Cycling from Naval back to Tacloban

Well, I’m back in Tacloban. I decided it made more sense to return here to renew my tourist visa rather than try to reach a different town. I know for a fact that it can be done in Tacloban, and there’s no way to be sure about other places.
On my ride back here, I encountered something new, something to add to the travails of Doug …

Visit to a Cockfighting Arena

Mark, the fellow that runs the sari-sar store and who took me out to his farm on his motorcycle, wasn’t around for a couple of days. Yesterday morning, however, I spotted him at his store – which is at the front of his house – and we had a chance to chat some more. I got a lot of information from him about his life
Mark …

Photos – Naval, Biliran, Philippines

Feeding the Pig at a Local Farm

I’m at my keyboard a bit early this morning – 6 a.m. – because I had/have plans to leave this morning. Unfortunately, another typhoon has formed. This one is headed for Taiwan, but it is still off the coast of the Philippines, and it is large enough that it is cloudy and rainy here. The weather might clear, but chances are it will get worse. …

Random Thoughts on the Philippines

I had intended yesterday to go on to note other characteristics of the Philippines, but I ran out of steam. I’ll continue today.
A big part of daily life in the Philippines is the sari-sari store. These are everywhere since making one involves simply cutting a hole in the wall of the front of your house and installing some chicken wire. Voila, you have a little …

Creatures in the Philippines

Still on the island of Biliran. Still raining. There were downpours last night that I thought would sweep away the building. The rain hits the roof with a deafening sound that builds and builds and builds. This hotel sits on the edge of town and I get beautiful views across green fields into trees and villages and then on to the mountains. The fields are …

The Rice Terraces of Ilyusin

I did return to the same area on my bike yesterday. This time, however, I made sure to have a big breakfast before I left, and that made all the difference to my mood. If there is one rule I should always stick with it is that I should have a full breakfast at the beginning of every day before I get on my bike. …

The Road to Almeria and into the Mountains

I found a new place to have a meal. It was a typical eatery but had actual chairs and tables. That was kind of nice. One thing in my life here is that I often end up sitting on stools and benches and at awkward and rickety plastic tables. It drives me crazy and makes my back really hurt. I’ve never been able to sit …