So, I was lost in Panama. Sounds frightening, right? It was. And this isn’t me being dramatic, I was genuinely afraid.
Let me start from the beginning: I was travelling around central America, after flying more than 5,000 miles to escape the smog-filled bubble that is London.
I was used to travelling alone and honestly enjoyed the freedom. Don’t get me wrong, I am a sociable person, but to have the ability to go where you want, whenever you want, without having someone by your side, is all I have wanted in life.
After two weeks of sunbathing (burning) on the beach and drinking too much (alcohol) in Costa Rica, it was time to cross the border into Panama.
A few people had recommended a remote hostel, aptly named ‘Lost and Found’, that was hidden in the western hills.
It’s a steep stretch to reach the hostel, but the view from the top is so worth the mid-morning hike in the sweltering sun. I dared to lie in the swinging hammocks, overlooking the stunning mountains. It was breathtaking.
A while later, I started to feel peckish and headed out on my own in search for food. ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ – *sighs* Aaaah, I’m glad I can now look back and laugh at that thought now.
The nearest store was a 10-minute walk away once you reach the bottom of the hill, and after a 15 minute walk, it was clear, that I walked in the wrong direction. Or the shop had moved. Either or, I guessed.
So, I had no idea where I was, I was tired, my feet were aching and I had no water or food on me. It was only late in the afternoon but I was scared. More than scared. Where was I?
I was out of my depth, with no idea what to do, I slumped down not the ground, and all the confidence I had previously felt about ‘travelling alone’ was starting to fade away. After what seemed like an eternity, I saw a glimmer of hope driving towards me in a white van. I held out my thumb, and closed my eyes in fear it wouldn’t stop, or worse still, in fear it would stop.
A short man with the biggest smile on his face, stepped out of the van, took one look at me and we stood there in silence.
He gestured me into the van, and so I took a chance. I breathed a sigh of relief as I sat in the passengers seat, with the cool breeze of the air conditioning and smiling family pictures posted all around. I told him where I wanted to go, and he just handed me bottle of cold water and turned the engine on.
I was starting to feel better when I heard the Spice Girls singing on the radio. Viva forever? Oh yes. I was going to be ok.
The Philippines has never been high on my long list of countries to visit, but when a friend asked if I wanted to spend to escape the bitter January weather and spend two weeks in a foreign country, I jumped at the chance.
There are more than 7,000 islands across the Philippines, and I had a mere fortnight to try and see as much of them as possible. We travelled a lot more than I thought we would, and looking back I am glad we saw as much we did.
However, a two week break isn’t a very long time, and worrying over which bus to take at what time, isn’t worth it. After all, a holiday should be relaxing and stress-free time.
So, here is my guide of what to see, where to go when travelling across the Philippines.
Manila
It was a long 13-hour flight to Manila, and the hot muggy weather infused with the traffic noise hits you right away.
All I wanted to do was meet my friend at the condo we had booked, and go to bed.
Taxis queue right outside the departure terminal and most drivers are willing to haggle on the price, but of the very little advice I did read, the pound to PESO ratio was good, and 150 PESO for one person is less than £3 each and was enough for journeys that taken more than 10 minutes.
Skyscrapers, Starbucks and McDonalds’ restaurants were around every corner, but the streets were dirty, full of rubbish, cable leads were hanging from poles, crowds of people barged past you on the sidewalk, and trying to cross the road at anytime of day was no easy task.
It was hard to escape the crime stories plastered all over the local newspapers, sharing news of gun and knife crimes, and local drug dealers being shot by police.
Manila at night
View of Manila for our condo
After spending 20 minutes walking around the city’s two green parks, situated right near the main roads, we found the nearest seven eleven store.
We had barely walked through the door when a group of children barefoot and wearing very little came running in, throwing their arms up, poking us, yelling at us and begging us for food, pointing at the sweets on the shelves and rubbing their stomachs.
I have travelled to poor parts of Thailand and Panama before, and have often travelled alone, but despite walking arm in arm with a close friend, I have never felt so uncomfortable and unsafe in one place.
Moalboal
From Manila we flew to Cebu, another busy town, with a great big bus terminal, that will take you to all the main ports across the island.
