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London, United Kingdom

So this is it. Back where I started from. Now I am back home with a heavy dose of reality. I think this is the hardest part of travel..readjusting to normality. At the moment all my focus is on getting a job.If I could sum up this whole year in a word it would be 'Awesome'.
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Salento, Colombia

Week 20 - Medellin to SalentoDec 14th - MedellinArrived in Medellin at 6am freezing (air con was on full blast) and tired from lack of sleep. The bus terminal north is a very modern and organised terminal (thought I was back in Europe for a second). Medellin is a city infamous for being the mighty drug czar Pablo Escobar's city. The mighty Escobar apparently paid for most of the infrastructure: schools, bus terminals, hospitals, metro (the only one in Colombia). He's kind of popular here as he was famous for giving money to the very poor. Nowadays the region is trying to shrug off that image.On first impressions it looks like a thriving city and the self-proclaimed fact that it has the most beautiful women in Colombia (even the world?..) is very apparent.My place of stay was the Casa Kiwi, quite a lively hostel with a bar, pool room, 42 inch TV room, wireless internet and verandah's to chill. As I was knackered and sleepless I chose a room for the first night ($20!! Sweet Jesus that's steep). Tomorrow I'll be back in the dorm rooms.Peublito, the suburban area where the Casa Kiwi is situated hasn't got much to see but made a few short walk to get adjusted. Did a trip to the metro to check out prices and routes. The rest of the day I just chilled at the hostel chatting to the weird mix of people here (most of them off their heads on the devil's dandruff.The people of Medellin are in general lighter skinned than their northern counterparts and extremely friendly. My only complaint (this being a fault of mine) is that they talk too damned fast for me to catch what they're talking about. I better get used to it..apparently Argentinian's talk even faster.I'm finding Colombia alot more expensive than some of the other countries I've been to. Bit odd because alot of travellers have said it's very cheap (where!!??). But saying that I really love the country alot..could even say its my favourite country so far (it's up there with Nicaragua). The people are well friendly and smile alot. They love a good time and make any excuse to party. I think it was the great Gabo (Gabriel Marquez) who once said what do you get when you have 4 Colombian's in a room...a party.In the evening I chilled some more, played pool, drank a few bevvies and watched the film 300 (great film). Quite a varied mix of people staying here; some oldies and students from all around the world; English, Australians, Canadians, Americans, South Africans, Dutch, Germans and Spanish.Tomorrow, its time to venture to the centre by Metro and explore Medallin.Dec 15th - MedellinUsing the Metro was a piece of cake (there only being 4 lines) and within 15 minutes I was at the centre of town (just out of interest it cost 60c to go anywhere). When I got out of the station (Parque de Berrio) the place was absolutely heaving with people..probably doing their Xmas shopping.My first stop was the Plaza Botero where they have loads of Fernando Botero brass statues (he has a very unique style in that all his pieces are bottom-heavy and look like blobby shapes). After watching the comical site of a Colombia family forcing their puppy to stand beneath a statue of a bottom-heavy puppy (both puppy's had their tongues' hanging out) I headed to the Museo d Antiquia.Entrance was free to the Museo (blinder) and having 3 floors of good contemporary art it was definately worth the visit. They had art by the likes of Felix Angel, Bernardo Salcedo and a whole wing for Fernando Botero. As usual at most art exhibitions they had a few pieces of contemporary art with little meaning; the usual cliche of a white chair in the middle of a white room (mind you..it could have been a relaxing area).Next up was the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe (again free). This ones alot smaller but worth the visit just to see the one piece by Fernando Arroyave that provided the shock of the week for me. You walk into a darkened room and in front theres a meat counter which on first impressions looks normal and filled with wrapped pieces of meat (I thought it was a cafe for a second). On closer inspection the meat is in fact female body parts wrapped in meat packets (well the piece did its job and certainly shocked me).After a day of cultural overload I continued my personal quest to find a post office so I could post some long overdue family postcards (carried from Costa Rica) and some new Xmas cards. The quest continued as badly as it started when I discovered the post office was closed for a few days. Looks like I'll be carrying these cards all the way round the world at this rate.Durin my walk around the centre I spotted a crowd of onlookers watching an old Colombian fella doing something. It was difficult to work out but it seemed he was selling something. He had about 10 giant snails crawling around next to him and also some tubs of what looked like Vaseline but were most likely snail grease (Jesus...what next, chicken milk?). He was explaining the merits of this natural substance and every now and then would smear his face, legs and arms with the stuff, drawing gasps from the crowd (they obviously didn't believe him...the weird snail fella). For a brief moment I thought of getting some for Xmas presents but it seems snail grease is pricey here.At night the Casa Kiwi was a frenzy of activity (probably the liveliest hostel I've stayed in); blaring beats, people lashed everywhere and alot of trips to the toilet (hmm, wonder why?). I got suckered into a long and dull chat with a South African stoner about why his previous relationship didn't work. "I can't think these days he moaned"...well, how about staying off the gear for a day then!!A group from the hostel were off to a club tonight (apparently it has wild geese running around and a naked room). I was tempted but at $15 to get there and in, and $3 a beer I had to say no (plenty of time for crazy clubs). Later on it turns out it wasn't that good; the wild geese weren't running around but in an enclosed pond out back and the naked room was nothing more than a topless room (full of blokes apparently).Dec 16th ¬¬¬¬¬¬- MedellinToday, in all good faith I was supposed to head off to Salento (or at least close to it) but I was sidetracked when I walked past the TV room of the hostel to see a crowd of English watching the Man U vs Liverpool game. Ok, just 20 minutes I said...then another..then another. When the game finished they announced that they were going to show the Chelsea vs Arsenal game early afternoon. Starved of football for so long (and it being too late in the day to travel south by bus) I cursed the TV and watched football for near enough the day. As it turns out I should have left..Chelsea lost 1:0 and played pretty badly..oh and Terry was injured.The rest of the day was spent chatting to other travellers and sharing tips and advise on areas of interest. Nice to have a day of not doing anything but tomorrow I'm going to hit the bus and mosy on down south.Dec 17th - Medellin to Armenia (no, not the country)Nearly got suckered into staying another night at the Casa Kiwi by the crowd there but managed to drag myself away. Packed up my few belongings and caught a taxi to the bus terminal (south) and bought my ticket to Armenia (the closest town to Salento). My reason for going to Salento is its a big coffee growing region and apparently very beautiful and green, with tons of rolling hills.The bus ride was the usual experience of sitting in an ice box and watching dodgy films (Transporter 2...not bad actually). The view was pretty amazing heading into higher, mountainous regions with some scary drops. Noticing the people are starting to wear more and more