Wednesday, August 5: Buses, Buses, Buses!!!

One of the few things I actually didn't like about the Philippines was its lack of infrastructure and accessible transportation (obviously I've been spoiled by my time in Korea), meaning that when you wanna travel it takes a long, long time. This was our dilemma as we parted from Malapasca Island. In order to arrive at Moalboal, our next destination and near the south coast of Cebu, at anywhere near a respectable hour, we decided to depart from Malapasca on the 6:30am bangka. Early, I know, but it had to be done. 8-9 hours later (30 minutes to shore, 5 hours by bus to Cebu, 10 minute taxi between bus terminals, then another 3 hour bus ride to Moalboal), we arrived near our destination. Now anywhere else that much transportation would be pretty penny, but since it was the Philippines we paid 10 bucks (2, 2, 3, and 3, respectively). The funny thing is you get used to the really cheap prices and throw a shit fit over having to pay 5 bucks for a 3 hour bus ride instead of 3 bucks by the end of your trip. Nothing too crazy to report from the bus ride. My legs hurt from 8 hours of being driven into the seat in front of me, which I expected. Jamie nearly wandered off onto a jeepney going in who knows what direction, but that was also expected. Overall, the trip went incredibly quickly given all we had to see. Hell, I probably could have spent another 8-9 hours staring at all the fields, rice patties, valleys, mountains, villages, etc.

Now on to Moalboal. Now, Moalboal itself was not where we intended to stay, and with good reason. It was run down, dumpy, dirty and had absolutely nothing to do. Our true destination were the resorts and beaches outside of town, alongside the coast. We just had to get there. Time to call on the Bat Bike. Or that's what it felt like. This was my first time taking the motorcycle with passenger side car mode of transportation, but I liked it. I couldn't help but feel like Burt Ward (Robin actor from the original Batman TV show for you non-nerds) racing to combat crime, even though my knees were again smashing into the wall in front, the bike was only going about 10 mph in order to navigate the massive potholes, and I didn't have a weird, homo erotic relationship with my Batman, the middle aged Filipino driver (yet). Soon we arrived at Panagsama Beach, where all the resorts are situated. Our driver quickly directed us to a fairly nice resort, and we quickly scooped up the room when we found that all the nice amenities came for only 22 bucks a night (and we shared a room, so it came to 11 bucks a person). Again, the pictures will do a better job of showcasing what we had to work with. For 22 bucks a night, we had a single bed and double, tiled floor with fans and AC, nice bathroom, electricity 24 hours a day, a cozy little balcony, a pool across the street and the resort's restaurant/bar across the street as well. Not bad at all. After taking it all in, we moved to the restaurant/bar for some much needed refreshments and who should we meet but Graham, our old buddy.

Well, not really old buddy. Graham was a tourist who we happened to chat with at breakfast one day while still in Malapasca. He is originally from Scotland, but has been teaching English in Turkey for the last 12 years. Given how much we teachers in Korea hate our jobs on certain days, we are always curious about pay, working conditions, etc. for English teachers in other countries. He was on vacation with 2 fellow British Isle teacher buddies working in Istanbul and their Turkish friend. Jamie was in heaven, finding some true blue Brits after a year of associating with primarily dirty Americans in which to talk about British things, like British bands that no American has ever heard of (probably with good reason), cricket, rugby, and snooker (a crazy British billards-like game). Exciting. They also enjoyed making fun of my improper English ("Hey Eric, what do you call the stuff you put on a sandwich with jam?" "What, peanut budder?" "No, I think you mean peanut butt-er. hahahahaha" ouch, that hurts). I was most interested in the teaching situation in Istanbul. The group really seemed to enjoy working in Istanbul, as 2 had been in Istanbul for 12 years and were married, while the other had been there for 3 years and was planning on staying. In general, their job situation seemed to be the same in regards to the job, the pay, the vacation, and the living arrangements in the country. However, it did sound like Istanbul is more open and accepting of foreigners than Korea, at least at this point. Both Jamie and I were very interested in giving it a shot, Jamie possibly next year and myself further down the road. Regardless, they offered to hook us up with jobs were we to ever try Turkey. Not a bad fall back plan, if I do say so. Kicks the shit out of "Uhhhhhh, I don't know. Live in my parents basement?" as an option if I didn't get the Seoul job. Not surprisingly we spent the rest of the evening playing pool and drinking at the bars nearby. It's hard, but somebody's gotta do it and then brag to their friends back home about it. Have no fear, I will be that guy.

Pics: Album 1, Pictures 66-83 (Resort pics attached to next post)