Good morning. I have been enjoying the beach on Panglao Island (Bohol), the Philippines, for the last 3 days or so. Bohol has many attractions other than the beach though, so today I went with 5 others (3 other Canadian women, 1 Dutch guy- who I had also met in Myanmar (!), and 1 Filipino guy) on a tour of the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Conservation Area. The Chocolate Hills are a unique geological formation, a mass of small round hills that turn brown in the dry season. They say that the Hills are formed from a giant's tears. We also saw the tarsier, a unique and adorable looking small "monkey" which is native to a few area of the Philippines including Bohol. The tarsier are very territorial and only meet very occasionally to mate, before going their own way. They are nocturnal so sleep in the daytime when most visitors go see them. Super adorable critters.
I also went "island hopping" with three other ladies, we swam around a long sandbank area and also did some snorkelling. The Phils are popular among divers and snorkellers. Alona Beach where i am staying (Moon Fools Hostel) is small and there are lots of dive boats, not as picturesque as other Pinoy islands but still quite enjoyable, with white sand and lovely sunsets.
One more day in Bohol before i head to Cebu and then Palawan (Island). It is National Elections tomorrow so I elected to stay on the beach and not go to any major cities on that day. Among the Filipinos many favour R. Duterte, a foul-mouthed mayor of Davao city. He has apparently done a good job of ridding Davao of corruption and the Filippinos appear favorable to his approach to crime and corruption although one could qualify them as hard-line. It may take up to a month to announce the election results but in any case I wish them free, fair and peaceful elections!
Hugs
Mia
No comments:
Post a Comment