cowboy hats and boots the further south I go. They also wear really cool cloth ponchos (similar to the ones worn in Peru). They are also lighter skinned and alot of them have moustaches.What was supposed to be a 5 hour bus rid turned into 7.5 hours (quite a few small landslides on the roads and road blocks). The plan was to make it to Salento in a day but as I arrived in Armenia at night I thought it wise to stay overnight and continue in the morning. Asking the bus terminal security where the nearest hotel was I ended up just round the corner. Forgetting that hotels so close to a bus terminal are usually knocking shops I checked in. A night of banging doors, screaming, regular knocking on my door and clicking high heels ensued but through all this I slept like a log (couldn't grumble at $8 a night.Dec 18th - Armenia to SalentoNearly every hour a small shuttle bus goes from Armenia to Salento so caught one at 9am (only $1.50). After a short 1 hour journey I arrived in the small and quiet town of Salento. Most older men around here wear the cool cowboy hats and boots so I know I'm in a rural area.My choice of hostel was the Plantation House, run by a chatty and friendly English fella called Tim and his wife. The weather looked great but by the time I'd checked into my $7 a night dorm bed the skies opened and for the rest of the day it pissed it down (I think I'm jinxed with the weather on this trip).After a delicious 3 course meal in town for $3 (best meal I've had in a long time) I set off for the 1.5 hour hike to a small and traditional coffee plantation to see how the delicious coffee is made here. The walk there was really beautiful and scenic with views of forests of bamboo, rows and rows of coffee plants and smokey, rolling hills in the distance (oh, and alot of rain).On arriving at the farm I met the 14 year old grandchild of the owner and his family and after a cup of tasty coffee to get me started he took me round. They had an amazing variety of fruit and plants; banana, pinapple, advocado, oranges, tangerines, apples and of course coffee. When the coffee fruit is ripe (usually a red or yellow berry) its gathered and then rolled through a grinder to get the fruity layer off. Then the main bean with another thin layer (very slippery to touch) is rolled again. The end product is a light brown bean which is sun dried and then dry fried (for a quick cuppa) or roasted.Durin the long uphill walk back the skies opened even more and soaking I reached the sanctuary of the hostel. There's a really nice English couple staying here (long termers at 2 months) who like to cook for visitors and charge only a minimal fee. So tonight it was chili con carne (hot and spicey and cheap at $1.50). Had a long chat with Roberto (cool Italian fella who loves his football), Paul (crazy English fella who played techno into the wee small hours in the dorm...ear plugs be praised), Ida (a nice Finnish girl travelling alone in South America) and the friendly English couple. Heard the story about a prison in La Paz (Bogota) where you have to pay for your own cell, food and anything else. Its so mad there that the guards stay on the outside and apparently the best Coke is produced and sold from there (madness). There was a scouse fella who was banged up for smuggling who used to run tours for backpackers and you could even stay overnight (I think the tours are finished now but might check it out to see how mad it is). Theres even a book about the fella's life behind bars called Marching Powder...might have to pick up a copy somewhere.Dec 19th - SalentoThe plan for today was a 5 hour hike up into the hills of the coffee district but at 7am the weather thwarted me. Once again it was pissing down and not the ideal conditions for hiking. I'll try again tomorrow.Today was going to be a day of doing nothing (sometimes rain gives a good excuse to do absolutely nothing). I ventured into town to have another lunch feast for $2.50 and then came back and watched the rain and greenery of the hills. Did some catching up on the blog writing and had a skim through my photos.Topic of conversation tonight was where everyone was spending Xmas. Always seems to crop up at the hostels recently and most people have similar plans; either head for a beach for warm weather goodness, a lively city for party atmosphere or somewhere quiet and peaceful. If I can make it that far (or find accommodation...Colombia goes mental at Xmas with buses and hotels booked out) then my choice is the party town of Cali. Salsa capital of the world (self proclaimed) and also having a 5 day festival from 25th to 30th I just can't resist.Funny thing happened tonight (had me in stitches...but its one of those where you had to be there). We were all sipping beers around the hostel and chatting when a huge flying insect flew into the main room. Nobody was that interested as we'd all seen huge creepy crawlies before but when Daniel (an English fella) proclaimed in earnest that this huge creature was in fact the rare 'Mochaca' and that it could kill you after one sting unless (and here's the twist) you have sex within 24 hours. He was so serious about it that we all believed him. All the blokes were trying to get stung and flapping their arms about wheras all the girls were screaming and running away.On checking with the Colombian cleaning lady later on it turns out it was just a big moth and no you don't have to have sex to live after a Mochaca sting (did make her giggle though..so maybe theres some truth to it).Slept soundly dreaming of strange winged creatures biting me while I was alone in the desert...Dec 20th SalentoReally early rise today at 6.30am. The dorm has suddenly filled with a group of female french students ..just me and 5 female french students (sigh). Today as the sun was out for the first time in days I was off to do a major hike around the luscious green hills of the cloud forest here.Caught a jeep ride to the walk starting point Cacaura at 7.30am ($1.50) and started the 11km hike. Even right at the start there was mud everywhere...up to my knees at some points but even so it was a fantastic walk. It started out with views of rolling green hills with huge 60 metre palm trees and then it turned into smoky and misty dense forest with loads of rivers and home made bridges. The going was steep at points and I nearly lost my shoes in the sticky mud a few times. The odd local I saw durin the walk was rugged looking and they all wore cowboy hats and rode horses (all of them carry machetes wrapped in beautiful leather sheath.After about 5 km I came to the Acumar reserve where an old couple stood waiting for me. The first words they uttered to me were "Have you got any cigarettes?" (obviously not in English). So I gave them a couple of fags and paid for the entrance to this part of the walk ($1) which includes a nice cuppa chocolate and a hunk of cheese next to it (weird but tasty mix). The couple have alot of hummingbirds in the reserve so I hung out there for a while watching them flit about. Tried to get some good shots but they're just too quick.Didn't see much in terms of wildlife apart from a few cows, loads of birds, a few horses and lizards but the views made up for it. After walking for nearly 6 hours and pretty much shattered I reached the jeep drop off point and blagged an early 3 pm return to Salento (normally leaves at 5pm).The rest of the evening I chilled with the other hostellers. Adam and Wendy (long term residents at the hostel) have a good little enterprise going where they cook meals for guests and charge $2 a head...nice.The big question on every traveller´s lips is where to go for Xmas (everywhere I go it's the same...). I have already decided..its going to be Salsa city Cali. So, at the moment I´m in San Augustin (22nd Dec.) I´ll be here for another full day looking at the 3000bc statues everywhere, then on the 24th I head to Cali for the holidays. After about 3 days there I´ll bus it to Bogota (capital city) for a day or two, then just one more stop before I head to Venezuela.Oh, and Merry Xmas...
