Jo's Blog

Thursday, 27 December 2007

Christmas in the Philippines

So I've had a very strange Christmas. Hasn't felt like Christmas at all.

We flew to the Philippines on Thursday 21st late. The plane was delayed by an hour which was annoying. Particularly because two random drunk guys were talking to us, then decided to start screaming at the flight attendants because the plane was an hour late. He was escorted away by the police. Much to our relief. We arrived much later than expected, so our pickup from the airport wasn't there so we had to wait awhile, so we finally arrived at 7 am (we were meant to arrive at 4), so we decided to go to bed. and slept all day. bit of a waste but we were exhausted. Late night flights are a bad idea. We had dinner in the hotel restaurant then went back to bed. I know, I know.. we were TIRED.

Saturday was the best day ever. we went scuba diving, which was soooo much fun. we met a couple of swiss guys and a couple of canadian guys who work in Japan, Greg and Derek. they did the island hopping tour, but weren't impressed so we decided against doing that. Scuba was amazing as I said, i screamed a little bit with the mouth piece in when some fish swam right up to my eyes and stared at me. we were feeding them bread.

Sunday we did the city tour with greg and derek. and another guy John, Was really interested seeing the city. Wasn't what i expected at all. Very run down and very dirty. Cebu is a very poor area. was really sweet, we were followed by lots of kids as we were foreign. They were so funny. Funniest thing though was seeing dogs in nappies. animal cruelty?? pics are online.

Monday we had a lazy day and stayed by the pool. we went to the beach later in the afternoon but it was a bit of a disspointment. Cebu seems to be somewhat lacking in beautiful beaches. In the evening the hotel put on a Christmas party with lots of food (they changed the menu specially because most of the guests were western) so we got to have TURKEY!!! whoop. there were games where I won alongisde greg a free body massage. Greg had already had one so he was sweet and gave it to Jenny. we were planning on paying for one the next day anyway.

So Christmas day we opened our presents. Very strange not opening them with Theresa. I was half asleep aswell. We spent the day by the pool and having our 3 hour massages, which was awesome. Christmas day we actually had pizza. HAHA.

Boxing day we spent packing and by the pool. This was the day i burnt half my face. . was the hottest day so far.

The plane was delayed again by an hour which was annoying but coming back into HK airport was great. We got out so quickly cos we didn't have to queue. Our HK id cards made sure of that. Is all so high tech. This is officially my favourate airport.

Is good to be back home in HK now.



where we stayed


by the pool

Fireworks to bring in Christmas day





doing the macarena



the apple eating contest. he won. after eating 5 apples as quickly as possible. he looked like he would throw up.

Derek




great singer





greg and derek







Taoist temple






The fort

Guitar factory




Didn't know this photo was being taken






Church



they were gonna travel like this


cute kids who followed us

another nativity scene

a dog with a nappy on

a soldier

Mactan Shrine continued


Mactan shrine


scuba instructor dino

santa

a jeepni

nativity scene



Monday, 24 December 2007

Cebu Philippines for Christmas!

Despite the forecast for rain every day it hasn't really rained. it's had spitty spots and it rains overnight,, so we've been fortunate there. It is very hot, humid as there is a lot of cloud. haven't had a 'sunny' day yet, but are still really enjoying ourselves. we went scuba diving on saturday which was amazing as you can probably imagine, and yesterday we did a city tour with a couple of candaians who have been teaching in Japan for the past 10 years. it was really interesting. today we are having a lazy day with our books. Tonight is the hotel christmas dinner and party which should be fun.

Click on the photo gallery:
http://www.cebugardenresort.com/index.html

Monday, 17 December 2007

180 Christmas party - Bollywood style












Jenny's Birthday

Friday was Jenny's 19th birthday. We couldn't get into the cinema as it was full so went bowling instead.