Hello readers from the Ukraine,
I noticed that over the last weeks lots of people from the Ukraine read my blog. Welcome, i feel honored, but ... can you tell me who you are and why you are all so interested in my blog?
If you don't want to react here you can respond using my email address: jwitvoet2000@yahoo.com
Kind regards,
Jan.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
The urge has started again ...
Fond memories ... Pamir Highway, Tatjikistan ... at 4 K altitude ....
Monday, April 6, 2015
Week 41 (Manila and Meppel)
03/29
Cought a cold! Coughing and slime! Eeeew, hopefully no prob tomorrow in the planes. Anyway... Woke up early 8 or so), but stayed in my room, doing media and watching the news.
Went to 7 eleven to buy breakfast, that i ate i the park. Had a coffee there too.
Watched F1 in the lounge, while publishing week 40 of my blog. Laterz....
Ate a McDonald diner, saw a movie at the SM (Robot overlords; good sf), walked back, did a last run in the park, showered, shaved. Now a last beer in the lounge of "The Slouch Hat". Wonder where the next blogupdate will come from ... laterz ...
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03/30
Well, the next update is still from the lounge in the hotel. Haven't checked out yet. Sipping my last coffee here, before heading to the airport (Walk, RLT and bus). Checking news and FB. Wil do breakfast at the airport. Coughing is a bit better thank God. OK, talk to you again at the airport probably.
And the waiting has begun. The terminal is under construction, so ... hardly any food or drinks, no wifi. Wild camping again. Wish i had a guitar.
Heard alarming news about my friend Cindy. She's in hospital, coz she had a heart attack. Without knowing it! It occupies my mind. Wish her strenght. Come on girl! OK, laterz...
Waited and cued untill midnight, meanwhile talking to this nice japanese business man, who lives in Geneva now. At exact 0.45 we took off. On time. Amazed me, since i am so used to delay now.
(Don't tell, but Philipinos are always slow and late... come on.. always? Yes, always. But that's a prejustice! Maybe, but it's also true.)
03/31
Flight was good. Etihad is a very good airline company. Being treated very well. Some extra's (a little toothbrush and toothpaste when you leave the plane), nice food, smooth flight, despite some turbulence. Arrived in Abu Dhabi on time (i.e. 5.45 local time). Went through transit customs right away and ... a new waiting procedure has begun... 2.5 more hours for my flight to Amsterdam. A $5,- coffee to ease it up. Etihad flight again, that's good. Laterz... Gonna check out the wifi now.
The 2nd flight was all right, except the landing. In a storm on Schiphol. Scarey stuff. Took the train to Meppel. Luit picked me up from the train station. We did coffee, i shopped, still busy rearranging and unpacking and getting used to the idea of being home. Mixed feelings. Miss M. Good to have my piano though. Yeah!!
Watch a video now ... Laterz.
Could not keep my eyes open. so slept at 11 PM. Woke up at 6 though and started to work.
04/01
Woke up at 6 PM, due to jetlag i guess. Spend the day, reinstalling my stuff, shopping, cleaning and so on. At 2 PM Dirk and Luit came over for tea. Luit brought me his (own baked) bread. Visited Gerben at 9 PM and had a good converstaion over 2 beers.
Watched a Top Gear episode before i went to sleep.
04/02
Woke up at 9, did the media, and went on re-installing my stuff. Bedroom and bathroom. Visited Cindy and Paul thus evening. Saw a star trek episode here. Going to get a good night sleep now. Laterz...
04/03
Woke up ridiculously early again (still jet-lag i guess), Did the media, re-installed everything in bedroom. Sorted out all clothes, did the tax papers. Coffee at Margiert's (where i saw Alex, Monique and Luit as well ... cosy), shopped and went for a beer in town with Andor. Saw a Top Gear episode when home again.
04/04
Rose at 9, Media, Answered and reorganized all mail. Had beschuit with Katharina and Laura in the garden. Shopped, ran 5 K, showered. Went to the reopened Clouso (Bar in my hometown), but too busy, so i was back in an hour. Now going to see a movie i think.
See if i can get my car up and running tomorrow. Laterz....
This is the last day of week 41, and I'm back in my hometown Meppel, so ... this blog ends. Hope to write a new one when my next trip starts. I'll keep you all posted.
Just want to say thank you for all you people who read this blog Almost 5500 times it has been read. Makes it all very worthy. Thanks again, have a good life and hope to see you all again in my next blog.
Plans are to go southward along the west coast of both America's and then from Terra Fuego up north again to Brazil. Then visit friend Dennis on the Falklands, but going to work first, for another 3 years.
Love ya all!
Jan.
Cought a cold! Coughing and slime! Eeeew, hopefully no prob tomorrow in the planes. Anyway... Woke up early 8 or so), but stayed in my room, doing media and watching the news.
Went to 7 eleven to buy breakfast, that i ate i the park. Had a coffee there too.
Watched F1 in the lounge, while publishing week 40 of my blog. Laterz....
Ate a McDonald diner, saw a movie at the SM (Robot overlords; good sf), walked back, did a last run in the park, showered, shaved. Now a last beer in the lounge of "The Slouch Hat". Wonder where the next blogupdate will come from ... laterz ...
03/30
Well, the next update is still from the lounge in the hotel. Haven't checked out yet. Sipping my last coffee here, before heading to the airport (Walk, RLT and bus). Checking news and FB. Wil do breakfast at the airport. Coughing is a bit better thank God. OK, talk to you again at the airport probably.
And the waiting has begun. The terminal is under construction, so ... hardly any food or drinks, no wifi. Wild camping again. Wish i had a guitar.
Heard alarming news about my friend Cindy. She's in hospital, coz she had a heart attack. Without knowing it! It occupies my mind. Wish her strenght. Come on girl! OK, laterz...
Waited and cued untill midnight, meanwhile talking to this nice japanese business man, who lives in Geneva now. At exact 0.45 we took off. On time. Amazed me, since i am so used to delay now.
(Don't tell, but Philipinos are always slow and late... come on.. always? Yes, always. But that's a prejustice! Maybe, but it's also true.)
03/31
Flight was good. Etihad is a very good airline company. Being treated very well. Some extra's (a little toothbrush and toothpaste when you leave the plane), nice food, smooth flight, despite some turbulence. Arrived in Abu Dhabi on time (i.e. 5.45 local time). Went through transit customs right away and ... a new waiting procedure has begun... 2.5 more hours for my flight to Amsterdam. A $5,- coffee to ease it up. Etihad flight again, that's good. Laterz... Gonna check out the wifi now.
The 2nd flight was all right, except the landing. In a storm on Schiphol. Scarey stuff. Took the train to Meppel. Luit picked me up from the train station. We did coffee, i shopped, still busy rearranging and unpacking and getting used to the idea of being home. Mixed feelings. Miss M. Good to have my piano though. Yeah!!