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Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Day 6 - Shaconage (otherwise known as the Great Smoky Mountains)"Don't go chasing Waterfalls..."Woke up with another 25 bed bug bite marks. My research into themerits of silk sleeping sheets was obviously a load of bollocksreally. I suspect I am now the carrier of 2 rival bed bug gangs whouse me as food to sustain their gang fights.Needed to stock up on essentials for a day of hiking in the Smokies so went for a trip to Wal-Mart...Jesus the place is huge. Had a look at their firearms section and nearly bought a rifle for the bargain price of $650. Can't see this catching on at Tesco's.The drive into the Smokies was very scenic. Made a stop at theCherokee Indian Reservation and had a quick look at all the nativeAmerican gear..Wigwams, leather gear and feathers. Sadly no space in my pack for all of it.Parked the car in the middle of the Mountains and did some serioushiking. Really stunning forests with butterflies everywhere, riversand waterfalls. Obviously had a splash around the falls to cool down.Apparently there are bears around so whenever I heard a rustle in the bushes I was on serious alert mode. I once read somewhere that punching an attacking bear in the nose sorts them out. Bullshit...that would probably just tickle them.After a good day's hiking drove to Gatlinburg and found a place to rest for the night..bit more pricey than the usual but I was knackered.Quick dinner in town (noticing some mighty hefty people around...they sure like their double burger meals).Quite big drive tomorrow and should reach Nashville (home of country music) by late lunch. Can't wait.I hope the bed bugs have decided to settle down and retire in the forests.Day 7 - Nashville"I'm on the road again..."Late rise today as I had a bed bug free kip. Long drive fromGatlinburg to Nashville (4 hours and 280 miles). Have brought a 8 cd Spanish learning set. Need to get a good grounding for when I reach Central and South America. The promise by Michelle Thomas (the course lecturer) is that I'll have a good grounding within 12 hours. Ou'est la Piscine sil vous plait?During a petrol stop I had the misfortune to park next to a pickuptruck with big lights, huge antlers on the front and full of rednecksdrinking beer. Looked like all they were doing was sitting thereshouting racist abuse at any Mexicans or afro-Americans walking out of the shop. "Goddamn Mexicano...gowaaan back home..etc." Very weird.Nashville is el Scorchio!! (104 F). I seemed to have arrive during amajor heatwave. Couldn't find any extra cheap lodgings so opted for a chain motel (Comfort in at $45 (£22) a night. Arrived late afternoon so during the stifling heat made use of the Motel pool.Relaxed in the evening at a country bar supping a few beers ($3 each) and watching some live country bands. Fantastic foot stomping stuff.Nashville just seeps music. Everywhere you go in the music districtthere were guitar players outside, inside and just about everywhere. Isuppose that's why they call it music city.The plan tomorrow is to explore the city and in the evening do some cowboy slide dancing steps and see a live Blue Grass band.Day 8 - Nashville"Walk the line..."At 8.30 in the morning the temperature was 96F in Nashville. Holy shit this heats too much for sightseeing. Still, had a look round theplace. Saw the famous Studio 8 where loads of stars recorded, then Music row (where all the record companies and studios are). Also spent most of the afternoon in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Brilliant place to learn about the roots of country and Rock n Roll. ($14).Food is well cheap here (as well as all over the US). Had a pastalunch for $6.99.At night the lively 'the District' beckoned. Nearly every bar (roughly50) had a live band of some kind of music. Stopped in BB Kings bar for a few Buds and heard some live country rock. Then onto my favourite 'Lilly's Bluegrass and Hillbilly Country bar'. Great live band. I did a lot of whoopin and a hollerin, some Rebel slidin and abit of Country Stompin. Top atmosphere.A swift nightcap at Tootsiesand off home.Long drive to Memphis tomorrow morning. Elvis beckons. Thank you very much.Day 9 - Memphis"Well since my baby left..I found a place to dwell..."After a 3.5 hour and 210 mile drive (I'm onto cd 3 of spanish now.Donde esta Memphis por favor) I arrived in Memphis. It is seriously el scochio (102 F).There are 4 things I really wanted to experience here and managed to do 3 of them. Firstly was a visit to the Stax Museum of Soul Music ($12) where some of my favourite soul singers started out: Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Booker T, Sam and Dave and Isaac Hayes. Great museum where you can hear and see the roots of Soul. They even had Isaac Hayes' pimp mobile with fluffy carpet all over.Next on my list was to see where the King himself lived. Graceland($25) was surprisingly good. I thought it would be well tacky but itwas all in good taste..then finally seing Elvis'as grave. Verysombre moment.Number 3 was to see my all time favourite soul singer Al Green (now the Reverend Al Green) lead a 2.5 hour service at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Rev Al Green Road. I was so looking forward to hearing him sing with his gospel choir but sadly (should have worked this out better) it only happens on Sundays. I'm only here for a day/ night so due to time limitations can't make it.Number 4 was to hear some low down dirty blues. So off to Beale street in the early evening for some Southern fried chicken and fried green tomatoes ($7.50). Then bar after bar...after bar of top live blues bands. Saw a great imprompto band in a small park playing some funk but my favourite was a blues band from Memphis called '2 weeks notice' who played loads of classic blues and some Lynard Skynard thrown in (my request of Free bird was gratefully played). They were so good I bought their cd.I have to say Memphis is without a doubt my favourite place in the US so far. Its got history, grit, friendliness and real soul. Nashvillewas a bit tacky in comparison. If I had the choice Memphis would be Music city. Viva Las Memphis.For the next 2 days I have to try and cover the 1089 miles fromMemphis to Denver (Colorado). This will be the toughest drive of the whole trip and by the end of it I should be fluent in Spanish. We'll see.Oh yeah, almost forgot. Had a few drinks in the Blue's bar where my Dad 8 years previously sat and had a few himself.
