We had failed to make plans since we didn't know what her schedule would be. After a few days we felt it was time to move on. We spent many hours trying to figure out where to go, since we didn't leave for Hanoi until April 17th and therefore found ourselves with some time on our hands. After several hours of frustration trying to choose destinations, book flights, etc., we were exhausted, and had no plan. That night at 10:00 P.M., we went to dinner with Ashley and J.P.
Ashley brought her laptop, and before you knew it, we had plans to go .... someplace. To tell you the truth we weren't sure where it was, because we were so tired. But it all turned out great, thanks again to Ashley and J.P.
The Philippino ticket purchasing process is a little different than at home. Since we were booking on such short notice we were not allowed to use the internet to purchase tickets. So after dinner we took a cab to the Cebu airport and bought tickets to Busuanga (wherever that is) by way of Manilla.
Once we arrived in Busuanga, a van took us to Coron City. We thought that was the destination. Wrong, again.
Waiting for us in the tiny harbor was a long, skinny boat with two outriggers, and a two man crew (who did not speak English), Off we went for what we had misunderstood was to be a 30 minute trip. It turned out to be 2 hours, past island after island.
Finally we arrived at Mangenguey Island. It is paradise!
It is about 9 hectares, which is, we think, smaller than 9 acres. It is leased by a Spanish woman and her US husband, who have carved out a truly exceptional and substantial mini resort. Our beach cottage is right on the beach, and is up on stilts ... About 15 feet high. It has bamboo floors, a thatched roof, and hot water!
There are only 2 other guests here: an young Irish woman who is a lawyer working for the U.N. On human rights matters, and her Turkish husband, who is a Mideast expert witha contract to provide analysis to the U.S. State Department. They are on their honeymoon, and we feel like we are too.
Each couple has a private table on the beach for breakfast and lunch, and we dine together at the alfresco dining table. They are bright, wise, and truly enjoyable dining companions.
Internet is via satellite and slow, and only works when the generator is on. That means posting photos is tough. Snorkeling is tremendous, the water is very warm, and afternoon cocktails are ready, so that's all for now. We must leave our private island paradise tomorrow to return to Hong Kong and will post some from there before heading to Hanoi.
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