Watch a video now ... Laterz.
Could not keep my eyes open. so slept at 11 PM. Woke up at 6 though and started to work.
04/01
Woke up at 6 PM, due to jetlag i guess. Spend the day, reinstalling my stuff, shopping, cleaning and so on. At 2 PM Dirk and Luit came over for tea. Luit brought me his (own baked) bread. Visited Gerben at 9 PM and had a good converstaion over 2 beers.
Watched a Top Gear episode before i went to sleep.
04/02
Woke up at 9, did the media, and went on re-installing my stuff. Bedroom and bathroom. Visited Cindy and Paul thus evening. Saw a star trek episode here. Going to get a good night sleep now. Laterz...
04/03
Woke up ridiculously early again (still jet-lag i guess), Did the media, re-installed everything in bedroom. Sorted out all clothes, did the tax papers. Coffee at Margiert's (where i saw Alex, Monique and Luit as well ... cosy), shopped and went for a beer in town with Andor. Saw a Top Gear episode when home again.
04/04
Rose at 9, Media, Answered and reorganized all mail. Had beschuit with Katharina and Laura in the garden. Shopped, ran 5 K, showered. Went to the reopened Clouso (Bar in my hometown), but too busy, so i was back in an hour. Now going to see a movie i think.
See if i can get my car up and running tomorrow. Laterz....
This is the last day of week 41, and I'm back in my hometown Meppel, so ... this blog ends. Hope to write a new one when my next trip starts. I'll keep you all posted.
Just want to say thank you for all you people who read this blog Almost 5500 times it has been read. Makes it all very worthy. Thanks again, have a good life and hope to see you all again in my next blog.
Plans are to go southward along the west coast of both America's and then from Terra Fuego up north again to Brazil. Then visit friend Dennis on the Falklands, but going to work first, for another 3 years.
Need to mention a few names, since some people have been so special to me on this trip. There's Abe Thomas 's brother Tony, who made me feel so welcome in Sydney and provided me with a complete house for myself. Jan and Jeannette Schutter, who made me feel so welcome in South Australia, all my traveling mates on the Madventure truck of course and last, but certainly not least (yes, you guess right) Mariyahk, who made my week in Japan an unforgettable one.
I love you all and for all of you goes: you have a house in Holland. Unconditionally, for as long as you want. Always!
I love you all and for all of you goes: you have a house in Holland. Unconditionally, for as long as you want. Always!
Love ya all!
Jan.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Week 40 (Philippies (Boracay and Manila))
03/22
Last full week. Hmmm, am I happy to go home? Yes and no. The comfort of my house ... great. Friends and family: yes!. But i know myself. It will last for just a few days, .. weeks perhaps. Anyway, ASML already said they would like to have me back there. That's good, since I love working there. Will miss M terribly. Hope to see her in the summer, me in Japan in the autumn and celebrate new year here again. Wishful thinking? Who knows ...
Anyway. It was a warm, warm windless day. Did the laundry, brunched at the kite surf beach, chatted with Jason, chatted on line with M, shopped, i think the dutch word to summarize it is: "sleur". It is time to go home ...
Sunset as usual, saw the first half of MNU - LIV in a bar, but had to stand (no seats that is), so will see the summary tomorrow (some anti social British annoyed me to the extreme; that too). Walked home, had a last one at the neighbors and updating blog now .... guess where? On my balcony indeed. Laterz.
03/23
Slept well. I sleep almost too well. Feel tired all the time. The heat? Anyway, breakfasted at the Happy Home, shopped, watched the news and sport over a siesta, sunset as usual, did laundry, now updating blog. Gonna eat a pizza i think. Laterz...
And a nic pizza it was. For 2,50 (Euro). Beered on the beach, updated blog on balcony. See a pattern? I do. Laterz...
03/24
Woke up early (8.00). Media, and breakfast at the crepe place. Nice for a change huh? Coffee, sudoku's and a good book on the beach in front of my hotel. Siesta, Run on the kite surf beach (strong wind, nice and cool, so ... 6 KM), sunset at my place as usual, showered, watched the news (plane crash in the French Alps), Mcdonald, beer at Andok's (local cheap restaurant), updating blog on balcony. About to have a early night. Will do some star trek or tegenlicht documentary though. Laterz....
PS: 1 week to go. Unimaginable when sitting here in the tropics ...
03/25
Woke up several times last night ... ??? No idea why. Unconscious tension for the travel home? Who knows. Anyway, woke at 8, rose at 10. Breakfast at the Happy Home, coffee on the nearby beach. Lost of reading and sudokuing. Siesta. Now updating blog and publishing week 39. Later on do the last sunset on Boracay, since i will take the night ferry to Manila tomorrow. See you there. Laterz...
Spend the evening eating pizza and sipping one last beer in the front of my hotel. When i came back i (almost) had a little argument, since my next door neighbor (way in his 50-ies)'s gf (18 at the most) was sitting on my balcony again (i had said that i did not want that), staring at her phone. I told her in to leave and not be there again ... Feels rude on one hand, still found not other way to make myself clear on that subject. Anyway, over and out!
Updating blog on balcony for the last time.
Neighbour is back now, giving me angry looks ... so afraid ... not.
What a lousy last night here ... neighbor is threatening me. Not a very smart man though: f*ck you, f*ck you, nothing else he could say. It's still bothering ... We're up 3 floors high on a small balcony with a low fence, and i get the impression he's drunk, so ... better not take any chances. It ruins my last memories of Boracay a little bit though.
03/26
So, i slept bad. Nevertheless, packed at 10, left the hotel at 11. Stored my luggage temporarily in the hotel. Last breakfast at the kite surf beach. They said they'll miss me ... *boohoo ... Still best place to have breakfast. So harmonious.
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Strolled back along the beach. Last coffee at the hotels beach, took a tricycle to the harbor, and the small ferry to the mainland (Caticlan that is). Long wait, but... a nice couple from Norway and a very friendly family from Iran made the time pass by quick over a very good conversation, which brings me once more to the conclusion that normal, sensible people live all over the world. No matter religions, cultural difference or skin color. It's the insane extremists that that ruin a complete religions reputation by acting violent. Unfortunately, the stupid among us don't realize that. OK, other subject.
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The ferry left far too late (1 truck could not get aboard, so they kept on trying and trying and ... then they did succeed ... 3 hours later). Nobody gives a damn. That's they Filipino way. Relaxed? Lazy? In efficient? Give it a name, but at midnight we left. Rough sea, so everybody seemed drunk. Slept well.
