VACANCES PHILIPPINES

After our fall study semester in Providence University Taichung, it was necessary to take some holidays in Asia, before our return to France!

On January 23, 2016, we boarded in a plane to CEBU, Philippines! As Justine had the Lonely Planet book guide, we immediately knew which places to visit, how to get there, and the important points related to security.

How to prepare the backpack for a few days in the sun? What is necessary... a swimsuit, mask and snorkel are MANDATORY! What else? A sweater, jeans (comfort on the plane!), hiking shoes, flip-flops, 2 pairs of jean shorts, 5 light cotton t-shirts , sunscreen + after sun, sunglasses, toiletry bag, pharmacy case (we never know)...

Amazing weather, kind people, cocktails... Canoe adventures in turquoise lagoons... Boat expeditions... Snorkeling surrounded by colorful tropical fish... It sounds like a dream, however we should have been aware of some concerning points, especially one. Did we miss a specific section in the Lonely Planet? One night, we encountered something we had not previously considered at all, as we were so enchanted by our little piece of paradise. The tarantula! Yes, a huge, hairy, brown, awful, creepy tarantula. She came into our bedroom in the middle of the night while we were staying in Coron, Palawan. Apparently it was just to say “Hi”, although she could have been ready to attack due to our yelling! I was happy to get up that night to go to the loo, as I would not have wanted to find her on my shoulder in the early morning.

Except our tarantula friend, we did love the Philippines. It was an amazing trip, full of different emotions.