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Day 3 - New York to Washington DCWoke up to another scorcher in NY. Mission this morning was to find an internet cafe. Not an easy task apparently...took 2 hours to find one near Houston.Next mission was to pick up the hire car. A bargain at $1000 + $199 return fee as the car will have to get back from San Francisco to New York. The car I ordered was a super economy car. As long as it gets me to San Fran who cares...what I actually got was a Pontiac G6 GT with all the trimmings(Result!!).Driving around New York was a daunting task but after 1 million honking horns and arsehole comments from cabbies I started enjoying it. It was time to leave New York. Not a bad thing. Don't get me wrong I really like NY but I don't like staying too long in one City (too easy, too expensive and too addictive and tempting to stay). So at early afternoon I headed past New Jersey (popping into Tony Soprano's gaff for some Taglioni and Meatballs) then onto Interstate 95 south. 230 miles, 10 serious traffic jams and one serious swerve to avoid a broom lying on the road later I arrive in Washington DC. Found a motel for $45 a night. Result as I can park the car, get free internet and have a night swim in the pool.Day 4 - Washington DC and Blue Ridge Mountains"Onnnnnnnnn the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia..."Ok, let me get the weather out of the way. Its even hotter than NY here in Washington DC (100 F). Early start today to see some sites in DC. First stop was a visit to Dubya's gaff. Walking around the centre of DC is weird because it is so quiet...hardly anyone around. It seems at weekends all the people working there go out of town leaving the centre desolute (good for my sight-seeing anyway). The White House was pretty impressive but smaller than I expected. Had a brief chat and took a photo of a guy who has been protesting against War for the last few decades. Apparently him and his girlfriend do 6 hour shifts of sit-down protesting. They have a nest for sleeping and eating set up directly opposite the White House. Fair play fella.Next was a one hour (sweat inducing and 2 stone wieght losing) walk to the Abe Lincoln memorial. Very impressive indeed. Walked up the steps and sat down there with an ice cream so I could re-enact Clint in the film 'In the line of fire'. I could have spent all day in DC visiting museums and galleries but the Blue Ridge Mountains beckoned.I was sweating like a pig and thought I would seriously self-combust when I got into the car ready for the long drive. Off I drove and with the air-con on full couldn't understand why I was still hot...and getting hotter by the minute. Stopped on the lay-by and realised the air con was on warm blower and to make it even worse I'd accidentally switched on my driver seat heater (damn buttons!). Its common knowledge but petrol really is cheap here. I've worked out I can make 340 miles for $38. Nice. Driving really is smooth here..good roads, clear signs, patient drivers and time seems to fly by. So the 3 hour drive to 'Sherandoah National Park (part of the Blue Ridge Mountain range) was smooth with a capital Smoo. $15 entrance fee into a park with some stunning scenery. Did a 2 hour hike down to a waterfall and splashed around abit. Freeezing cold water perked up my blistering ankles. My cursed sandals have been demoted to backpack ballast. Found a lodge within the park that had tented chalets for $26 a night. Sadly its high season here and everything was full so had to drive to small town called Harringburg where I found the usual cheap and cheerful Motel for $30 a night. God bless the cheap Motels.Tomorrow I'm going to finish the drive through Blue Ridge using the Blue Ridge Parkway and then onto the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.On a side note communications been a doddle here and people are ultra friendly everywhere (well..maybe not in NY) but one main problem keeps cropping up. Soda water is my favoured daytime drink of choice in hot weather. The words 'Soda water' draws a blank with everyone working in shops? I have tried 'Sparkling water', 'Fizzy water', 'Carbunated water' and I've even resorted to making bubbling noises. Its given me a complex now so I'm on the plain water now until I can get to the bottom of this.
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Seoul, Korea Rep.

Week 55, 56, 57 and 58This will be the last entry for my blog (well, until my travels continue with some dough in my pocket). At the moment I am in Seoul, Korea staying at a hostel of weird and unfriendly Swedes and Korean staff who don't like talking...but who cares...I am here to see Seungmi and to try and make as much money in as short a space of time as is humanly possible. As it stand I'm not sure I can make much money here so a return to Blighty looks inevitable.Backtracking slightly my last few weeks in the Philippines was a flurry of activity; seeing old friends, tying up loose ends and generally saying 'see ya' (not goodbye) to people. I didn't really do any sight-seeing but just met up with people I'd gotten close to in the last 3 months.So, six months of hard work back in England and then I'll be off for another year. The plan is to start back in the Philippines again then explore Asia and the Far East.A few comments about the countries I've been to in the last 6 months. New Zealand...well, what can I say that I haven't already said. I didn't like it. Australia was cool because I went there to see people and was pleasantly surprised by the Aussies I met. I would come back here but only for a holiday or a visit. The Philippines...its a weird feeling, I honestly don't like bigging it up to much because I don't want too many tourists going there or anyone going there. It's like I want to keep it a secret. I absolutely loved it. This is why it'll be the starting point of my next trip.Dare I say it when the time came to leave Philly there were tears in my eyes at the airport. It seemed a re-run of me leaving Colombia was imminent. It felt very different this time though because this is the place I see myself settling down...Colombia I loved but realistically never saw myself living there. Another incentive to return is the idea of buying some beach land. Me and the Irish lads are going to put some money into getting a nice piece of beach land and building some holiday huts, bar and restaurant. Where, I won't say because its a secret.Why do I love Philly so much. Well, for one thing I love their national Psyche. Then I love the fact that they seriously love their music. I've never been to a country where everyone has such a love for music...from the young to the very old, they will all sing on the bus or in the street without any hesitation. Thats why the K-Bars are so popular here (Karaoke). They are very friendly...not in a Thai kind of fake smile way. Don't get me wrong I like the Thai's but think most of the time they're fakers. With the Filipinos its a mix of curiosity and friendliness.I've had some of the worst weather during my time in Philly...but did I care. Not a bit because I just liked being there. Is there anything I'd change if I had the chance to do it all over again? Nope, not a single thing. Even if I hated some places it was still an experience and a half. Maybe I would have spent less time in Mexico...but then I wouldn't have met so many of the good people I met after that. For me it was all just right. Would I do it all again? No. People always ask me that about Africa and the answer is always no. There are some countries I will go to...but it would only be there.Well, that's it for now. A brand new blog will be starting at the beginning of April. I'm sure the hard work, heavy prices and the cold winter of England will release me out into the travel world again with renewed vigour and the excitement I felt when I first started this trip last year. To be honest after about 10 months the backpacker feels jaded which even chill time in Thailand couldn't fix. Next time I'm going to work in places and spend more time in places I like and yes...I will be travelling even lighter than this trip (maybe just a Tesco's bag slung over my shoulder). Its funny, I'm already starting to plan the next trip in my head. Can't bloody wait...