03/27
Woke up several times during the night. Rose at 8, returned the linnen, packed, got myself a coffee and went on deck. Arrived at 8.30 (at the harbour of Batangas that is ... not the deck). Took the bus to Manila at 9.30 and arrived there at 11.30. Felt (already!) a bit like coming home(ish). Took the LRT to UN Ave. Had a little lunch at the 7 eleven. Walked to the "Slouch Hat" (my home-hotel in MNL). Warm welcome!
Cought up some sleep, had a spaghetti lunch at the Jolly Bee, walked to the Super Mall, to see what movies were playing. Came back, slept again. Did a 4K run in Rizal park. Man, felt good! Showered and ate at the local food plaza (two good live bands and a fantastic seafood topped rice). Back to the hotel. Now updating blog. Still feeling strange that my last "traveling weekend" just started. Anyway, talk to you laterz... Gonna watch rugby now. Aussie rules rugby of course. Is there any other?
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03/28
Fukkerdefukfuk!!!! I have been robbed! And i knew the trick, but they are so good at it. Streetkids! 4 of them. Begging (happens all the time, so no alarmbells yet). Then they become physical, touching you while begging. The moment you push one them (gently!) away, your hands are away from your pocket... 700 PHP gone. And then there is a full grown guy, standing nearby, with a baby in his arms. He collects the money and since he carries a baby in his arms, you don't suspect him. So ... chase the kids (they're fast!) and meanwhile the guy walks off. Ok, it's only 15 euro or so, but still ... In all my years of traveling i have never been robbed (oh wait, once a traveler cheque has been stolen in Equador). Gives a shit feeling, two days before turning home... OK, there's worse things in life , but ... grrrr ... being outsmarted by 4 streetkids ... grrr once more ... If i had just given it to them i would feel a lot better.
Had to get that off my chest. How was the day?
Woke up at 8, Rose at 10. Coffee here (hotel). Slow walk to the SM (Super Mall). There's a Terry Gilliam (Monthy Phyton) movie (The zero theorem), and it only shows at 14.00h. Nice (but strange) movie. Went back to hotel. Did the media, watched the news, showered and went out again, to eat in the park. Got robbed (see above), went back to the hotel to get new money, ate a very nice chicken and rice. Sipped a beer a the local food/music place (meanwhile feeling stressed about the robbery). Back to hotel now. Watching rugby again and updating blog. Laterz ...
Last full week. Hmmm, am I happy to go home? Yes and no. The comfort of my house ... great. Friends and family: yes!. But i know myself. It will last for just a few days, .. weeks perhaps. Anyway, ASML already said they would like to have me back there. That's good, since I love working there. Will miss M terribly. Hope to see her in the summer, me in Japan in the autumn and celebrate new year here again. Wishful thinking? Who knows ...
Anyway. It was a warm, warm windless day. Did the laundry, brunched at the kite surf beach, chatted with Jason, chatted on line with M, shopped, i think the dutch word to summarize it is: "sleur". It is time to go home ...
Sunset as usual, saw the first half of MNU - LIV in a bar, but had to stand (no seats that is), so will see the summary tomorrow (some anti social British annoyed me to the extreme; that too). Walked home, had a last one at the neighbors and updating blog now .... guess where? On my balcony indeed. Laterz.
03/23
Slept well. I sleep almost too well. Feel tired all the time. The heat? Anyway, breakfasted at the Happy Home, shopped, watched the news and sport over a siesta, sunset as usual, did laundry, now updating blog. Gonna eat a pizza i think. Laterz...
And a nic pizza it was. For 2,50 (Euro). Beered on the beach, updated blog on balcony. See a pattern? I do. Laterz...
03/24
Woke up early (8.00). Media, and breakfast at the crepe place. Nice for a change huh? Coffee, sudoku's and a good book on the beach in front of my hotel. Siesta, Run on the kite surf beach (strong wind, nice and cool, so ... 6 KM), sunset at my place as usual, showered, watched the news (plane crash in the French Alps), Mcdonald, beer at Andok's (local cheap restaurant), updating blog on balcony. About to have a early night. Will do some star trek or tegenlicht documentary though. Laterz....
PS: 1 week to go. Unimaginable when sitting here in the tropics ...
03/25
Woke up several times last night ... ??? No idea why. Unconscious tension for the travel home? Who knows. Anyway, woke at 8, rose at 10. Breakfast at the Happy Home, coffee on the nearby beach. Lost of reading and sudokuing. Siesta. Now updating blog and publishing week 39. Later on do the last sunset on Boracay, since i will take the night ferry to Manila tomorrow. See you there. Laterz...
Spend the evening eating pizza and sipping one last beer in the front of my hotel. When i came back i (almost) had a little argument, since my next door neighbor (way in his 50-ies)'s gf (18 at the most) was sitting on my balcony again (i had said that i did not want that), staring at her phone. I told her in to leave and not be there again ... Feels rude on one hand, still found not other way to make myself clear on that subject. Anyway, over and out!
Updating blog on balcony for the last time.
Neighbour is back now, giving me angry looks ... so afraid ... not.
What a lousy last night here ... neighbor is threatening me. Not a very smart man though: f*ck you, f*ck you, nothing else he could say. It's still bothering ... We're up 3 floors high on a small balcony with a low fence, and i get the impression he's drunk, so ... better not take any chances. It ruins my last memories of Boracay a little bit though.
03/26
So, i slept bad. Nevertheless, packed at 10, left the hotel at 11. Stored my luggage temporarily in the hotel. Last breakfast at the kite surf beach. They said they'll miss me ... *boohoo ... Still best place to have breakfast. So harmonious.
Strolled back along the beach. Last coffee at the hotels beach, took a tricycle to the harbor, and the small ferry to the mainland (Caticlan that is). Long wait, but... a nice couple from Norway and a very friendly family from Iran made the time pass by quick over a very good conversation, which brings me once more to the conclusion that normal, sensible people live all over the world. No matter religions, cultural difference or skin color. It's the insane extremists that that ruin a complete religions reputation by acting violent. Unfortunately, the stupid among us don't realize that. OK, other subject.
The ferry left far too late (1 truck could not get aboard, so they kept on trying and trying and ... then they did succeed ... 3 hours later). Nobody gives a damn. That's they Filipino way. Relaxed? Lazy? In efficient? Give it a name, but at midnight we left. Rough sea, so everybody seemed drunk. Slept well.
03/27
Woke up several times during the night. Rose at 8, returned the linnen, packed, got myself a coffee and went on deck. Arrived at 8.30 (at the harbour of Batangas that is ... not the deck). Took the bus to Manila at 9.30 and arrived there at 11.30. Felt (already!) a bit like coming home(ish). Took the LRT to UN Ave. Had a little lunch at the 7 eleven. Walked to the "Slouch Hat" (my home-hotel in MNL). Warm welcome!
