradise. We would have liked to stay longer but the boat was ready for departure on Wednesday. The fith rule: "The Pilipinos do not have palabras de honor" said a local. It was time to say goodbye, we promised we will come back on our trip back to Puerto Princesa. Bye bye San Fernando DIPNAY - LINAPACANWe were in the boat but the engine did not want to start. 6 men had to pull a string to start the engine! In the boat we met a German couple from Mannheim (Lara and Thomas) who were on their way to Linapacan. In Linapacan everyone went their own way…The Germans had everything planed but us we did not know! really?! We were looking for a kitesurfing and campsite! We had Internet to double check and we tried to call contacts we had. We had a surprise the campsite in 20 minutes away from the island by boat. No one could bring us to Patoyo that day. We got an Email from Karel saying that he is in Patoyo and we could meet around 3:30 at the pier! Great we bought delicious pastry and went to the meeting point (Dory´s hotel) where the German couple stayed. We met them again and were not satisfied with the place. We offered them to come with us and did not give any guarantee as we did know what to expect exactly. They cancelled their reservation and were coming with us. WELCOME TO PATOYO !
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