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Tagaytay, Luzon, Philippines

Week 54August 8thThis is the second last day in El Nido. The bikes have to be returned on 9th. In all honesty I have no recollection of what happened today or tonight. It could have been the best day of my life but I can't remember...August 9thSad to wave goodbye to El Nido. Its not the liveliest of places but a really nice chill spot with just enough going on at night to keep us occupied.Of course two of our bikes wouldn't start so for twenty minutes we tried some diy mechanics to fix mine and Paddy's bikes. In the end the experts that we are didn't notice the petrol gauge on empty (schoolboy error).I nearly had a serious incident when a local chicken bus ploughing past me on a dirt road got too close to me, covered me in inches of dust (couldn't see a thing) and I nearly flew into the bushes at the side of the road. I cursed the driver and his family and chickens and tried to catch up with him but riding behind a bus at full speed is a recipe for disaster and yet again I got covered in dust.The ride back went a lot faster than coming here and after a brief lunch stop at Roxas we flew into Puerto Princesa (and the Wild Stallion behaved for the final leg).Took the bikes back to the hire company and we all held our breath when they checked the Wild Stallion (damage charge). Now either all the staff had terrible eyesight, knew nothing about bikes or were feeling generous because they only charged Paddy P120 (1 pound fifty). Back at the Banwa Art House we got spruced up, chilled out and then headed out for the night.It was at this moment that Paddy realised he had an unfortunate problem with his little general. It seems he was too frisky in Borocay and now certain symptoms were rearing their ugly head. I won't go into details but how we laughed and had a good 'clap' when we heard. He had no shame and made it a point to tell everyone..even the staff at the hostel. He even started showing people his todger to prove the point. Before it got out of hand we dragged him out for the night.The nights action was a place called 'Disco' on the main road. It was a nice and cheap place to just have a boogie and watch how the dancing should be done. They are pretty good dancers the Filipinos. Paddy had the hump because we were winding him up about his situation and quoted from a website of dubious accuracy that he can't have sex for 6 months and drink for 9 months (all rubbish of course but enough to make him sulk all night).Mark got lucky and went his own way with a girl who looked uncannily like Cleopatra. The rest of us went to Ms Kookeys again but we were in for a surprise when we discovered it was gay night and they were holding some kind of Mr Puerto competition. All the usual girls were sulking in the corners and me and the boys were having a good laugh and generally making nuisances of ourselves.August 10thSaid goodbye to the lads. They were flying back to Manila and then on to Dublin and back to normality. I'm going to miss them..they really were a good laugh and good people. Of course them being 21 they were always ribbing me about my age but it was all good natured and such. Paddy I'm going to meet up with in Cambodia next year so he can show me around.The rest of the day I tried to do some writing but the brain wasn't there so I just did some reading, eating and sleeping.August 11thMy visa is running out yet again so my mission for today was to extend it. It was a painless but expensive process costing me P4000 (fifty quid...bloody hell..nearly a weeks budget). It was worth it to get the extra 2 weeks stay in this wonderful country.I also booked some cheap flights to get me around the country. Altogether I got 3 flights for sixty quid. Because I'm running out of time it makes more sense to fly anyway.Managed to get some writing done and rested in the hammock. Chatted to some new arrivals and persuaded them to hire some bikes to tour the island..well worth it.August 12thToday I leave the beautiful island of Palawan and fly to Cebu city to see one of the top tattooists in the Philippines...a fellah called Inkin Ian (I need some tattoo repair work done and he's the main man to do it).Pretty uneventful flight at noon and landed in Cebu at 1pm. Checked into the Hotel Mercedes in down town Cebu City. After a spot of lunch I went on a bender and pretty much crawled into every bar and club there was on offer. Somewhere along the line I ended up in a Karaoke bar and sung some random tunes. Rolled back to the hotel after hitting a club at 4am. Oh what a night...August 13thNervously I headed to the tattoo parlour for my 1pm appointment and after 8 hours of agonising pain I scurried back to the hotel, holed myself up there with supplies and slept like there was no tomorrow. August 14thAnother flight to catch and back to Manila for me. The flight landed at 3pm and by 4pm I was on the bus to Tagaytay, the summer retreat for Manila folk. Arrived at night and walked about a bit looking for a reasonably priced place to stay (not many around here). Finally found a nice balconied room, went out for a cheap bite at a local stall (grilled fish) and had an early night ready for some sightseeing tomorrow.For the next week I'll be spending a few days here in Tagaytay then flying out to Mindanao. I'm just a little bit nervous about this because everyone I mention it to here says stay well clear of the place, what with all the rebel action. I've picked a safe area to stay though in the north so it'll be cool.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219140600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219140600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219140600/tpod.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:11:10 -0400 Rolling around the World 2007 - 2008+

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El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Week 53August 1stToday is a special day for me indeed. Not only am I off travelling again after staying in places for longer times but I am celebrating my 1st years travel (not that I'm counting or anything but it dawned on me a few days ago). Its amazing how quickly the year has flown by...really, it has. Its quite fitting though that I celebrate this day in my favourite country (by far) out of the 18 I've visited over the last year. Who would have thought Colombia would get topped...certainly not me. I would have been really pissed off I ended up in Venezuela or New Zealand on this day.One other thing of major importance that has also dawned on me and hit me like a ton of bricks is the state of my finances or rather the non-existence of them. To put it in very basic terms I am completely skint and if I was running a business I would be filing for bancruptcy right now.So the month of August will be the last month of travel and blog entries for me on this half of the trip as I work out where the best place to settle for some 6 months would be. Its time for the realist to kick in...I need to work, plain and simple. In a perfect world I wouldn't break up the trip but what ya gonna do?Six months of work in either Korea, Australia or back home and I'll be back on the road again like greyhound on steroids who's just drunk 20 Vodka Reb Bull's. Even though seeing my family and friends again would be awesome he going home option would be the least preferable because going back to normality again would be a kick in the bollocks for me. We'll see...So, going back to today's events. After chilling at the hostel I the morning I caught a jeepney to the ferry terminal. Queuing up for the ferry I had a few chicks asking if I played guitar. My modest answer with a wry smile was yes, of course. I mean come on...I have perfected the A and D chords and was onto plucking now (God help me if they ask me to play on the ferry...I'd have to feign a finger injury).Plonked myself in the bunk bed that is the open sleeping area and got ready for the 28 hours in possibly rough waters.My surrounding bunk bed neighbours were trainee marines so I behaved myself..especially when their CO came round to check on them. I felt like I was being shouted at when the CO went into one and almost replied with a 'Sir, yes Sir' myself.It being my 1 year travel anniversary I had a few drinks in the ferry bar and chatted to a few girls