Cought up some sleep, had a spaghetti lunch at the Jolly Bee, walked to the Super Mall, to see what movies were playing. Came back, slept again. Did a 4K run in Rizal park. Man, felt good! Showered and ate at the local food plaza (two good live bands and a fantastic seafood topped rice). Back to the hotel. Now updating blog. Still feeling strange that my last "traveling weekend" just started. Anyway, talk to you laterz... Gonna watch rugby now. Aussie rules rugby of course. Is there any other?
03/28
Fukkerdefukfuk!!!! I have been robbed! And i knew the trick, but they are so good at it. Streetkids! 4 of them. Begging (happens all the time, so no alarmbells yet). Then they become physical, touching you while begging. The moment you push one them (gently!) away, your hands are away from your pocket... 700 PHP gone. And then there is a full grown guy, standing nearby, with a baby in his arms. He collects the money and since he carries a baby in his arms, you don't suspect him. So ... chase the kids (they're fast!) and meanwhile the guy walks off. Ok, it's only 15 euro or so, but still ... In all my years of traveling i have never been robbed (oh wait, once a traveler cheque has been stolen in Equador). Gives a shit feeling, two days before turning home... OK, there's worse things in life , but ... grrrr ... being outsmarted by 4 streetkids ... grrr once more ... If i had just given it to them i would feel a lot better.
Had to get that off my chest. How was the day?
Woke up at 8, Rose at 10. Coffee here (hotel). Slow walk to the SM (Super Mall). There's a Terry Gilliam (Monthy Phyton) movie (The zero theorem), and it only shows at 14.00h. Nice (but strange) movie. Went back to hotel. Did the media, watched the news, showered and went out again, to eat in the park. Got robbed (see above), went back to the hotel to get new money, ate a very nice chicken and rice. Sipped a beer a the local food/music place (meanwhile feeling stressed about the robbery). Back to hotel now. Watching rugby again and updating blog. Laterz ...
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Week 39 (Philippines (Boracay))
03/15
Slept long. Did the media for a long time (I'm in the middle of a Prog Rock discussion on FB) and so I brunched at the Happy Home (= little restaurant on the kite surf beach) at 1.30 PM. Long stroll back and needed 3 internet cafe's before i could finally book my return ticket for the ferry to Batangas. Depending on your IP adress, the pay site of your bank allows you access or not. There is however no logic to be found when you get access or not. So, you just keep on trying until it works. Bizarre and bad systems. Annoying to the extreme. Well, after a lot of effort i managed to pay and print my tickets. As far as i know there is nothing left to organize before i can go home, which is in about 2 weeks and some days. How bizarre is that? Still can't believe it, and so i don't. Lets eat and grab a beer on the beach first. Laterz...
The beer became a coffee. Showered and decided to find some new places: ate at Andok's (not Andor's). Delicious: pork in hot sauce, green beans in coconut and padan rice. Fantastic. for 180 PHP. (4 euro, but would have been less than 3 if the Euro/Dollar rate wasn't so ridiculously low). Than saw 2 great rugby matches (real rugby (aussie rules that is)) in an aussie organized bar here. Means: prices x2, but it 's great fun. (Wish i had been there with M.). Now updating blog on balcony... laterz...
Slept not good. Woke up at 5 and stayed awake til 7.
03/16
Slept till 9, gamed on laptop (No wifi available) and watched the Fox sportnews. Going out with laptop for breakfast and media. Laterz.
Local breakfast: dried fish, egg and rice. Good food though. Went to the beach for a stroll and a swim. Then ... finally .. since my foot and shoulder have healed i could run again. just 4 K or so, but it felt good. On the kite surf beach. Just showered and feel reborn now. Just ... no proper internet connection. Shit! Anyway, laterz... Supper's ready (Genesis).
Spend the evening, eating in the local food place again. Finalized the evening over a beer on the balcony, chatting with M and listening to music.
Saw some documentaries before i went to sleep.
03/17
Slept long, did the media on the balcony, had my room cleaned and brunched at the Happy Home, on the kite surf beach. Walked back, shopped, beached, sunsetted, showered. Updating blog now and about to get some food. Will explore the bar i discovered yesterday (where they display PL football). Laterz ...
Well, the exploration wasn't much. Back to my normal favorite singer. Had one there, then back to "my" beach. Nice people sitting there with 2 locals playing an (out of tune) guitar. Nice atmosphere though, so I joined them. had a nice conversation with Jason (Canada) and Paul (???). Both Boracay veterans. Gave some good tips about unexplored beaches and a small island near to hear (boat goes from station 1, so i will check that out tomorrow). Now updating blog on balcony. Oh yeah ... have to publish week 38. Soon... Laterz.
03/18
Woke up (and rose) at 9. Finally an active day again. Did Jasons tip: explore a new beach. Puka beach. It's on the other side of the island and since time is on my side i decided to walk. 1.5 hours (one way). But, it's paradise. Just a few people, two beach cafe's, Chrystal clear water, stunning view and no algae (in March and April the sea at the white beach is green with algae). So I spend a nice view hours there and then walked all the way back. Little swim and the normal end of the day: San Miguel light and see the sunset at station 3.
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Showered. Updating and publishing blog on my balcony now. Laterz...
Spend the evening with a Red Horse, a good meal and some people, who wanted to take pictures off/with me all the time. After that i met a dutch guy who tried to convince me not to be here (he was desperate to go back to Holland). Updating blog on my balcony. Laterzzz...
03/19
Slow day. Woke up late, did the media extensively, went for breakfast at the crepe house, then direct to kite surf beach for: reading, sudokuing, coffeeing, running and sipping soda's. Back at station 3 the normal end of the day. Had dinner at McDonald and finished the day over a beer at the local beach in front of my hotel. Feel tired. From what? I dunno. Laterz...
03/20
Slept good, till 9. Media took me till 11.00 Breakfast, a stroll and coffee at the kite surf beach. Even the kite surf beach was hot. it's 33 degrees and no wind. So, I went back, shopped, and cooled down (over a nap) in my room. Sunset as usual on the beach in front of hotel. Showered, snacked, beered (only 1) and updating blog on my balcony. Think i'n gonna watch a star trek episode. Haven't done that in a long time. Laterz....
03/21
Slept really good, after a star trek episode. Media and FB-ed until noon. Then i discovered it: no sunshine! Clouds. It had been raining. It was < 30 degrees. Brrr.. And i had left my jumper in Tokyo. Panic!
