Leaving Boracay

Our holiday at Boracay has come to an end. Today we had to leave. We got a ride by the hotel open minivan to the harbor. Someone came and picked up our bags before the car even came to a stop. Then, when we got onto the boat they wanted money for it, of course.

Chie on boat to Caticlan 20070507_IMG_6351.png

One of the people working at the hotel joined us all the way with the boat and the short trip from where we stranded with the boat to the airport. We gave him and the guy helping him carrying the bags some tip. Then we entered the airport.

Although the airport was small it was still kind of unorganized. First we had to pass a security check to get into the airport. Then check in. Then pay the airport fee. Then show the tickets and payed airport fee recites to get into the waiting hall. A hall for about 60-100 people for all gates (maybe 3 gates totally). Then the two different airline companies had their own loud speakers where they announced the flights. Usually at the same time so it was impossible to hear what they said.

Our flight was never called. And our departure time came and went. Finally I had enough of waiting and asked someone and they told me it was delayed. Eventually, about an hour late, we could board. First, out of the waiting hall and across the area where the planes are parked. Then up into the airplane, a small Fokker twin turbo prop.

After taxiing out on the runway the pilots set full throttle and waited to build up the turbine pressure I guess. Then they released the breaks and we were shot forward. I guess they have to do it like that because the runway was kind of short.

35 minutes later we landed in Manila. Took a coupon taxi to the Pan Pacific hotel. And got ready to go to a department store that Chie wanted to visit. We told the hotel limousine (its called like that even though it was an ordinary Toyota) driver where to go and off we went. To the wrong place. We found that out after we could not find the store Chie wanted to check. Unfortunately we had not enough time to go to the right department store so instead we went back to the hotel.

Manila Manila

Almost at once we went to a Japanese restaurant in the same building as the hotel. It was great food, but of course not as great as in Japan. Still we enjoyed to eat it.

Japanes restaurant in Manila

After dinner we went back to our room to repack our things and get ready for the departure the next day.