Banca Boy

 

 

El Nido is at the northern most point of the province of Palawan (which is a long skinny island, kind of shaped like large back slash) - so getting back and forth from the different parts require navigation by outrigger boats or "bancas". Even the nice crews working the boats had shirts that said "Banca Boys" - here is Dek getting his sea legs for the next few days. All in all he didn't complain too much and often enjoyed himself (or just fell asleep). 

Luxury Jeepney to Palawan

 

 

One we arrive, we are shuttled into this nice airy Jeepney (nothing like its Manila counterparts that are a bit on the shabby, rustic side), we're excited to be whisked away to our resort. It takes a short ride and ferry to get there. Of course, Dek enjoyed being on all 3 modes of transportation (land, water, sea) all within a morning.

Turboprop Dek

 

 

Much to my chagrin (due to my hypersensitivities to foreign aviation safety given my job), we had to fly on this 30 year old, 19-seater with an unpressurized cabin. I can't tell you how freaked out I was about the whole thing, but leave it to me to find something wrong with going to Paradise. Here we are at the General Aviation Terminal in Manila Airport in our private little lounge where Dek gets a first hand look at our plane. The flight is about 1.5 hours and its over several beautiful islands - and yes, we make it all there and back without incident. I tell you those rough landings make me more than a bit nervous. 

Pool Boy!

 

Here we are in the same hotel - next to the playground. Dek boy gets in city-swim on. I have so many of these photos where he's "reaching" for the camera, basically demanding, GIVE ME THE CAMERA SO I CAN TAKE THE PICTURE. He's turned out to be a bit demanding. Mostly since he's vain and enjoys photos of himself. Ah toddlerdom.

Back to Manila!

 

Here we are back in Manila after our lovely stay in Cebu and Bohol. This was on the 4th floor of our hotel. Derek was really thrilled to see a playground since it seemed like it had been weeks since we'd done anything kiddy as such.

More of Aloha Beach

 

 

Finally after our short 2 minute walk from our lovely room, we end up checking out the beach. Unlike my sense of what a traditional beach is, there were no waves and surf - this was more lake-like. Lots of kelp and sandy holes to poke your feet in. I think it was also low tide, as the water had receeded over 50 feet compared to what we saw the evening beforehand.

Testing the Underwater Camera

We got a nice little gadget for the trip. A totally waterproof digital camera so we could take photos while snorkeling and such.  Here we are testing it out with Dek in the pool for the first time. As you can see, he's totally thrilled.