Kidding, but it was nice to have a cool day, so... breakfast on the home beach (not kite surf beach, but in frot of hotel), sudoku-ed, read, tea and coffee. Then a >5KM run. Since it was "cold" it tought it applicable. Back: little chat with Jason. Then showered, watched the news, diner at McDonalds, watch the 2nd half of MCI - WBA (Manchester City - West Broom, but an abbreviation is more convenient). Meanwhile chatted with Gabriel from Sweden. Will see him again tomorrow since then it's: MNU - LIV (yeah right, like i'm going to explain those abbreviations as well). Had a last beer on the local beach and updating blog on balcony now. Laterz...
PS: 10 days left ... can you believe it? I can't.
Miss M very much indeed.
Slept long. Did the media for a long time (I'm in the middle of a Prog Rock discussion on FB) and so I brunched at the Happy Home (= little restaurant on the kite surf beach) at 1.30 PM. Long stroll back and needed 3 internet cafe's before i could finally book my return ticket for the ferry to Batangas. Depending on your IP adress, the pay site of your bank allows you access or not. There is however no logic to be found when you get access or not. So, you just keep on trying until it works. Bizarre and bad systems. Annoying to the extreme. Well, after a lot of effort i managed to pay and print my tickets. As far as i know there is nothing left to organize before i can go home, which is in about 2 weeks and some days. How bizarre is that? Still can't believe it, and so i don't. Lets eat and grab a beer on the beach first. Laterz...
The beer became a coffee. Showered and decided to find some new places: ate at Andok's (not Andor's). Delicious: pork in hot sauce, green beans in coconut and padan rice. Fantastic. for 180 PHP. (4 euro, but would have been less than 3 if the Euro/Dollar rate wasn't so ridiculously low). Than saw 2 great rugby matches (real rugby (aussie rules that is)) in an aussie organized bar here. Means: prices x2, but it 's great fun. (Wish i had been there with M.). Now updating blog on balcony... laterz...
Slept not good. Woke up at 5 and stayed awake til 7.
03/16
Slept till 9, gamed on laptop (No wifi available) and watched the Fox sportnews. Going out with laptop for breakfast and media. Laterz.
Local breakfast: dried fish, egg and rice. Good food though. Went to the beach for a stroll and a swim. Then ... finally .. since my foot and shoulder have healed i could run again. just 4 K or so, but it felt good. On the kite surf beach. Just showered and feel reborn now. Just ... no proper internet connection. Shit! Anyway, laterz... Supper's ready (Genesis).
Spend the evening, eating in the local food place again. Finalized the evening over a beer on the balcony, chatting with M and listening to music.
Saw some documentaries before i went to sleep.
03/17
Slept long, did the media on the balcony, had my room cleaned and brunched at the Happy Home, on the kite surf beach. Walked back, shopped, beached, sunsetted, showered. Updating blog now and about to get some food. Will explore the bar i discovered yesterday (where they display PL football). Laterz ...
Well, the exploration wasn't much. Back to my normal favorite singer. Had one there, then back to "my" beach. Nice people sitting there with 2 locals playing an (out of tune) guitar. Nice atmosphere though, so I joined them. had a nice conversation with Jason (Canada) and Paul (???). Both Boracay veterans. Gave some good tips about unexplored beaches and a small island near to hear (boat goes from station 1, so i will check that out tomorrow). Now updating blog on balcony. Oh yeah ... have to publish week 38. Soon... Laterz.
03/18
Woke up (and rose) at 9. Finally an active day again. Did Jasons tip: explore a new beach. Puka beach. It's on the other side of the island and since time is on my side i decided to walk. 1.5 hours (one way). But, it's paradise. Just a few people, two beach cafe's, Chrystal clear water, stunning view and no algae (in March and April the sea at the white beach is green with algae). So I spend a nice view hours there and then walked all the way back. Little swim and the normal end of the day: San Miguel light and see the sunset at station 3.
Showered. Updating and publishing blog on my balcony now. Laterz...
Spend the evening with a Red Horse, a good meal and some people, who wanted to take pictures off/with me all the time. After that i met a dutch guy who tried to convince me not to be here (he was desperate to go back to Holland). Updating blog on my balcony. Laterzzz...
03/19
Slow day. Woke up late, did the media extensively, went for breakfast at the crepe house, then direct to kite surf beach for: reading, sudokuing, coffeeing, running and sipping soda's. Back at station 3 the normal end of the day. Had dinner at McDonald and finished the day over a beer at the local beach in front of my hotel. Feel tired. From what? I dunno. Laterz...
03/20
Slept good, till 9. Media took me till 11.00 Breakfast, a stroll and coffee at the kite surf beach. Even the kite surf beach was hot. it's 33 degrees and no wind. So, I went back, shopped, and cooled down (over a nap) in my room. Sunset as usual on the beach in front of hotel. Showered, snacked, beered (only 1) and updating blog on my balcony. Think i'n gonna watch a star trek episode. Haven't done that in a long time. Laterz....
03/21
Slept really good, after a star trek episode. Media and FB-ed until noon. Then i discovered it: no sunshine! Clouds. It had been raining. It was < 30 degrees. Brrr.. And i had left my jumper in Tokyo. Panic!
Kidding, but it was nice to have a cool day, so... breakfast on the home beach (not kite surf beach, but in frot of hotel), sudoku-ed, read, tea and coffee. Then a >5KM run. Since it was "cold" it tought it applicable. Back: little chat with Jason. Then showered, watched the news, diner at McDonalds, watch the 2nd half of MCI - WBA (Manchester City - West Broom, but an abbreviation is more convenient). Meanwhile chatted with Gabriel from Sweden. Will see him again tomorrow since then it's: MNU - LIV (yeah right, like i'm going to explain those abbreviations as well). Had a last beer on the local beach and updating blog on balcony now. Laterz...
PS: 10 days left ... can you believe it? I can't.
Miss M very much indeed.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Week 38 (Philppines (Manila and Boracay))
03/08
Woke up at 9 or so (watched documentaries untill late last night), watched the news. Had a spaghetti breakfast at the mall, where i also bought a 2nd hand book. Coffee and reading in the park. It's soo hot. Siesta now. Another movie tonight i think. Laterz...
No movie, coz there was very nice opera music in the open air auditorium of the park. Loved it. Amazing there were still (free) places available. Lots of homeless people go there as well. Their only chance on some culture i guess.
After the park, ate at the local food place. Barcelona live on the screens. Yes. (they won 6-1 and are now #1 in the primera division). Chatted with some locals about football (and of course Schneider, Robben and van Persie were mentioned). Nice evening though. Saw movie in hotel (White house down).
Tomorrow for the 2nd time to Boracay. See you there.
03/09
Woke up at 9, organized my luggage, showered, had a coffee in the hotel, packed and walked to UN LRT station. Took the train to Gil Puyat station and hopped on the bus to Batangas. Sat next to a very nice filipino business man, who told me a lot about the phil peoples mentality. Smart guy!
