Spentitall Travelling

Travelling to Iloilo

May 15th – Was up early to catch the last sunrise from Bulabog beach and enjoy a coffee at Levantan resort/cafe. Then returned to the Hostel to shower and finish packing up the last few things. Check-out was quick and soon I was heading to the main square, knowing a tuk-tuk would pass soon to take me to the ferry. Luckily I passed a local stand selling cinnamon rolls for 10 pesos each, just before and a tuk-tuk arrived.

35 degrees at 8am I am dripping with sweat on the ferry and this guy was wearing a fleece and toque!

Luckily the 6 hr ride was in an air conditioned bus!

I wanted to take the bus and experience the drive across Panay Island as we passed through many small towns, mountains, coastal and farm communities.

Bathroom stop at the bus station in Kalibo, nice use of pronouns. Hope the She’s had better facilities than the He’s. Half the guys choose to pee against the wall behind the bathrooms, I understood why.

Lunch stop in Altavas. These small carinderia are everywhere and are often referred to as turo-turo (which translates to point-point, you order by pointing at what you want). I believe there is even a Michelin star carinderia in Manila. Very easy, simple and good food. My lunch and the water was about $3.

At the lunch stop there was a girls first birthday party, I asked the bus driver if this was typical, he said yes, but it also includes the god parents family. There were about 100 guests complete with a whole pig roast feast.

As the bus pulled into the Iloilo terminal my eyes met one for the local tri-cycle drivers who spotted the tourist. He basically came onto the bus to ask me where I was going. I was planning to order an air-conditioned grab as it was a 20 minute drive (and 38 degrees) through the center of town but he was very enthusiastic and clearly wanted the fare and I thought it would be a fun experience.