On the Road to Bohol
Trip Start
May 31, 2009
1
7
16
Trip End
May 25, 2009
Where I stayed
Tagbilaran City, Visayas, Philippines
Friday, May 8, 2009
Once there, very early this time, we went to check in and were too early for that. We went outside the airport to a Cafe for cold drinks. At 9 we went and checked in and then back outside the airport to explore. We ended up in the Zest air departure lounge, which was very nice. Allan had a mango shake and I had fresh calamansi juice. Sour!! But good. Allan called it the BEST! MANGO! SHAKE! EVER!
Boarded our flight with no events this time. A nice flight with good views and we landed in Cebu.
In Cebu we met our driver and wear off to the ferry terminal. First time I have ever been met by someone holding my name up. Felt very posh. We had a bit of time so we asked to be taken to Magellan's cross. This is the site were Ferdinand Magellan planted his cross when he first landed in the Philippines in the 1500's. Encased in the current cross are pieces of the original cross. As in many places there were hawkers trying to sell souvenirs. One old lady wanted Allan to buy a candle to burn at the cross and when he declined was told, "How dare you!" She did ignore us after that.
Then onto the ferry terminal. We are taking an ocean jet fast ferry to Bohol. It's a big boat would likely seat two hundred people but today there are about 50 on the boat. It's a 90 minute ride to Bohol from Cebu and the boat travels fairly fast. While the seating area is rather cramped it is a pleasant ride, although the aircon is set a little cold and we have a cold draft on is the whole time.
When we arrived we disembarked and found both sides on the dock had children in the water begging for cash. There is nothing more pathetic looking than a naked wet child begging.
(and they know it)
We went into the terminal to look for our luggage only to realize we are supposed to collect it at the dock. Back we go and once again past the children we are in Bohol.
Outside the welcome terminal we wait for our driver and tour guide for the trip, RJ Intano. But he is not among our drivers. We try to call him but we keep getting cut off. Rj had gotten one of his drivers to pick us up, and figured he should be there. Finally after a few anxious moments the driver came running up and we are on our way to the resort.
Alona tropical beach resort is nestled at the end of the white beach on a low hill. It is beautifully landscaped. Our room is just off the beach, in a little cabin. With the aircon it feels heavenly.
A quick rest and we are our on the beach. This beach, like Boracay is white sand, but not as nice as Boracay. However a short walk on this beach shows us several starfish and even a small puffer fish.
We walked to the far end of the beach and back stopping on the way back at the Bohol dive resort for a grilled dinner on the beach. Allan had pork belly and rice along with a mango shake. I had pork chops, grilled veggies and a baked potato. A very good meal topped off with some San Miguel lights.
We walked slowly back to our beachfront cottage stopping only for coffee at our hotels beachside restaurant. And they brew their coffee! Most places here serve instant.
By 10 pm I was soundly sleeping, thinking of our Bohol tour tomorrow.