travelling to Coron and Palawan.The seas were getting quite bumpy so after a few bevies I went back to my barracks for a sleep and some MP3 time.August 2ndAfter a pretty good nights sleep (just happy I wasn't woken by the CO at 0600 for training) I had a walk around the ship. Not much here except a bar, restaurant, small shop and a smoking room.Chatted to some of the locals about Palawan and got myself pretty riled up and ready for it. Read quite a bit, tried to write but that just made me a tad sea sick, listened to some tunes and watched some tv (yep, there was a tv screen near the beds...nice).At 7pm the boat docked in Puerto Princesa amid a flurry of activity. True to any ferry port in Asia there were millions of hotel, taxi and restaurant touts everywhere. My guitar (slung over my shoulder) was nearly knocked into the water by an over excited granny dying to get off the ship. Lucky I grabbed it just in time. Course I didn't get stroppy with her because that's just not done here...instead everyone just laughed about it.Caught a tricycle ride to a recommended hostel called Banwa Art house Hostel (ponsy name but really nice place). Had some dinner and chatted to the manager. I had the whole dorm to myself so chilled out (result).August 2ndI had a few missions to do today like yet again extending my tourist visa and getting some flights to various Philippines destinations (domestic flights are well cheap here..average 20 quid a flight). Sadly the immigration was closed, with it being a Saturday and all but managed to get some flights booked with my favourite airline company..Cebu Pacific.Wandered around town a bit and to be honest there's not much to the capital of Palawan. Its not a beautiful city but pretty lively.In the afternoon I decided I was in serious need of some sun so asked around for the best place for a swim and a sun soak. Caught a tricycle to the nearest and best beach and was totally disappointed. I had to walk through knee high water running through a swamp to get to the beach and then found the beach a complete mess of flooding, litter, flotsam, jetsam and bbq'ing locals.Chatted to some local dudes and got a few names of clubs and bars in town. Ms Kookey's seemed to be one of the best bars...God knows what kind of bar it is though.Back at the hostel I chatted to a group of rowdy paddies from Dublin who were organising hiring some motorbikes to ride around the island. At night me, Mark, Paddy and Danny went out for a few drinks at what was supposed to be the top bar in town (it was dead but the food was good). Of course went to check out Ms Kookeys and immediately knew what kind of bar it was..but what the hell, the music was good so we all had a boogy and got lashed up.August 3rdLast night I was invited to join the Irish lads for 5-6 days of biking around the island. They're good lads so how could I resist. Went into town and hired a nice little Honda 110 for P400 a day (9 quid).Back to the hostel for lunch and then our convoy of bikers headed off leaving a cloud of dust in our wake. The first destination was Sabang and its beautiful beaches and subterranean cave river.With 9 hours travel time ahead of us we flew like the wind. Paddy, for the second time did literally fly but not like the wind. He was going round a sharp turn with tarmac road and tried to avoid a huge mountain of cow shit. Sadly trying to avoid it just made him lose control and he went flying ass over tits. Lucky for him he just had bad bruising and cuts. He's a pretty tough cookie and just brushed himself off and carried on.This would be the second fall he's had and by now his bike is starting to change shape and is starting to look more like a badly made custom bike (bits missing, gear changer bent out of shape, plastic bits hanging off and throttle stuck in high rev...this would cause him all sorts of trouble later on).The road was really great for part of the way and then it just got worse and worse. Dusty, pebbly, rocky, muddy..it was all there. The lads flew ahead and I being stuck in the back was covered in dust most of the time. After numerous stops I'd be picking dead fly's and insects out of my clothes, face and bag.It was great being on the road though..I soo could get used to this way of travelling (maybe next time).Finally reached Sabang at the early time of 7pm (not bad going) and was led by a local to a well nice wooden hut resort on the beach...beautiful. After checking into separate beach huts we all went off for a much needed wash down and soak in the sea. I'm sure the sea changed colour after that.Had dinner got totally lashed and then went looking for a possible bar or club in the area (Haha absolutely no chance..this was such a small place and it had a 9pm curfew).So instead we bought more drinks and sat outside the huts drinking and swimming til the early hours.August 4thAfter waking up with sore heads we all got a boat to the local underground river (thought to be the longest in the world). Donning hard hats and life jackets we boarded the small row boat and entered the bat ridden cave.It was quite an experience paddling through a cave this big with bats and birds flitting about missing my head by inches. There were of course many specially shaped stalactites and stalagmites to view but the real experience was just floating through it.Paddy was in charge of lighting duties at the front of the boat and did a terrible job of it. The guide said point left and he'd point right. We were close to chucking him in the river and taking over ourselves but were having too much fun watching bats swoop mere inches from his face making him jump around like a loon.After the river and cave trip we decided to hike back and took the Monkey Trail which in all honesty should have been called the Uphill Wooden Steps Trail. It was pretty tough going for 4 hungover lads but we did clock one monkey (begging for food).Exhausted and starving (we almost ate the lonely and starving monkey we spotted) we arrived back at beach paradise at 4pm and grabbed some lunch. Then went for a soak and a splash about in the sea.It was on this night that something unmentionable happened to one of our group for which a sworn oath was taken that it would never be mentioned...ever (very funny but sadly can't be repeated on pain of death).Not much to do here at nights so sat around the hotel bar and ate and drank all night.August 5thEarly rise and time to go on the road again as the Easy Riders headed back the way we came on the dusty arse breaking road and then headed towards El Nido. Danny and Mark being the faster riders were well ahead and reached there by 6pm. Me and Paddy took it easy and stopped for a few fag breaks and even spotted an Emporer Scorpion (them being the only creatures I am really scared of I kept my distance).Of course Paddy had another mishap and we've now dubbed his bike the Wild Stallion. It seems to have a mind of its own and bucks at the most annoying moments (like when other vehicles approach) and throw him off. The Wild Stallion no longer resembles a bike..its now just an empty shell of a lump of metal with bits hanging off. Found a pretty cheap room for all of us at Og's Guest house. Went out for dinner and then got ready for a night out. We all missed going to club in Sabang so now was our chance. The only real club was a disco of dubious character. Danny and Paddy left early (they were knackered) but me and Mark hung around for a boogie and drank til the early hours. Had a very good night all in all.August 6thToday was chilling day and after being on the bikes for so long it was nice to just stretch out on the sand and soak up some sun mixed with frequent swims it was just what I needed.The evening was dinner and then more drinks and boogying at the only club open in town.August 7thToday we all booked a days boat trip to see the islands around El Nido. Early at 8am we managed to catch the small boat and spent a day snorkelling, splashing about and three of us even had a dive (to be honest it was a mediocre dive...the coral was totally destroyed). The highlight for me was spotting a Reef Shark on one of the snorkelling trips. Boy was he fast. He clocked me and swam off like a rocket (thankfully not a hungry bigger shark).Tonight Mark had a date with a local girl working in the souvenir shop and locals in small towns being extremely shy about dating she had to bring a chaperone with her. I volunteered my company as a distraction for him.She ended up bringing 6 girls with her. Sweet Jesus it was tough going but I managed (with the help of Danny later on) to keep them occupied while the love birds chatted away in the corner.For the next week I'll be heading back to Puerto Princesa tomorrow, spend a few days there and then catch a flight to Manila then straight away catch a bus to Tagaytay for 3-4 days (dubbed the summer getaway resort for Manila folk). Then I fly to the island of Mindanao (notorious and probably the most dangerous place in the Philippines due to Muslim rebel activity from the comically named MILF rebel group). I'm staying well away from all the trouble spots in the north (Cagayan De Oro).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219139400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219139400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219139400/tpod.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:58:52 -0400 Rolling around the World 2007 - 2008+