Arrived far too early at the port, and so... long wait again, with lots of sudoku's to be solved. Shared a pizza with some other travelers. Met Jens again (German guy, living in Phil now; he was also on the first boat trip to Caticlan, what a coincidence sin't it?). Boat trip was nice as usual. Talked the night away with Jens.
03/10
Rose at 7, arrived in Caticlan at 7.30, took the small ferry to Boracay, tricycle to the hotel, where my room, on the 3rd floor, was ready. Here's the view:
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Unpacked and snoozed till noon. Shopped (old slippers had to be replaced after 1000 KM walking). Back in my room now. Did the media and try some more sleep now. Or check out the tele? Laterz...
Slept for quite a while. Got 10.000 PHP from the BDO bank. In the evening went to my favourite restaurant at the kite surf beach and had (too much) carbonara.
At white beach i finalized the evening over some live music. Did the media on my balcony before i went to sleep for 10 hours.
03/11
Woke up at 9, but rose at 11 or so. FB-ed all the time. To the bank for the 2nd 10.000 PHP. Breakfast and wifi at the neighbiours (Marzon Beach resort). Now to the beach. Laterz....
Well, the beach took a little longer (fell asleep, hihi). So, round 16.30 beachtime and a swim, a cheese burger next door, shopping at the local supermarket and publishing blogs week 37 now from the veranda of the Marzon beach Resort. Laterz.
And so i did. Untill 10 PM it took. Then back to the balcony of my gusethouse for a last beer and FB. Slept like a log.
03/12
Woke and rose at 9. No electricity on the island. It was maintainance day for the electricity company, so... until 5 PM: no electricity. Deal with it!
Went to the kite surf beach for another great breakfast, over shade, cool wind and a spectacular kite surfing view. Costs: Euro 3.-. Went back, via the BDO bank and paid the money for the 16 days of stay in this guesthouse. Was imediately invited for diner (fish, eggplant and rice ... lovely!).
To the nearest beach. Reading, sudoku-ing, swimming and sipping coffee in the shade of an palm tree, feeling quite good. Got sunburned though (thought i was done with that, but no...). 17.00 back to the hotel. Did a little media, napped and out for diner: nachos! Nice!
Long stroll along the nightly coast: extremely low tide.
On my balcony now, updating blog. laterzzzz...
03/13
Woke up at 9, did the media and breakfast on the kite surf beach (as usual). Long stroll back (foot is getting better by the day, so ...). Beached the afternoon away. Short chat with Rama (dutchman, originally from Sri Lanka). Funny how we met: he saw my "Jumbo" plastic bag and aksed: "Alles goed?". I thought: "he almost sounds like talking dutch", which he was apparently. Nice bloke. Here for a vacation with his gf (also dutch and originally Sri Lankan).
Saw the sunset over a beer at the small local restaurant close to my guesthouse and showered. Now updating blog. About to eat. Laterz...
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Ate at the same local restaurant: a terrific pasta seafood. For almost nothing. Strolled and sipped a beer afterwards. Bumped my toe into a hidden rock on the beach. Very ouch!! Now updating blog on balcony.
03/14
Woke up at 8, did the media, breakfasted at the kite surf beach, bought new shorts, coffee at the cheap local place in front of guesthouse, tried to book return ticket to MNL, but IP adres was not accepted by bank (bunch of amateurs). So, tomorrow to the internet cafe. Now to the beach. laterz.
The beach and the sunset were beautiful as ever.
Showered, ate a little at McDonalds, sipped a beer at my favorite singers cafe and one at the German cafe next door. Updating blog now on my balcony.
Woke up at 9 or so (watched documentaries untill late last night), watched the news. Had a spaghetti breakfast at the mall, where i also bought a 2nd hand book. Coffee and reading in the park. It's soo hot. Siesta now. Another movie tonight i think. Laterz...
No movie, coz there was very nice opera music in the open air auditorium of the park. Loved it. Amazing there were still (free) places available. Lots of homeless people go there as well. Their only chance on some culture i guess.
After the park, ate at the local food place. Barcelona live on the screens. Yes. (they won 6-1 and are now #1 in the primera division). Chatted with some locals about football (and of course Schneider, Robben and van Persie were mentioned). Nice evening though. Saw movie in hotel (White house down).
Tomorrow for the 2nd time to Boracay. See you there.
03/09
Woke up at 9, organized my luggage, showered, had a coffee in the hotel, packed and walked to UN LRT station. Took the train to Gil Puyat station and hopped on the bus to Batangas. Sat next to a very nice filipino business man, who told me a lot about the phil peoples mentality. Smart guy!
Arrived far too early at the port, and so... long wait again, with lots of sudoku's to be solved. Shared a pizza with some other travelers. Met Jens again (German guy, living in Phil now; he was also on the first boat trip to Caticlan, what a coincidence sin't it?). Boat trip was nice as usual. Talked the night away with Jens.
03/10
Rose at 7, arrived in Caticlan at 7.30, took the small ferry to Boracay, tricycle to the hotel, where my room, on the 3rd floor, was ready. Here's the view:
Unpacked and snoozed till noon. Shopped (old slippers had to be replaced after 1000 KM walking). Back in my room now. Did the media and try some more sleep now. Or check out the tele? Laterz...
Slept for quite a while. Got 10.000 PHP from the BDO bank. In the evening went to my favourite restaurant at the kite surf beach and had (too much) carbonara.
At white beach i finalized the evening over some live music. Did the media on my balcony before i went to sleep for 10 hours.
03/11
Woke up at 9, but rose at 11 or so. FB-ed all the time. To the bank for the 2nd 10.000 PHP. Breakfast and wifi at the neighbiours (Marzon Beach resort). Now to the beach. Laterz....
Well, the beach took a little longer (fell asleep, hihi). So, round 16.30 beachtime and a swim, a cheese burger next door, shopping at the local supermarket and publishing blogs week 37 now from the veranda of the Marzon beach Resort. Laterz.
And so i did. Untill 10 PM it took. Then back to the balcony of my gusethouse for a last beer and FB. Slept like a log.
03/12
Woke and rose at 9. No electricity on the island. It was maintainance day for the electricity company, so... until 5 PM: no electricity. Deal with it!
Went to the kite surf beach for another great breakfast, over shade, cool wind and a spectacular kite surfing view. Costs: Euro 3.-. Went back, via the BDO bank and paid the money for the 16 days of stay in this guesthouse. Was imediately invited for diner (fish, eggplant and rice ... lovely!).
To the nearest beach. Reading, sudoku-ing, swimming and sipping coffee in the shade of an palm tree, feeling quite good. Got sunburned though (thought i was done with that, but no...). 17.00 back to the hotel. Did a little media, napped and out for diner: nachos! Nice!
