The weather was still shitty and shifty the next day. The rain would stop a bit, and a bit of sunshine would pierce the clouds, then it would drizzle in ten seconds. It was frustrating. So with heavy hearts, we packed our barely opened bags, and left our hotel.
We already were in Guijalo Port. The boat won't leave till 1230pm. It was only 11am. No problem, some of us took our cameras to take pictures, books to read, even a disc to toss, to pass the time. We wrote our name on the manifesto, and paid the terminal fee. Then the rain stopped. And held. There was hope after all. After a brief discussion, we decided to stay another night, beachfront this time. The pickup which dropped us off to our hotel yesterday fetched us. It was a 40-minute bumpy ride through rice fields and muddy roads. Our lodging was a humble and basic hut, but with an eatery which served us hot lunch for only P100 each.
We eagerly wolfed down our lunch and wore our bikinis to go island hopping. We were informed that inspite of the still cloudy skies, the weather was well enough for a half-day trip.
We went to Lahus and Matukad Islands. They're near the mainland, a 20-minute boat ride. We saw Gota Beach from afar, where Survivor Holland will preside in the next few months. The approach to the islets reminded me a bit of Vietnam's Halong Bay, minus the junk boats. Lahus Island is comprised of a wide spread of white sand attaching two limestone walls. We tossed a few disc, started drinking GP, and swam a bit. The water was too rough to swim on one side.
Matukad Island was much friendlier. We climbed a limestone cliff to find a mysterious-looking lagoon. Fishermen kept guard over us as they spread out their nets around the island for the day's catch. Lyra and I made ephemeral art from coral, shell and sea weeds. Lei made a fool of herself trying to lay out and catch a disc mid-air, resulting to belly flops and a whip-lashed neck. Mel took photos with her huge camera, watching bemusedly. LA was faithful in making sure that all of us had a swig of GP every five minutes.
The weather has not gotten any better, in fact, it has grown worse. We were swimming under the rain when the boatman signalled that it was time for us to go. With bluish lips and shivering bodies, we reluctantly went home.
What followed was the most delicious meal in the whole trip. We ate at Angge's restaurant, a set meal for P200 each--chop suey, garlic butter shrimps, grilled squid stuffed with tomatoes and their version of adobong pusit, which was flavored with coconut milk. And the piece de resistance, at least for Lei, who practically wolfed down the whole tin can, dolce de leche. It was a sumptuous spread! We all went home pot-bellied and happy as a horse. Well, except for LA who drank a bit more than intended and felt a bit tipsy. It was all he could do but put his head on the table.
The stars were out! We decided to go for a walk on the beach. It had a slight breeze, which cooled us down and made us all much much better after all that food and drink. It was a good ending to a good day.
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