The Great Caramoan Adventure
If I do not include my time off during the Holy Week, I would have to say that I was not able to really feel the summer break. I spent my April & May alternately in Laguna and Sagada doing seminars where I have to act as both documentor and errand/assistant girl for the facilitators and the participants.
So when my new officemates invited me to join them to their trip to Caramoan, I said YES right away. Without thinking about whether I have the money or not, I let my "kaladkarin self" take over. And since I am not entitled to go on a leave yet, I decided to use my "off-set privileges" and asked my boss if I can be absent for two days so I can join the trip. Thankfully, she was nice enough to let me go.
We rode the improved PNR (Philippine National Railways) from the Espanya station in Manila to Naga. This was actually my first time to ride the PNR. At first, I was hesitant to ride that train because I remembered the PNR to be the dirty train that I see when I go to Tondo with my dad when I was a kid. However, I was actually impressed when I was able to go inside it. Even though, it looks dirty outside (sorry PNR people but the outside of the train really looks dirty and in need of repairs), the inside is nice enough. Its clean, it's spacious and the crew was courteous and helpful.
On our way to Naga, we rode the reclining aircon. Even though we were just sitting down for 10 hours, it was actually comfortable. You would not feel the shaky movement of the train that much. The chairs can be rotated so if you're a big group and you want to pass the time talking (or make sugal which was actually our plan), you can actually rotate the chairs so you can face each other.
On our way back to Manila, we rode the family sleeper. In a cabin, there were four beds; each with their own curtains for privacy. It was also comfortable but you'll really feel the shaky movement of the train. However, since we're all too sleepy and tired from all the swimming we did, everyone was able to sleep soundly.
To reach Caramoan, we still had to travel for 2 hours on a boat from Sabang port in Naga. The trip to the island was a wee bit unpleasant because it was too hot and we were packed like sardines in the boat. It was also a bad time for my ADHD syndrome to kick in. Thankfully, the jokes, the conversations and the funny people on the boat helped us pass the time.
From Guijalo port (the port of Caramoan), we rode a van (tricycles are also an option) to reach the Caramoan town proper. When we arrived in our hotel, we dumped our things, changed to our swimming attire, ate our lunch and went island hopping.
During our first island hopping, we tried to avoid long exposure to the sun. Why?? Because we know we would have more sun exposure the next day. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the sun (the little amount we are willing to take), the sea and the sand.
Our second day in Caramoan started early because we explored more islands. This is also the day when we all got burned by the sun and all the craziness came out. Probably because of too much exposure to the sun, our creativity and our wackiness burst out...how creative and wacky did we get?? Super!!!
and these are the proofs..
Exhibit A. Our version of America's Next Top Model
Exhibit B. These Underwater Shots
I wish I could show you exhibit C already but unfortunately it is still with our director/camera woman/editor. So you better watch out for it. hahaha
Anyway, Caramoan was a beautiful place. The white sand and clear blue water will really make you stay under the scorching sun and get sunburn. But believe me when I say the the sunburn was worth it.
As my officemate titled her Facebook album...it's more fun in Caramoan! it's more fun in the Philippines!
On our way back to Manila, we rode the family sleeper. In a cabin, there were four beds; each with their own curtains for privacy. It was also comfortable but you'll really feel the shaky movement of the train. However, since we're all too sleepy and tired from all the swimming we did, everyone was able to sleep soundly.
To reach Caramoan, we still had to travel for 2 hours on a boat from Sabang port in Naga. The trip to the island was a wee bit unpleasant because it was too hot and we were packed like sardines in the boat. It was also a bad time for my ADHD syndrome to kick in. Thankfully, the jokes, the conversations and the funny people on the boat helped us pass the time.
From Guijalo port (the port of Caramoan), we rode a van (tricycles are also an option) to reach the Caramoan town proper. When we arrived in our hotel, we dumped our things, changed to our swimming attire, ate our lunch and went island hopping.
During our first island hopping, we tried to avoid long exposure to the sun. Why?? Because we know we would have more sun exposure the next day. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the sun (the little amount we are willing to take), the sea and the sand.
Our second day in Caramoan started early because we explored more islands. This is also the day when we all got burned by the sun and all the craziness came out. Probably because of too much exposure to the sun, our creativity and our wackiness burst out...how creative and wacky did we get?? Super!!!
and these are the proofs..
Exhibit A. Our version of America's Next Top Model
Exhibit B. These Underwater Shots
 |
| photos courtesy of Ate Amor |
I wish I could show you exhibit C already but unfortunately it is still with our director/camera woman/editor. So you better watch out for it. hahaha
Anyway, Caramoan was a beautiful place. The white sand and clear blue water will really make you stay under the scorching sun and get sunburn. But believe me when I say the the sunburn was worth it.
As my officemate titled her Facebook album...it's more fun in Caramoan! it's more fun in the Philippines!
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