Long stroll along the nightly coast: extremely low tide.
On my balcony now, updating blog. laterzzzz...
03/13
Woke up at 9, did the media and breakfast on the kite surf beach (as usual). Long stroll back (foot is getting better by the day, so ...). Beached the afternoon away. Short chat with Rama (dutchman, originally from Sri Lanka). Funny how we met: he saw my "Jumbo" plastic bag and aksed: "Alles goed?". I thought: "he almost sounds like talking dutch", which he was apparently. Nice bloke. Here for a vacation with his gf (also dutch and originally Sri Lankan).
Saw the sunset over a beer at the small local restaurant close to my guesthouse and showered. Now updating blog. About to eat. Laterz...
Ate at the same local restaurant: a terrific pasta seafood. For almost nothing. Strolled and sipped a beer afterwards. Bumped my toe into a hidden rock on the beach. Very ouch!! Now updating blog on balcony.
03/14
Woke up at 8, did the media, breakfasted at the kite surf beach, bought new shorts, coffee at the cheap local place in front of guesthouse, tried to book return ticket to MNL, but IP adres was not accepted by bank (bunch of amateurs). So, tomorrow to the internet cafe. Now to the beach. laterz.
The beach and the sunset were beautiful as ever.
.JPG) |
| Sunset at white beach, station 3 |
Showered, ate a little at McDonalds, sipped a beer at my favorite singers cafe and one at the German cafe next door. Updating blog now on my balcony.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Week 37 (Japan (Funabashi, Tokyo and Mt. Fuji) and Philippines (Manila))
03/01
Woke up round 8.00, but stayed in bed long. Another great breakfast. Went to M's church (Catholic), where i met a lot of her friends (again). After the service we had food there. Very cosy i must say.
Went by train to Asakusa, the touristic area of Tokyo. For 100 yen you could have your future predicted (on a small piece of paper that is). I shouldn't have, coz it was misery all over (in such a situation you leave the paper behind, tightened to a fence (and so i did)).
Then to the Skytree (in 2012 the highest building in the world (then came Abu Dabi)). We went up to the 31st floor, but fog all over, so nothing to be seen. I thought of another F-word that sounds a bit like "fog". Nice experience though.
On the way back we got a phone call from Joanna. She invited us for a little diner in het bar ("The Lighthouse"), and so we did. When the karaoke started again i felt like "lets go home". Half an hour later we did. Cuddled and watched some tv before going to bed.
03/02
Rose early, since had to catch the train to Mt. Fuji. First the normal train (during rush hour that's quit an effort). Too early at Tokyo Central, so time to have breakfast. 10.00 train to Odawara and the bus from there to Hakone at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
We could not check in in the hotel, so ... stored our lugage there and went to the big viewpoint by rope train (Kabel baan). Great Views ...
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but unfortunately Mt. Fuji was covered in clouds. Luckily we had been able to see it in the sun when we arrived by train.
A little boat trip after that (I love boat trips). Hard time not to fall asleep though. Warm boat after a cold walk, early rise... you know.
.JPG)
At 16.00 check in in the hotel (Prince Hotel). Well, i can tell you: at this moment i'm not a low budget backpacker, but an incredible luxury tourist being completely spoiled my M. Will never be able to return this favor.
Had a nice bath in a very, very hot Jacuci (good for my painfull shoulder (oh, yeah got that shoulder after a fall from the bike on the way to church)). Now updating blog in the most luxureous hotel room i have ever been in. Laterz. Diner is at 19.30, so... need to shave (and put on my jeans ... hihihi).
And what a diner it was. I think i know most of the japanese kitchen by now. It's lovely (and expensive, but hey ... special it was). Took another jacuci bath after diner. Feeling warm inside and outside now.
Can't sleep though. Laterz.
Slept well later on.
03/03
Woke up and rose at 8.00 Luxury breakfast (of course) in the hotel. Out for sightseeing now. Bus from 15.00H back to Adowara. From there the bullet train to Tokyo.
Took a taxi drive in the environment of the hotel. Saw Mt. Fuji, between the clouds and lots of geo thermal sources (with horrible sulfide smell). Very nice tour though. Once more evidence of how I'm spoiled here. ;-).
Took the 13.00h bus to Adowara and the bullet train to Tokyo from there. Nice experience ... and it's fast!
Back in Funabashi we spend the late afternoon and the evening snacking, nice spaghetti marinara, and seeing documentaries, while cuddling on the couch. Feeling sad, since it's the last evening for a while. (Next time it's Schiermonnikoog.)
Slept good, but woke up really early (had to).
03/04
Rose at 5, took a cab to the metro train at 5.30, trained to Narita Airport and arrived there at 7. Cecked in and ... said goodbey for the time being. Not going describe the feelings of that moment, sorry. Gonna miss her terribly though. That I can tell ya.
Now waiting for my flight to MNL at the gate. Laterz.
Flight went smooth. Took a long time to get here in the Slouch Hat (hotel) again. Slow buses, traffic jam, overcrowded RLT trains and a painfull foot. Glad Im here.'
Checking M's messages now.
Ate in the park ... M on my mind ... back to my hotel(letje!). Shower, answering all email. Takes ages. (Slow PC and slow connection). Also booked the ferry for my 2nd visit to Boracay.
Guess i will sleep well, however... Laterz.
Did sleep well, but dreamt of M.
03/05
Woke up at 8, rose at 9. made the necessary prints for the trip to Bocaray on the 9th. Coffee and a nice chat with Aussie Graham in the hotel. Checked email and sent one to ASML, to let them know i am available as of the 1st of june, if all goes like planned.
Bought a breakfast at the 7 eleven and ate it in Rizal park. Watched tv in the afternoon and fell asleep again.
Went to the SM (Super Mall) at 4. Bought a ticket for "Focus" (movie with Will Smith). Ate a little and saw the movie. Nice one, but would be nicer to see it with M. Walked back to the Hotel area, sipped a beer at the local food place. Now in the lounge of the hotel, updating blog and about to publish week 36.
M has been on my mind all day. Miss her terribly.
03/06
Slept good, Gonna visit two old spanish colonial buildings 2 km's away from here. Good exercise for my infected heel as well (i hope), but first .. breakfast. Laterz.
Went to the park to eat breakfast (a very nice local burger), then bought two books for 40 PHP (Euro 0,80) at the mall. Never saw the colonial buildings. Went back to the park to read. Watched the tele in hotel (to escape the heat).
At the end of the afternoon i went back to the mall, to eat and to watch another movie (Chappie, nice one; same writer as district 9). Sipped a beer at the local food place. Updating blog in hotels lounge now.
Still miss M. Won't change. Don't want it to change either. Laterz.
