April 19,

At 0600 we were awake and packed. Then we readied and at 0730 we went downstairs to breakfast, instead of on our balcony. We both had corned beef omelettes and toast. We were able to get in pet therapy while waiting for our food. Roy’s family has adopted three puppies and cares for them with their Momma. They named the pups – Seaside and Blue and Inn.🤭🤣 I love that! The owner, Antond(?), was there. He wanted Jeff and I to do a photo with props of native Filipino style hats and a necklace. It was fun. Our food arrived and we ate.

At 0835 our tuk-tuk arrived, we said our goodbyes and loaded up. By 0840, we were off & by 0855, we arrived at bus station (not the tuk-tuk terminal, like Roy said) for our 0900 minivan. The van didn’t arrive until 0930. By 0940, we were loaded with four other passengers; but, of course, we made a couple of other stops. Jeff noticed we were going north – the wrong way! UMM… Jeff said will play it out, as we have not paid yet. At 1015, we were stopped for who knows what – I guess we are picking up more people? After nine minutes, three more passengers arrived and boarded. Now we are full – eleven people and two drivers, as they trade back and forth. Finally at 1025, we were going the right way, heading to the main road. Yay!

At 1036, we stopped at the main road, someone got out. So this is not a non stop route, obviously! At 1105, we stopped and picked up someone. Then at 1110 we got gas, well, why not! We didn’t go through the shenanigans as the last time – no rocking & rolling of the van, nor driving up on a ramp! It didn’t take long, and by 1112 we’re moving on. At 1155, we stopped and the three ladies, who were late and we had waited on, got off… and six minutes later they got back on with drinks! We weren’t told it was a rest stop! At 1202 we took back off. Around 1230, we stopped once more at a bus stop. Not thinking we had room, I was a little put out. But it seemed we had one more seat in the very back. Luggage had to be shuffled around and then a man sat with his eight(?) year old boy on his lap.

Around 1315, we arrived in Puerto Princesa. We started letting people off. First was the three troublesome ladies. Then two other ladies were let out in the same general area. Then the guy with the kid sitting in his lap in the back. Whew! We were next. At 1330, we got off at the Robinson’s Mall. We still have 2.5 hours before needing to go to the airport, and we figured this would be the coolest place to kill some time. Fare for minivan was 400 PHP each ($7.05), which was way cheaper!!! Questions??? While I was waiting for Jeff to pay, I noticed all the people with luggage like us! It seems we aren’t the only ones with this idea.

We hit the loo then found the food court. Jeff went to three places: Banh Pho for a Banh Mi; Siomai King for some dumplings; and a lemonade stand for fresh made ginger lemonade. Lunch was 110 PHP ($1.94) for each lemonade; 80 PHP ($1.41) for the Banh Mi; and 115 PHP ($2.03) for two Siomai dumplings – one was x5 pork; other x5 beef. I sat back to mind our stuff. After we ate, we took turns getting some steps in around the mall. Then we took turns freshening up and changing our clothes in a bathroom. We left at 1540, catching a tuk-tuk to the airport. It cost 150 PHP ($2.64), and we arrived at 1600.

Our flight was scheduled for 1810. We checked-in our bags and through security to the lounge. It was on the second floor and again not the best of lounges. It was warm and pretty basic food. Only had water, juice, and Coke & Sprite with little food choices – thankfully we had already eaten. Around 1700, a big group of people left so the lounge became library quiet and a wee bit cooler. Finally at 1755, they opened the door to buses to board the plane. At 1821, the plane backed up – 11 minutes late. Right at take off, we saw some play of colors from sunset, but it got dark quickly after that. No issue flight. We touched down at 1926.

Welcome to Cebu!!

We were on the tarmac, yet again – disembarked at 1938 and on the awaiting first bus. By 1950 we had our luggage, and found the local GCI pastor. He and his son were kind enough to pick us up and treated us to dinner. The pastor’s wife and the son’s wife met us at the restaurant. We ate a Brique Restaurant, enjoyed meeting them, and “breaking bread” together. Fellowship and food… always a great combination! When we finished, we said goodbye to the ladies and the men took us to our place. We thanked them and checked in, went to our room and unpacked. We showered and talked with my mother a day early due to Easter, then we crashed!