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Manila, Luzon, Philippines

Week 52July 25thWell, after a week of Uni, beer and Karaoke it was time to go on a recuperating trip to some hot springs with the girls. We sat in a jeepney filled with old women and chickens and after waiting nearly 2 hours finally headed off.Arrived late afternoon and all hopped straight in the pools for some much needed detox.After a soak and a splash about we all went for a walk into the village. Most of the villagers were themselves either soaking in their pools or in some cases cooking their rice in some of the hotter pools. The women in the village pools got well embarrassed (as did I) when I walked past...them being starkers and all. A flurry of covering up and all was well.Back at hot spring heaven the girls cooked some dinner and we went through a few litres of bad red wine whilst soaking in the pools.July 26thCaught the early morning jeepney back to Bontoc (sadly only one a day so had to take this one). This is my last night here and although I could very well stay here forever the travel urge is picking up again and I really want to see more of the Philippines.At night we all went to the biggest bar in town and watched a few bands from Manila do their stuff. Not bad but all covers of RnB tunes.Had a top, top night as a send off. Kinda looking forward to getting on that bus tomorrow though.July 27thSaid a sad, sad farewell to Sheng and the girls and just as I was about to hop on the bus Graham (from Manila) showed up limping. He'd bought himself a motorbike in Manila (more specifically a Honda..well a Monda really...a Chinese copy) and during his ride up here had came off it...scraping his legs and body badly. He was OK though...just bruised and shaken.On the Manila bus I sat next to an Italian rasta fellah called Andrea. Really nice bloke but shit could he talk (and loud as well). After four hours of chatting like there was no tomorrow I needed a break and grabbed an empty pair of seats behind his, donned my earphones and chilled. Funny thing is he still carried on chatting for hours...and hours..so I did the polite thing and just kept nodding.July 28thArrived in Manila pretty refreshed at 6am and checked into what felt like my Manila home..the trusty Friendly's Guest house. Me and noisy Andrea went straight out for a beer across the road and drank and chatted well through the morning.Went to bed at lunchtime and had a long, long sleep.Dinner time went to see my mate Tintin at Robinson's for dinner and was on good form and excited to be leaving here for the tropics of the Palawan island.July 29thDamn you weather!! Last night yet another hurricane hit us...and just as I had planned to catch the ferry. Sigh, the next few days entries are just about waiting for the storm to pass. All I managed to do was a few forays to Robinson's to see Tintin, drink a few beers in the evening, read, watch TV, chat to other pretty pissed off travellers, eat and sleep.July 30thHurricane...nooooooooJuly 31stHurricane...but with a glimmer of hope. It is clearing a bit and late afternoon I managed to fight the winds to the ferry ticketing office and buy myself a ticket for tomorrow's ferry to Palawan...woohoo.The plan for the next week will hopefully be a more exciting prospect than the last as I ferry over to Palawan and travel around there for a couple of weeks enjoying some top beaches and remote villages.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219138620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219138620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219138620/tpod.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:38:54 -0400 Rolling around the World 2007 - 2008+

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Bontoc, Luzon, Philippines

Week 51July 18thFeeling much better today so made preparations for the Manila evacuation. Had lunch with Tintin and co near Robinson's Shopping Centre and packed my bags.Dossed around the hostel until 8pm then with my pack and trusty guitar (becoming a bit of a travel liability..knocking people with it and banging it against anything in its way...but its worth it) I made my way back to the bus terminal. Getting to the right terminal here in Manila can be a pain because every bus company has its on bus terminal so there are literally hundreds of the bloody things everywhere...and no central terminal.The ride was the usual bumpy affair but under cover of darkness I was spared the scare factor of the cliff drops. Because of the recent hurricanes the direct route to Bontoc was blocked with landslides so I had to go the long way via Banaue.Chatted to a pair of cool Filipino girls on the way to Sagado. One of them, Corinne was going to chill in her mates place for 3 months to write her book of poetry.July 19thFinally reached Bontoc at 11am. Felt like a hell of a long journey this time but was also like a home-coming for me but when I met up with the cheeky students (with their ringleader Sheng) I remembered why I'd come here.Had a few afternoon cerveza's and a small dose of Karaoke but succumbed to the tiredness of the long journey and had to scurry back to the hotel for a siesta.After an early dinner I went out for a few more beers and yes, the mic came out again as I belted out a few numbers.Plans were made to visit a river for tomorrow with the girls so went to bed early.July 20thGetting up way too early for my liking the five of us headed to the local river for a splash about and some sun worshipping. The water was damn cold but refreshing. Only Sheng and Sharon (her cousin) could swim and not very well either..nearly lost them both as the strong currents grabbed them and nearly took them down-river.There was a local bar nearby so we all decided it was safer to go there. We had the whole place to ourselves as the beers flowed (40p a bottle I might add). So for the next 5 hours we drank and sang like there was no tomorrow. My tunes were Angels, What a girl wants and of course my old favourite because I got high.Back at Bontoc and highly tanked up we all continued the drinking and singing way into the night (well, just past curfew time at 10pm anyway).To quote a classic 70's tune...Oh what a night...July 21stNow, this could be classed as being well lazy but for the next week and possibly more (the date I am writing this entry is actually August 15th and due to having too much fun in what I can only class as the country I may well settle down in, the entries until this time will be scattered, hazy and to be honest there will be quite a lot missed out for a lot of reasons. I've really lost track of what's been going on...well, what ya gonna do?Sadly this week is exam week for the girls so I had to entertain myself for the rest of the week during the daytime. Of course night time was a different story and the partying went on...and on...and on..July 22ndBeer, Karaoke, bad singing and the girls.July 23rd...beer, Karaoke, improving singing and the girlsJuly 24th....beer, Karaoke, moderately good singing and the girls (Sheng's sister showed up tonight for a sing song.The plan for the next week is a few more days here in Bontoc to..ahem, improve my singing skills then its back to Manila again where I finally get to catch the ferry to the island of Palawan (an island south of here). Please, please, please let there be no hurricanes this time...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219137660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219137660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rolls/rtw2007/1219137660/tpod.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:24:22 -0400 Rolling around the World 2007 - 2008+

