Misc Video Clips from Palawan Trip
Misc Philippines Trip Clips from Scott Sankey on Vimeo.
Trip Summary:
Now that pictures have been posted, here is a brief commentary on the trip. I was fairly nervous about what to expect in the remote corner of the Philippines that Patricia calls home. However, both of us had a blast - the people were so helpful that majorly inaccessible areas became almost instantly available to me regardless of my physical condition. Just try to get a taxi driver in N.A. to lift me into their cab - no way. In the Philippines, it was a given. My chair always made it it, whether in the trunk or jammed in the passenger seat by the driver.
Patricia's family were very accommodating to me and I felt right at home. I just plan to learn some more Tagalog before I go back next time. There was a wide range of English speaking ability but usually there was someone around who could speak it well. The many kids were fun to be around and always trying to help with whatever I needed. I played a lot of 007 on the Nintendo 64 that we sent them - I was a little rusty (hadn't played it since college) but had a lot of fun being a new target for the kids to shoot at.
The New House: A major reason for the trip was to view progress on the new house Patricia (and I) are building for her parents. The house is coming along nicely, about 70% done, and even has an accessible bathroom and shower right off of the guest room (thanks to Pat's foresight). The move-in from the old to new house was done the day we got there and everyone looks forward to hopefully putting the finishing touches over the next several months.
Island hopping: We made many day and overnight trips to the various tiny islands and resorts that line the coast of Busuanga Island. I snorkeled at least 4 separate times and had a blast seeing sea turtles, a shark, rays, and many types of fish. The islands are so unspoiled and prestine - you could have your pic of many essentially private beaches to spend the day at.
Coron Cliffs and Lake: We spent one day boating down to Coron on the other side of the island to see the sites. We went places even Patricia hadn't been before. We explored hidden coves in the cliffs and some hiked up to a pretty freshwater lake high up on the other side of the cliffs.
Christmas: It seemed like there was one ongoing Christmas celebration from when we got there to when we left. Many parties, fiesta, parades, birthday celebrations etc etc. We spent Christmas eve at a very late mass at the very nice Catholic Church. Then a late midnight feast at "the big house" - no not the jail but the 80 year old family homestead.
Uncle Tony's: The last day of our visit we accepted an invitation to Uncle Ton'ys compound accross the bay from Salvacion which is a very nice property that has guest houses, a pool and a very nice view. The visit was really nice and I plan to take him up on his invite for a visit next time we go back to the Philippines.
On the whole, I am very pleased with the trip and that I was able to finally meet Patricia's family. I know, it only took me ten years but I take a long time to make up my mind. I would highly recommend the Palawan Islands as a place to visit but clearly the family connection made our visit much easier (and less expensive). Next time I go I want to make a trip to the southern Palawan Islands to visit the underground river that has just been named one of the 7 "new" wonders of the world.
Now that pictures have been posted, here is a brief commentary on the trip. I was fairly nervous about what to expect in the remote corner of the Philippines that Patricia calls home. However, both of us had a blast - the people were so helpful that majorly inaccessible areas became almost instantly available to me regardless of my physical condition. Just try to get a taxi driver in N.A. to lift me into their cab - no way. In the Philippines, it was a given. My chair always made it it, whether in the trunk or jammed in the passenger seat by the driver.
Patricia's family were very accommodating to me and I felt right at home. I just plan to learn some more Tagalog before I go back next time. There was a wide range of English speaking ability but usually there was someone around who could speak it well. The many kids were fun to be around and always trying to help with whatever I needed. I played a lot of 007 on the Nintendo 64 that we sent them - I was a little rusty (hadn't played it since college) but had a lot of fun being a new target for the kids to shoot at.
The New House: A major reason for the trip was to view progress on the new house Patricia (and I) are building for her parents. The house is coming along nicely, about 70% done, and even has an accessible bathroom and shower right off of the guest room (thanks to Pat's foresight). The move-in from the old to new house was done the day we got there and everyone looks forward to hopefully putting the finishing touches over the next several months.
Island hopping: We made many day and overnight trips to the various tiny islands and resorts that line the coast of Busuanga Island. I snorkeled at least 4 separate times and had a blast seeing sea turtles, a shark, rays, and many types of fish. The islands are so unspoiled and prestine - you could have your pic of many essentially private beaches to spend the day at.
Coron Cliffs and Lake: We spent one day boating down to Coron on the other side of the island to see the sites. We went places even Patricia hadn't been before. We explored hidden coves in the cliffs and some hiked up to a pretty freshwater lake high up on the other side of the cliffs.
Christmas: It seemed like there was one ongoing Christmas celebration from when we got there to when we left. Many parties, fiesta, parades, birthday celebrations etc etc. We spent Christmas eve at a very late mass at the very nice Catholic Church. Then a late midnight feast at "the big house" - no not the jail but the 80 year old family homestead.
Uncle Tony's: The last day of our visit we accepted an invitation to Uncle Ton'ys compound accross the bay from Salvacion which is a very nice property that has guest houses, a pool and a very nice view. The visit was really nice and I plan to take him up on his invite for a visit next time we go back to the Philippines.
On the whole, I am very pleased with the trip and that I was able to finally meet Patricia's family. I know, it only took me ten years but I take a long time to make up my mind. I would highly recommend the Palawan Islands as a place to visit but clearly the family connection made our visit much easier (and less expensive). Next time I go I want to make a trip to the southern Palawan Islands to visit the underground river that has just been named one of the 7 "new" wonders of the world.
posted by Scott at 3:11 PM
3 Comments:
Viewed the video just fine! Thanks for the updates! The scenery looks beautiful there. Love the cliffs.
Did I miss pics of the house you are building or did you not post any?
Did finally get the video to work this morning. Almost as good as being there!
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