We took a four hour coach journey from Cebu at midday – never again. Temperatures reached 28/29 ºC most days, and despite the air-conditioning and plastic covered seats, it was an uncomfortable journey and looking at the blue ocean and the green fields, just weren’t the same from behind glass windows.
On a tricycle in Moalboal
Moalboal
To our relief, Moalboal was only a 2 hour bus ride away and, avoiding the bigger restaurants, we found a small local cafe, run by a Philippine family, who served a delicious helping of fresh fish and rice, for as little as £3-4 each.
Tricycles lined the main roads, and most relied on pedal power alone, with no engine what so ever.
One person can sit comfortably in the front seat next to the driver, but two people sat in the back is a tight squeeze. But a one way trip will cost you as little as 100P each, (less than £2), and is the cheapest way to travel through the town.
Oslob
I was excited to visit this tiny town, and if you’re a big fan of sea life, like I am, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Do not miss out on the chance to swim with whale sharks, the town of Oslob is famous for it, and for just 3,000P each, just over £50, you’ll be glad you did it.
Not my pic (from creative commons) as it was hard to take photos on the sea, but this is what we saw when whale shark watching^
Despite a 6am wake up call and just a slice of left over pizza for breakfast, we headed for the beach, and arrived in time to watch the orange sunrise over the sea.
This alone would have been a good enough reason to wake up at silly o’clock, but with our life-jackets zipped up and snorkels on, we headed for the choppy waters.
The sheer size of the creatures doesn’t hit you until you’ve jumped in the water and you realise you really just feet away. Fortunately, they don’t spot you, and they’re more than happy to float around, eating fish and minding their own business.
This experience is definitely worth the price and early start, and as you’re done by 8.30am, you can always go back to bed.
Siquijor
Named the Isla del Fuego or the island of fire, Siquijor is famous for its witchcraft and known healers, and was the first green lush area with a lot less tourists than we had expected.
We booked a small wooden hut, complete with a huge double bed and mosquito net, and a tiny bathroom with one toilet, sink and a shower head. This was a typical Philippine style bathroom, and hot water was a rarity.
WaterfallsThe 400-year-old tree in Siquijor IslandSiquijor beachOur wooden huts in Siquijor
With help from friendly locals, we found the island’s 400-year-old tree. It was an impressive size but we were pointed in the direction of the island’s stunning waterfalls. After a ten minute walk downhill on rickety wooden steps, we discovered four stunning waterfalls, and spent the afternoon swimming around in its clear blue waters- the best way to cool down.
Boracay
After a week and a half of travelling around, staying just one or two nights in small hostels, we finally arrived at the stunning island of Boracay. Now, I do not use the word ‘paradise’ lightly, but I can’t think of another word to describe how I felt when I saw the 4km stretch of white sand at the White beach in Boracay.
The area was an obvious tourist spot and if you want to avoid overcrowded beaches, the typical souvenir shops, small cafes and chain-restaurants, this is not the place for you.
Fortunately what we had planned to do was to spend out last few days relaxing. We did as little as sunbathing, swimming and eating too much Italian ice-cream. Im so glad we went Island hopping (boat pic below), I think it was the best way to see Boracay. Guides will take you to secret caves and stop at beaches to swim or snorkel along the way.
^Island hopping with my friend, Fran
^Delicious ice-cream at an Italian cafe in Boracay
^Sunset on the last night
If I could change anything about my time in the Philippines, it would be to travel a lot less and to research all the places we had planned to visit beforehand. It’s a beautiful country and I would fly back there tomorrow – but on my own terms.
It’s hard to pack everything into a two-week holiday, and experience has taught me to prioritise what you want to do and where to avoid, and if that means travelling a group or venturing on your own path, then so be it.
I’m writing this letter from my bedroom because I don’t want any distractions or anyone peering over my shoulder *cough cough* while I type this.
I know you care for and love me, and I know I will never be able to understand how much until I have a child of my own.
I know that you worry about me and it keeps you up at night, but you need to know that I am ok.
I have never or ever will take drugs. I do not smoke. I rarely drink for a twenty four year old. I am childless and single, and I am honestly ok with being without someone for a while.
