Siquijor, Philippines 

I had a good sleep and was up at 4 am.  I wanted to use wifi in my room because I had things to book and because last night was such a disaster -there was absolutely none, I thought that would be my best chance.  After blowing the breaker with my kettle, I ended up out in the restaurant anyway but managed to get done what had to be done.

I went for a drive, had breakfast then had my toes painted with gel.  I stopped going at home when a couple of years ago it cost $40 and that wasn’t for a pedicure.  My one and only pedicure ruined my feet so I’ve never had another.  I’ve since bought my own light and supplies so do my own but it’s always nice when someone else does them.  $12.31 later, I have shiny new red toes-

My next stop was at the Tubod Marine Sanctuary to snorkel.  Coming here I had considered diving but the moment I put my mask on, I knew I will probably never dive again.  I feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable but after 15 minutes I was ok.  It cost $2.46 to enter the park and $3.69 for a mask, flippers and breathing tube.  I was in the water about 1.5 hours and now my back is really burned.  I knew that was going to happen but ignored the thought.  I saw all kinds of fish including a bright yellow box fish, a blue star fish and two others I can’t find on the internet.  One was camouflaged but had a big scalloped mouth ( I have since learned it’s a giant clam kind of like this)-

and another was also camouflaged and the size of a banana.  There was all sorts of coral in all shapes and colors.  I do not have an underwater camera anymore.  I took one to the Galapagos but the back wasn’t closed properly so it was ruined and I’ve never bought another.

After snorkelling I went back to Tagbalayon for lunch and had fresh rolls-

My next stop was the highest point on the island, Mount Bandilaan National Park. Walking up the stairs-

It’s 557 meters above sea level and the view is nice-

Mount Bandilaan National Park is the green spot in the middle of the map and I’m in San Juan on the left coast-

 It took no time to get there today.  Yesterday I was busy touring and snapping pictures and the same journey seemed to take all day.  

Leaving, I came across Henrik from Germany who was walking.  He hopped on my bike and I gave him a ride to his lodging in Siquijor.  He is travelling with his girlfriend and her friend but a few days ago he told them he needed to be on his own for a while so they went to Cebu and will be back tomorrow.  He and she live in a camper van near Stuttgart, Germany and when they need money they go to Switzerland and are waiters.

I stopped at a roadside stand and had…. a lot of food.  There’s Java rice, beef pares and spaghetti mami.  It was ok but not good enough to have a second time-

I had a piece of purple yam cream cheese bar and all I could taste was the cream cheese.  The Philippines is really striking out in the food department-

I picked up my laundry, had a beer on the beach, and am now in my room using wifi which is exceptionally strong at the moment and relaxing. The sun has always taken a lot out of me.

In the store where I bought the beer, the cashier writes the prices of the goods purchased on a little piece of paper, then stabs it on the stick and takes your cash.  What an archaic system-

Tomorrow I catch the 8:20 ferry to Cebu. Moving on!  

P.S.  I don’t think this bull would make the cut at Wall Simmental!