Banaue to Manila, Philippines 

I had the best sleep ever! Once awake I went outside to the only gathering place in the hostel which was right outside our bedroom window. Luckily no one was there talking all night. I worked on my blog, had coffee and looked at the view –

I walked to the bus depot which was only a block away and soon we were on our way. I was very impressed with the Florida bus because it looked brand new and the seats were very comfortable. It was also fairly comfortable temperature wise.  It included a toilet or a comfort room-

We passed through the cleared landslide from the way up.  It took until 11:30 to clear the path so I’m glad I walked across and got going-

We picked up a woman and gave her a ride for about an hour. She talked my ear off about God. I was glad to see her go.  Two hours after departure we stopped at a Florida bus stop for 30 minutes. It seemed weird because we’d just got going.  In the parking lot were a few young men buying roosters for cock fighting.  It’s apparently a popular Filipino sport and I would like to see a fight even though I’ve heard it’s gory.  Maybe I think it would be payback for all the times they’ve woken me up prematurely-

Soon we were on the road again –

Eventually the winding roads straightened out and we were able to go more than 50km/hour.  

It’s as if the drivers are driving their own personal vehicle.  Once we stopped for groceries, another time the assistant just disappeared.  I guess they’re allowed considering their last day off was January 1st annd they’ll get 3 days off in the summer.  Other than that they drive to Manila, have 12 hours off and drive back to Banaue every day.  I can’t imagine.  Often I would get off the bus to stretch my legs.  I came upon a woman making rice cakes-

Carrying on-

A nursery-

Baskets anyone?-

We crossed the Magat River-

There is rice growing in all stages.  I saw planting, by hand of course, as well as harvesting.  They cut the ripened plant, it grows like wheat, into about 2 feet long stalks, bundle it into sheaves, then attach one sheave on either end of a pole that they carry across their shoulders.  The “combine” is small like a square baler.  The rice is collected in a bin and the chaff is spewed out.  To cure the rice it’s spread out on the shoulder lane of the highway, then bagged.  

Numerous hawkers jumped on the bus to sell their wares – candied peanuts, chicheron - deep fried pork rinds, deep fried crunchy donuts and candies.  I’m having difficulty finding decent food to eat.  So much is deep fried or processed.  We stopped at another Florida bus stop and besides mystery meat in buffet type pans which I won’t eat in Canada when I know what it is, my choices were French fries, deep fried fish balls and deep fried egg rolls.  

Finally, and I mean finally, we rolled into Manila-

We stopped at the first bus terminal.  See what I mean?

Fried spam-

Weiners-

I got off at the second terminal and was immediately accosted by a man saying he was a Grab driver.  I told him to go away, then found a seat to book a proper Grab.  The terminal was all outdoors and absolute chaos.  It was rather overwhelming after 12, repeat 12 hours on the bus.  I would recommend that company, except that the others are only a nine hour trip. I’m not sure what took us so long, maybe a different route.

My Grab driver arrived immediately and in 20 minutes we were at my hotel.  It’s very close to the airport but the last couple of blocks looked really sketchy.  Even the driver stated that the place must be really cheap!  It’s not actually, costing about $37 which is lots for here.

Checking in was quick and the room is great-

I’m hoping for a good night’s sleep.  I’m exhausted from doing absolutely nothing all day!