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Manila, Philippines

Week 50July 11thWell, thankfully I haven't developed what I thought was going to be some kind of flu (yet) and as I headed to the Cebu Pacific office near the airport I had the look of a man with serious intent. The reason for this visit was the $240 refund for a flight ticket I won't be using.It all started off badly when I was asked to sit down in reception until someone was ready. Nearly 2 hours later and my bottom lip was nearly bleeding and my tongue was nearly chewed off..patience was wearing thin.Finally someone came to see me and said that a refund would take 6 months to sort out and I had to prove that I was leaving the Philippines to them. Controlling myself I explained (very nicely) that 6 months was bollocks..I wanted it now and it was none of their business if I stayed in the Philippines or not...after all, they are just an airline. Off they went to talk to the manager.Four more visits (and 5 hours later) with the same reply ensued and being a hairs breadth away from going loco and calmly said I need to speak to the manager and will be calling the British Embassy (not sure why...but any kind of official contact is a good ace to use in my experience), the Filipino immigration department, my friend who works high up at Cebu Pacific (obviously porkies) and I will not leave this office until a refund is given.Five minutes later the manager appeared, instantly gave me the refund and all was well (except for my tension). I resisted the urge to tell him what I thought of the Philippines most popular budget airline and walked out thanking him for his time. All in all I was in the office for 7 hours and returned to the hostel in the evening a shattered and traumatised fellah (well..not that bad really).Met up with my shopping centre friends Tintin and Joy for a few bevies and some dinner and planned for tomorrow's mission...extending my tourist visa (God help me).July 12thShit, went all the way to the Immigration office and then realised its Saturday today. Headed right back and went for a walk around town. God it's so hot and humid here in Manila. Up north it was warm but a really nice consistent warmth that didn't make you want to sit down or have a shower every 15 minutes. Even so..I really like the vibe here and there's always something going on.Did some travel planning and had a chat with Graham and Gerald. I am getting worried about that Gerald...I'm starting to think he's a total loon. He keeps sending everyone random text messages about mental health and bullies (weirdo). I talk to him and stuff but have blocked his number from my mobile. Later in the afternoon I did some emailing using the free Wifi at the hostel (nice) and went to meet Tintin and Joy for dinner. Had a few beers in Adriatico st. at night and met up with the two girls Jesse and Che who Graham got all paranoid with the other week.July 13thOk, this morning I woke up feeling like shit (and not because of the beer I'd swilled the night before). I couldn't breath properly, was coughing like a loon, felt dizzy and had a well high temperature. Caught a taxi to the Manila Doctor's Hospital (starting to get to know this place all too well) and prepared myself for the imminent 4 hour wait.5 hours later and I was prescribed antibiotics and some gargling gear and the prognosis was Acute Tonsillitis and the treatment was rest and no...NO smoking or alkihol (crap...double crap).Later on Tintin and Joy came to nurse me for the evening, cooking me food and making me hot drinks and we watched a few films and just chatted. Fever is running high so just chilled and slept a lot. For the first time ever I actually felt cold in Manila.July 14thWell, even though I felt like I was dying I had a mission to complete and headed to the immigration office. True to form if you want anything done quickly and easily the universal language is money...more precisely P1000. The 38 day visa extension normally takes weeks and costs P2000 but with the payment of a 'express' fee of P1000 (8 quid) it could be done instantly.I was nearly in stitches when I met two Scotsmen from the hostel who were too noisy and refused to pay the express fee saying they should get it instantly anyway (Schoolboy error). In the end the paid the fee but the fellah at the counter punished them for their rudeness by telling them to return tomorrow. The fellah winked at me while he was saying this (to say wait around...yours will be ready shortly). The Scots' asked me if I was coming back and I said no...'I'll hang around here for a while'. Two minutes later I had my passport stamped.Back at the hostel I sheepishly explained where they went wrong at the office and they cursed the system and promised to have harsh words with the clerk (they still hadn't learned anything...sigh).Relaxing and recuperating in bed it suddenly went dark outside and a fierce wind and rain followed. It was hurricane time again. I think this one was called Bertha and was passing over the northern Philippines. It hit us bad as flower pots were smashed, street signs collapsing and the streets flooded. Fortunately for me I had nothing better to do but get better.My loving nurses braved the storm and came round to continue their good work of getting me better. We watched a few films on the laptop as I drifted in and out of a fevered sleep.July 15thStill feeling shit and coughing like mad. Am waiting for the fever to break and to feel at least a bit better. Nothing to report today except sleep, nursing and random eating. The hurricane is still whipping Manila and the rest of northern Philippines. The only thing of any productivity I can report is me learning the chords of A Major and D Major. Playing the guitar each day helps to keep me sane while I'm illin. I'm really getting into it now and hope to be playing something recognisable as a song within a few weeks so I can do a proper gig in the bar across the street without the girls scurrying away in fright, covering their ears with their hands.July 16thAnother day of feeling bad but the antibiotics are kicking in now. I have stopped smoking and drinking and am starting to think maybe that's why I feel so bad. Hurricane dying off but still rampant.July 17thLast night my fever broke and I woke up sogging wet this morning. Feeling a lot better but still have a clogged up throat. The storm has gone now and we have clear blue skies now. Went for a walk to buy some supplies and get some air. Funny, the streets look normal even after the storm...maybe it always looks this rough?My plan was to go back to Bontoc in the north today but what with the storm the roads are apparently full of landslides at the moment...and I'm still not 100% better. So the trip's postponed for now.Went to the shopping centre and bought my friends a thank you present for their loving nursing then came back to the hostel and watched a whole season of the Simpson's with other lazy hostellers (all of season 5...class).My throat is a lot better now and feeling my energy return so headed out for a light drink. A few hours later returned and went to sleep.This last week has shown me where time goes and can be wasted when you travel. In theory doing beurocratic stuff should go quickly and travels can continue but in practice it never does and then the element of illness gets thrown into the equation and a whole week is lost without actually doing anything. This week went bloody quickly even though I don't remember half of it.The plan for the next week is hopefully more exciting than this last week. I'm heading back to Bontoc in the north to spend some time with my student mates there and explore the region more. Then back to Manila for a short stay and catch the boat to the Island of Busuanga where there is superb wreck diving, crystal clear lakes and beautiful beaches. Time to explore the some of the thousands of islands the Philippines has to offer.
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