I went to University and passed. You know I love to travel and will continue to see more of this beautiful world once I have saved up enough money to do so.
Yes, I failed that one exam and lied about it, because I hate to fail, and don’t kno anyone else who doesn’t. Don’t take it personally – that was very much a me thing.
I am not wasting my life, or throwing away opportunities, because I know what I want from life, and sometimes that is just a long lie in!
I am ok with my weight right now, and if I want to lose a few pounds I will do that when I want to.
I am not you. I am not married now as you were at my age. I haven’t found that special person yet. I don’t have my dream job, or enough money to buy a house of my own – but one day I know I will.
I know I will have a career because I am ambitious and motivated and am driven to do something good with my life – because you taught me to be like this.
I might disappoint you, I might do something you disagree with but I will never stop being myself.
I love you too, but you must stop comparing me to my brother, other people and yourself.
Please don’t feel I’m being too harsh, but I felt something needed to be said.
From
Your daughter
X
Kids lean
watch the screen
keen to see the latest fad
watching but not taking it in
not thinking of something else
or somewhere else or
dream of what could be
She looks
and glares
and stares
and eyeballs herself
for hours and hours
poking and prodding
feeling disgusting
before running to the bathroom
to flush away the evidence.
He worries
and panics
‘You need to lighten up’ they say,
‘Come and have a drink!’
It’s not that easy
And they know it.
He needs to get the grades
He wont succeed without working hard
He can’t let them down again.
We stress and agonize
over grades and appearances
not thinking that in years
none of this will matter.
We’ll look back and say
‘Wow, was I really like that?’
I’m glad I changed when I did
I hope my children won’t feel the same regret
We socialise with a coffee
and over a small white screen
saying anything we want
because its different face to face
We look with our eyes
and keep our mouths shut
because the typing does the speaking for us
We need to stop this now
before its too late
before no one needs to talk any more
and before we don’t want to
Don’t look back and say
‘Wow, was I really like that?’
Live in the now
take part
look around
Be involved in the present
as who you are
as who you want to be
We are home! Our time in Berlin has come to an end, and we are safely back on Welsh ground!
Berlin has definitely been an experience I will not forget. I met some lovely people, from all different nationalities and they all helped me enjoy my time, and realize how much more of the World I am yet to see!
It is hard to pinpoint one highlight of the whole trip, as so many days and moments were memorable, its hard to choose a favorite one. I really enjoyed talking to new people, and the gang from Wales, relaxing in Berlin’s beautiful Park such as Gorlitzer, Victoria, and the old Tempelhof airport!
I could not believe how big Wansee, Schlachtensee and Mugelsee lakes were, they were stunning places and close enough to escape the big city without being too far from everything.
On the plane home, we had a lovely view of one of the lakes from above, and thats when we saw how big they really were!
Life in Berlin was so relaxed and laid back, nothing ever felt too rushed and we could really take our time to enjoy the moment. Time has flown since February when we all first met in one of Llangollen’s (many) small pubs, and now we have separated and gone home. Back to reality.
I like being back in Wales, and I missed my home, family and friends so much, and I cannot wait to see them all! I know I will miss the independence, the good weather, the food and most of all, the company of people I will never forget in Berlin! As cheesy as it sounds, I met great people, and will miss not being able to send a quick text to see if we could make plans for the day!
Waking up in my own bed, in my room was surreal this morning, and I definitely was not expecting the good weather to travel back with us! I’ll miss Berlin, and I will go back, but not for a while. I think it’s time to see other countries before I make my way back to Germany… and I can’t wait!
Last Saturday night, we spent the evening going from one Theatre to the next, enjoying what the long night of Opera and Theatre had in store for us! We had heard of this night a while ago, and had been looking forward to it for a while!
It cost €11 for a student ticket, and lasted from 6pm until the early hours of the morning! Having spent a very hot day at the Beautiful airport turned Park, Tempelhof, we were reluctant to leave, not wanting to miss out on the good weather and company.
