New Years Eve and Hong Kong!

I came to work and the textbook was finally here! I didn't have a lot of time to prepare my lessons because I left work early to catch my plane. I just got some activities together for Monday and then took off.

Normally I haven't experienced a lot of waiting at Incheon, even security and such, but today, it seemed like the whole world was traveling. I started freaking out a little bit watching the time tick by and the line inch too slowly. However, I still made it with plenty of time to spare-I think I had an extra 30 minutes before we even started boarding, but I promised myself I wouldn't cut it so short next time. I'd rather have more time than be concerned about having enough time! Mike and I met up and waited a little before hopping in the enormous line to board.

We both watched a movie on the ride and had a meal served as well. The flight wasn't too bad-about 3 hours long. After getting off the plane, we first went to go rent a cellphone, but apparently they were all out of those, so we were redirected to rent a SIM card. Well, Mike is already renting a SIM card for his stay in Korea, so we ended up putting it in my phone. It was relatively cheap; I think about 18$ for 5G of data (and we were there for 5 days). Then, we went to take a bus to our hostel. We asked at information and she told us we should get some transportation cards and directed us to a different counter. There, we purchased "Octopus Cards" that worked just like the T-Money here; subway, bus and convenience store purchases. We then found our bus and took about an hour ride to our destination. We checked in and changed and then went out to find dinner and explore. First we went to the "Times Square" which was just a big shopping mall. I looked up places to see the New Year's Eve fireworks and we were directed to head towards the Harbor. So we set off, using google maps to help us. We got there and walked around and picked a place that we liked. Then, we went to find a restaurant to do take-out so we could eat by the Harbor. We found a place and ordered 3 dishes, thinking they might be kind of small-they were not and we had so much food! It was all pretty good. Anyway, we had our food and sat on some steps with a big crowd. As we continued eating and waiting, more and more people came and we figured we picked a decent spot to watch the fireworks.

Finally the countdown started and it appeared in lights on a building across the Harbor from us. And at midnight the fireworks went off-it was right in front of us, all along the Harbor. So very, very cool! They lasted about 10 minutes and was a great show!

Octopus Card

Our bus to head to the hotel

On the way into the city

Coke!

In our hostel, "the young Americans"

Needed these reminders to watch when crossing the streets!

Count down on this building!

Happy New Year!

Front row for fireworks!

So cool!

Shopping

The textbook still didn't arrive...so another workday to just get my own personal things in order.

After work, I went to go meet Mike downtown. First we did some shopping he needed to do and then we went back to Myeongdong. I got a few things from H&M and he got more gifts for family and friends. We also bought some Hoddeok (fried sweet pancake) as a snack. Mike had to head back home for dinner with his birth family and I wandered a bit more in Myeongdong before taking a bus home.

I thought about going for a run, but realized I had to finish packing and preparing for my trip since I am leaving directly from work!

Mike and MK!

Well. As it turns out, our textbook for Winter Camp has not yet arrived. It was a pretty uneventful day at work. I was able to do some research for Hong Kong, Thailand and figure out what I want to do for Lunar New Years vacation in February. (I'll have 2 weeks of vacation time)

After work I decided I'd stop in Myeongdong to do a little shopping before meeting up with Mike and MK. Shortly after I arrived in Myeongdong Mike said he was at our meeting spot early and was waiting for us. I decided I'd go meet him so he wasn't by himself and we sat in a cafe for a bit before MK contacted us and said she was done with her work.

She took us to a fancy kind of food court for dinner, where we picked food from a few different places to share. We got 2 kinds of kimbap, a spicy seafood soup, noodles with black bean paste sauce, mandu and fried pork with veggies and a sweet and sour sauce. So. Much. Food!

After we ate, we walked around a little bit outside, but it was kind of cold. Mike and I weren't cold, but MK said she was freezing! We found a cafe and ordered nachos and beer. It was so great catching up with these two. I enjoyed the evening a lot. I was lucky Mike came to visit and asked MK to meet-I haven't seen her since September. Also, the last time the 3 of us were together was when we first met in 2009!

Mike, MK and me

Cheers!

Recover!

We landed in Seoul around 6am. I had thought about going to church, but after the hour ride back to my place, I tumbled into bed and slept until almost noon. When I awoke, I skyped with Mom for a bit. After chatting, I then relaxed, unpacked, did laundry and tidied up my room. I also uploaded pictures and organized them.

To Cebu City

Well my last full day in the Philippines. I woke up and had french toast with honey for breakfast. It was good, but I regretted not getting mango pancakes again! Back home they were having an engagement party for Phil and Kristin, so I was passed around and talked with the fam a little bit.

French toast and honey!

The previous night the driver who took me back told me he could come and take me into town. So, I counted on him to arrive at 8:30. When he didn't show up and after waiting about 10 minutes I asked the staff to call and ask for another driver. I was set back about 30 minutes from my original plan, but it wasn't too big of a deal. He took me to the bus stop and, from my research the bus would come every 30 minutes. While I was waiting, another van drove by and the door opened and a guy said, "Cebu?" I saw a few foreigners and others inside so I asked how much it was. It was 100Php (7 less than the bus) and decided I would take the van. *A side note, I didn't just get in a random bus--the day before one of the guides asked me how I was getting back to Cebu and I said I took the bus. He suggested a van as it didn't make very many stops. So, with his advice in mind, I realized this is the van he was talking about. Well, we managed to cram about 18 people into this passenger van and took the 2 1/2 hour ride back to the city.