03/07
Repeated yesterday: Breakfast with a burger added with a banana and a chocolte drink from the 7 eleven, Read in the park (had a brewed!) coffee in the parks open air restaurant (i eat or drink there something every day). Escaped the heat by watching the news in my hotelroom (Netan Yahoo is acting weird in the american congress). To the mall to see another movie (Unfinished business (nice but not spectecular)). Beer at the local food place.
Anything positive? Yes: foot is getting better (not painless yet though) and shoulder slowly getting less painfull too.
Can i be honest? The days are empty without M. Miss you. Perhaps Boracay will give my mind some rest. Plan to go there by monday's night ferry from Batangas. See you all later...
23:00 H This is pathetic: live music ... well, one guitar player playing so out of tune that i put in my ear plugs (he can't see!) and everybody staring in every direction but his... ouch ... it really hurts.
Woke up round 8.00, but stayed in bed long. Another great breakfast. Went to M's church (Catholic), where i met a lot of her friends (again). After the service we had food there. Very cosy i must say.
Went by train to Asakusa, the touristic area of Tokyo. For 100 yen you could have your future predicted (on a small piece of paper that is). I shouldn't have, coz it was misery all over (in such a situation you leave the paper behind, tightened to a fence (and so i did)).
Then to the Skytree (in 2012 the highest building in the world (then came Abu Dabi)). We went up to the 31st floor, but fog all over, so nothing to be seen. I thought of another F-word that sounds a bit like "fog". Nice experience though.
On the way back we got a phone call from Joanna. She invited us for a little diner in het bar ("The Lighthouse"), and so we did. When the karaoke started again i felt like "lets go home". Half an hour later we did. Cuddled and watched some tv before going to bed.
03/02
Rose early, since had to catch the train to Mt. Fuji. First the normal train (during rush hour that's quit an effort). Too early at Tokyo Central, so time to have breakfast. 10.00 train to Odawara and the bus from there to Hakone at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
We could not check in in the hotel, so ... stored our lugage there and went to the big viewpoint by rope train (Kabel baan). Great Views ...
but unfortunately Mt. Fuji was covered in clouds. Luckily we had been able to see it in the sun when we arrived by train.
A little boat trip after that (I love boat trips). Hard time not to fall asleep though. Warm boat after a cold walk, early rise... you know.
At 16.00 check in in the hotel (Prince Hotel). Well, i can tell you: at this moment i'm not a low budget backpacker, but an incredible luxury tourist being completely spoiled my M. Will never be able to return this favor.
Had a nice bath in a very, very hot Jacuci (good for my painfull shoulder (oh, yeah got that shoulder after a fall from the bike on the way to church)). Now updating blog in the most luxureous hotel room i have ever been in. Laterz. Diner is at 19.30, so... need to shave (and put on my jeans ... hihihi).
And what a diner it was. I think i know most of the japanese kitchen by now. It's lovely (and expensive, but hey ... special it was). Took another jacuci bath after diner. Feeling warm inside and outside now.
Can't sleep though. Laterz.
Slept well later on.
03/03
Woke up and rose at 8.00 Luxury breakfast (of course) in the hotel. Out for sightseeing now. Bus from 15.00H back to Adowara. From there the bullet train to Tokyo.
Took a taxi drive in the environment of the hotel. Saw Mt. Fuji, between the clouds and lots of geo thermal sources (with horrible sulfide smell). Very nice tour though. Once more evidence of how I'm spoiled here. ;-).
Took the 13.00h bus to Adowara and the bullet train to Tokyo from there. Nice experience ... and it's fast!
Back in Funabashi we spend the late afternoon and the evening snacking, nice spaghetti marinara, and seeing documentaries, while cuddling on the couch. Feeling sad, since it's the last evening for a while. (Next time it's Schiermonnikoog.)
Slept good, but woke up really early (had to).
03/04
Rose at 5, took a cab to the metro train at 5.30, trained to Narita Airport and arrived there at 7. Cecked in and ... said goodbey for the time being. Not going describe the feelings of that moment, sorry. Gonna miss her terribly though. That I can tell ya.
Now waiting for my flight to MNL at the gate. Laterz.
Flight went smooth. Took a long time to get here in the Slouch Hat (hotel) again. Slow buses, traffic jam, overcrowded RLT trains and a painfull foot. Glad Im here.'
Checking M's messages now.
Ate in the park ... M on my mind ... back to my hotel(letje!). Shower, answering all email. Takes ages. (Slow PC and slow connection). Also booked the ferry for my 2nd visit to Boracay.
Guess i will sleep well, however... Laterz.
Did sleep well, but dreamt of M.
03/05
Woke up at 8, rose at 9. made the necessary prints for the trip to Bocaray on the 9th. Coffee and a nice chat with Aussie Graham in the hotel. Checked email and sent one to ASML, to let them know i am available as of the 1st of june, if all goes like planned.
Bought a breakfast at the 7 eleven and ate it in Rizal park. Watched tv in the afternoon and fell asleep again.
Went to the SM (Super Mall) at 4. Bought a ticket for "Focus" (movie with Will Smith). Ate a little and saw the movie. Nice one, but would be nicer to see it with M. Walked back to the Hotel area, sipped a beer at the local food place. Now in the lounge of the hotel, updating blog and about to publish week 36.
M has been on my mind all day. Miss her terribly.
03/06
Slept good, Gonna visit two old spanish colonial buildings 2 km's away from here. Good exercise for my infected heel as well (i hope), but first .. breakfast. Laterz.
Went to the park to eat breakfast (a very nice local burger), then bought two books for 40 PHP (Euro 0,80) at the mall. Never saw the colonial buildings. Went back to the park to read. Watched the tele in hotel (to escape the heat).
At the end of the afternoon i went back to the mall, to eat and to watch another movie (Chappie, nice one; same writer as district 9). Sipped a beer at the local food place. Updating blog in hotels lounge now.
Still miss M. Won't change. Don't want it to change either. Laterz.
03/07
Repeated yesterday: Breakfast with a burger added with a banana and a chocolte drink from the 7 eleven, Read in the park (had a brewed!) coffee in the parks open air restaurant (i eat or drink there something every day). Escaped the heat by watching the news in my hotelroom (Netan Yahoo is acting weird in the american congress). To the mall to see another movie (Unfinished business (nice but not spectecular)). Beer at the local food place.
Anything positive? Yes: foot is getting better (not painless yet though) and shoulder slowly getting less painfull too.
Can i be honest? The days are empty without M. Miss you. Perhaps Boracay will give my mind some rest. Plan to go there by monday's night ferry from Batangas. See you all later...
23:00 H This is pathetic: live music ... well, one guitar player playing so out of tune that i put in my ear plugs (he can't see!) and everybody staring in every direction but his... ouch ... it really hurts.
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