We started our night at the beautiful, grand Komische Opera house to watch the renowned Italian Opera: Carmen! Having never been to an Opera before, I was curious as to how I would find it, and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! The performers had incredible voices, and the production itself has been modernized to Berlin in the 21st century! The seats in front showed a small screen with a subtitles option which was really helpful, as the singing was in Italian, and the dialogue in German!
It lasted for half an hour, and only a few songs were performed, but I found myself wanting to see more, and I will definitely look into seeing another Opera!
Froschkönig is a Literature and Piano bar hidden away in the backstreets of Berlin. It has become a weekly event for most of us, as every Wednesday they show an old black and white silent film with a live pianist playing along with the film!
I didn’t know what to expect when I first went, as I had never seen a silent film before, and did not know what to expect. Its only a small bar, but its cosy, especially if you go with friends a little earlier to grab the comfy sofas!
I wasn’t expect it to be as packed as it was, and it can be tricky to find a seat, but the crowd is nice and the staff are friendly and make you feel at ease.
The first time we went there, the only thing that put me off was how many people smoked, and seen as it is only a small place, the smoke was lingering and it started getting on my nerves.
I dont have a problem with smokers and I realise that you can smoke almost anywhere in this city, I just dont like it when smokers dont seem to think about non smokers who have a problem with it being blown in our faces!
The second time we went, only a few people were smoking and we were sat close to the front so it did not bother me as much and I could enjoy the film!
“The Navigator” was playing the secodn week we went, and we all really enjoyed it. Its an old black and white comedy starring the infamous Buster Keaton! The story was simple but funny and light hearted, and we all left in such a good mood!
The piano is a great touch, and the melody always goes so well with the film, and I am always impressed that the pianist can play for over an hour without any sheet music! Its a great (and cheap) way to spend a Wednesday evening, as there is no fee, but you are expected to contribute a little at the end of the night!
I think this is a great place to check out, even if you don’t think its for you, just give it a try! Its definitely a different way to spend your evening, and you may surprise yourself and enjoy!
For the past two Sundays a few of us have met up before 12 in the afternoon, to enjoy an all you can eat buffet at a reasonable price! We have been to the same restaurant in East Berlin twice now, as we know what it offers (and they say stick to what you know),but there are several around Berlin that offer the same. It’s so nice to meet up on a Sunday, and not worry about what to eat/buy for one day a week!
The buffet seves hot and cold food such as bread rolls, ham, cheese, scrambled eggs, peppers,chicken, fresh fruit, cereal and so much more! It costs €7,90 for the buffet and you can eat muh as you like including desert, if you can fit it in of course! It costs more for drinks but it’s not expensive, and the coffee/hot chocolates are delicious!
It’s always packed there an we have been lucky both times to get a table, however the square where the restaurant is located, has many other places offering a Sunday brunch a little less/more, but I’m sure they are just as filling!
I recommend “Sunday brunch” to tourist and locals, as it such a nice break from cooking for one night, and if you pace yourself and take your time, you won’t want or need to eat anything else for the rest of the day!
Today a group of us visited the East side Gallery and walked along the mile long wall viewing what artists had created on the Eastern part.
I think this was probably one of my favourite things we have done so far in Berlin. We have been waiting for a sunny day to view the wall, and I’m glad we chose to go when we did.
It was cold but that was expected, but the sun was shining and it was nice to be able to take our time to walk alongside and view it. The wall had several images and captions that artists had drawn/written based on their perceptions of the Berlin wall. The wall on the Eastern side was bright and colorful but some of the images showed how imprisoned and hard the German people felt towards the divide in the city.
The Western side was white but had graffiti over it, but did not look as appealing as the Eastern side.
I remember learning about the Wall and being told about its effects on the Berlin people, and seen good films such as Goodbye Lenin (what a film!) but seeing a part of the Wall itself, looking at it and thinking about everything I have been told was overwhelming.
So many people died trying to escape over the wall, and so many family and friends were separated, before seeing it myself it was hard to take it in, but being there just made it so real to me.
I think everyone should see this for themselves, even if you aren’t sure of the history of the Berlin Wall, there is plenty of information in Museums, in books and online! It really makes you think and gives you the smallest glimpse into what this city must have looked like and been like to live in, and only 23 years ago!
I think I'm a little bit lost... 