City of Moalboal before taking off

18 strangers crammed in a van for 3 hours...

When I arrived, I first went to the Yap Ancestral House. It is the oldest Chinese house in the Philippines. There were Chinese traders and they built this particular house. There were lots of antiques and such inside the house. The guides there were nice and kind of stood around and offered to take pictures if you wanted.

In the Yap House

Kitchen sink (see below picture)

Above me is the kitchen sink!

That boat was used to get to the island the airport is now on

After that, I went to the Basilica. On my way I passed the Archdiocesan Museum and as it happened there was a tour that had just begun. I joined a group of 3 other Filipino girls and a few minutes later an Australian guy and his Filipino wife joined as well. It was a very informative tour and we saw lots of religious stuff. The coolest thing was a handwritten note from Mother Teresa to the Arch Bishop. Wow!

In the museum

Archdiocese of Cebu Museum

Very old durable wood!

Popes hat

Hello

Really cool shutters

Used to press Eucharistic hosts.

Bells outside

After the tour

After the tour I went on to the Basilica and walked around there. Then I saw Magellan's Cross which was a really old cross. There were security guards to the entrances of the Basilica and they checked your bags. When I went through, the guard asked me where I was from and I said the US. He asked where in the US and I said Michigan. Turns out he has a relative in Dearborn. I asked where was the best place to get a taxi and he was helpful and gave some tips. I stopped at a 7-11 to look at their snack food and get some snacks before taking a taxi to Ayala Mall. It was a gigantic shopping center with tons of stores and restaurants. I had a hard time picking a place to eat. I wanted to have something relatively local for my last meal and finally found a restaurant. I ordered a shredded and dried beef and garlic dish with rice. I ordered an ice cream sundae (not very local) that was delicious as well. Then, on to another taxi so I could get to the airport.

Basilica

Inside the basilica

Inside the Basilica 

El nino

Magellan's Cross 

Giant mall!

Pretty good dinner...but no veggies makes for a sad girl!

Brownie Sundae

When I checked in, I chatted with the workers and I think the young woman actually bumped me up a class because when I finally boarded the plane, I didn't pay attention to the seat numbers and realized that I was already in the 50's just a short way in and saw my number was 21! I had to go back against the flow (oops!) to get to my seat which was the first row after the seats of 2 in a row. I also noticed that I had a leather seat while a few rows behind me were cloth AND I was in the section ahead of the curtain they pull across for privacy. Ooo, fancy! Unfortunately, this was all mostly lost on me as I was quite tired and slept most of the flight. We were served a meal almost as soon as we got on the plane-and there was ice cream!

Leaving Cebu

First solo trip completed!

Purple ice cream?!

A Canyoning I go

I was picked up to go on the canyoning trip and we stopped at another resort to get a couple from Australia. They were nice and I enjoyed talking and meeting them. We stopped to grab one other staff member and pick up some snacks for the trip before heading to the spot to go canyoning.

Fried rice for breakfast

Hammocks on the resort

So many pretty flowers around

On the porch of my hut, waiting to be picked up

We started with a jump into the water off of a waterfall about 10 feet? (I'm really bad at judging heights) It was exhilarating! The canyoning adventure was mostly floating down the river with a total of about 7 jumps (some we could do more than once) and also a little bit of exploring in caves/caverns along the river. It was a lot of fun and I think I would try it again. The water was so clear and blue and the scenery was just as great-tall rocky walls surrounded us as well as trees and lots of brush. We ended the canyoning adventure at Kawasan Falls and walked a bit to get out of the park area. We changed and had lunch by the beach. Lunch was spring rolls, a stir-fry with lots of veggies and chicken, and rice. The best part of the trip was that one of the guides along on the trip took pictures of us as we canyoned. I asked to be dropped off in town rather than at my resort.

I just jumped off of that! First one!

Being briefed about how to go down the waterfall

So much fun!

On the log and a jump in!

Last big jump!

At the end of the canyoning adventure

 I went to go sit on the beach before getting dinner. Curious, I wanted to check my wallet and I was horrified to realize that 1000Php (about $22) was missing. Luckily I had put aside a 500 bill in my passport so I didn't overspend and had enough money to get back to Cebu City. This was a lifesaver otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get dinner or a motorcycle back. With a heavy heart I went to dinner and was not able to go all out on my last meal as I needed to conserve my cash for the ride to my lodging. I ordered chicken adobo which was a mildly spicy chicken dish with other veggies and sauce. Then I took a ride back to my place and sent an email to the tour group. Unfortunately nothing could be done, but the owner did offer me a free program. So, I have mixed feelings about how to recommend this company. I know another customer couldn't have stolen it because they were with me when the bag was alone and then my bag was with me. The guides were friendly and helpful and helped make the canyoning adventure a lot of fun. I liked that they took pictures and the owner was kind in doing some digging into the issue and offering me a free program. But, I still had money stolen. I know it is just as much my fault as anyone else's and it's a really good lesson to learn from. I'm thankful my passport was still there and nothing else taken.

Enjoying the weather (pre discovering my missing money :( boo)

Pretty

Christmas 2014: Moalboal Cebu

Pretty sky

Chicken Adobo for my last meal!