Mental stimulation is a surefire way to resist the Zombie contagions. This summer's end, I made a trip to Palawan, Phillippines. It was a trip to remember. It also proved to me that I had been in danger of the mindlessness that is the Zombie plague. Much of our world does not take the time to travel and enjoy nature. I am indeed blessed. Upon arriving in Manila, I met my tour guide whom we will call Gusto. He was a young man from Davao City. Phillippines. He had offered his services to be sure I would be safe, among other things. He was an excellent travel companion. We spent our first night at BSA Mansion Condotel in Manila. It was an adequate accommodation. On a 1-10, I would give it a 5. Overpriced yet, it was spacious enough. The next morning, we flew to Coron City. Upon approach, I knew we were going to enjoy the seclusion. The plane turned and dove deep between a series of mountain cliffs and landed in a small valley. With mountains to both sides, the Sea behind us and another clusters of mountains before us, I prayed for good brakes. The landing strip was about 600 feet more than we needed to land safely. The people at Coron Airport were very friendly. Shortly, we were in a tiny van and rushing past motorcycles, pedestrians and cows on the road. I was thankful the cows were not on the landing strip. Lol. We stayed at KokosNuss Garden Resort. Our time there was delightful. The property is a work in progress. Our room was their nicest room. And although small, everything about the place was delightful. Their restaurant was a covered set of picnic tables. The food was EXTREMELY delicious. The people were delightful. We took a city tour, and island hopping while at Coron. The city sat in a bay of the Phillippine Sea. The view was breathtaking. The city itself made me appreciate the prosperity in which we Americans bask.I learned that thousands of families still live in small bamboo and thatch houses. Most people walked or rode bikes or motorcycles. Very few places had sidewalks. Most homes and businesses had dirt paths. The roads were thin and in need of repair in most places. Still, the place was beautiful. Indeed, Coron was a perfect choice to begin a vacation. We stayed 4 nights. The island hopping tour introduced both of us to snorkeling. We loved it. Despite neither of us being good swimmers, we couldn't wait to go again. Next stop was Puerto Princesa. We stayed at Deep Forest Garden Inn. A fabulous mid sized Resort in the City side streets. This place was fantastic. Huge rooms, wood carvings, a nice pool, cold water Jacuzzi, water chess and statuary were everywhere. Staff was a ten. Food was upscale. The prices were very reasonable. They had a fish pond with benches all around the edges where 100s of fish swam in the artificial current. We went island hopping in Honda Bay, took a city tour, and had options to many other packages. One could easily spend two weeks there and not become bored. On our Honda Bay tour, we got stuck on an island because of a storm caused by the ongoing Typhoon in the area. The waves swelled to about 8 feet tall. Once the waves got to 3-4 feet, we went snorkeling again. We watched as the underwater plant life and sea creatures were tossed about by the waves. The best part of this trip though was snorkeling while holding my guides hand. Oh! Did I forget to mention we were dating? My bad! Lol. After 3 quick nights, we travelled back to Manila. This time, we stayed at Victoria Court Cuneta. The rooms were small, two storied, and nicely decorated. The lower bath had a swivel based TV which could face the Jacuzzi or the small living room. The bed was quite comfortable. Their restaurant was only as room service. The food was very good. The staff seemed less friendly, but never rude. While spending these last 2 nights together, we walked to the Mall of Asia and around that portion of Manila. It is a busy city, no doubt. The worst thing about the whole trip was... saying goodbye. I felt refreshed mentally, despite the 24.5 hour trip there and the 28.5 hour trip back on the plane. Delta Airlines has a fabulous staff and excellent food, by the way. You should try them sometime soon. Til next time.... *LASIRANON*
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