And Now it Ends

Travel from Buenos, Aires Argentina to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Well today I headed home to Riyadh. My flight was not until later in the day and I did not have to leave the hotel until about 1400 so I slept in, then went for breakfast (another wonderful breakfast), then finished packing and then headed down the street....to get a pedicure. It seemed like the thing to do. It was an interesting experience because none of the ladies in the place spoke English, but we managed our way through and I got a really cheap pedicure...and an even cheaper manicure.

Eventually I had to go the airport. I tried to upgrade my flight but it turns out they couldn't do it at the check-in desk. However they could eventually do it on the plane. So I spent the flight from Buenos Aires to Rio in economy and then got moved to Business class for the flight to Dubai. I spent 15 hours drinking champagne and watching movies and not thinking about having to go back to work in a few days.

What can I say, it was an absolutely amazing trip. Just out of this world amazing. So many people and places and experiences. Always hard to have the holiday end.

But of course when one ends, that just means it's time to start planning the next trip.....it may already be in the works.

Julie

It Always had to End....but not just yet.

Travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Well it is getting to be that time. That time I have to end my trip and head back to Riyadh. Today got me one step closer. I left Mendoza first thing in the morning (0600), heading back to Buenos Aires. I had decided that since I only had one day left I was staying in a nice hotel in a nice area. I found the Hotel Club Frances (The French Club) online and it seemed to fit all my needs. I had dropped a suitcase off to them before I left Buenos Aires the first time so had an idea that the online ratings were correct but I would soon find out for myself.

After my quick flight and the taxi from the airport, I arrived at the Hotel Club Frances....it was only 0830 so figured I would just drop my bag at the front desk and check-in later. Lucky for me though, not only was my room ready, but my left suitcase was up there waiting for me. I was also invited to have breakfast that morning as well. So I quickly settled in and then was down for breakfast. Now I have to say, I have had plenty of included hotel breakfasts, but this was probably one of the best.....ever. All kinds of yummy pastry and muffins and fresh squeezed orange juice and omelets and bacon. Really hit the spot this morning.

After that I honestly took a nap and then I went out to check a few last minute things. 

My very nice, warm and comfy room. Not as big as the last one but much more comfortable. I would take this bed home with me if I could.

My giant bathroom. This picture does not do it justice but it had more than enough space for a few people.

This is the National Congress Building. 

In the park, with the National Congress Building in the background.

Close up of the National Congress Building. This was actually the only building that I had wanted to take look at that I did not have a chance to on my first visit a few weeks ago.

Not sure what this one is but found it while wandering.

Part of my purpose today was to find the Emirates office to see about upgrading my flight. On this day it was a little expensive but they said it might get cheaper at the airport so would see about doing it tomorrow. Getting there was a bit of an adventure because there was some sort of protest about to start and the streets were being closed off. Lots of police around and even metal detectors so clearly whatever it was, it was planned. I decided not to stay by for too long and headed back to the hotel.

Why is there a picture of my closet? Well because when I got back from walking around, I laid down on my bed, noticed the new chocolates so knew the housekeeper had been in. It took me a bit of sorting around before I realized I was missing some clothes. Turns out housekeeping staff also cleaned up the clothes I left on the bed. I'm certainly not complaining.

Eventually I went out for dinner at a nearby place. Final dinner in Buenos Aires.....and it did not disappoint. I will totally be missing the food in a few days (and clearly the wine).

Tomorrow, I would have to pack my bags and head to the airport. This holiday was finally coming to an end.

Julie

Another Travel Day....With Only a Slight Delay

Travel to Mendoza, Argentina
Friday, March 14th, 2014

Today was another travel day. I would be making my way from Iguassu to Mendoza, Argentina. Like every little flight around here, I had to go through Buenos Aires. I had a relatively early morning flight out of Iguassu. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, I found it pouring rain and pretty much every flight delayed. The domestic airport in Buenos Aires is probably one of the least equipped airports I have been too (for a city this size). Not many places to sit and wait. The restaurants were full. The floor was full and I was tired so it was not a great delay.

Of course, flight delays are always the least of the concerns when on vacation. At least I knew I was getting there eventually.

And eventually I did. It was then a quick taxi ride to my hotel and then I still had time to sort a few things out.

Not sure this room was big enough. Just not enough space. 

Once settled in (you know, unpacking, laundry etc), I headed out to make some plans. I had 4 days planned in Mendoza and had at least a couple things I wanted to do. Of course one is a wine tour (because I'm in wine country) and the other was a visit to the Andes mountains (because I'm close to the Andes). I had been in touch with a few tour companies before I arrived and all their offices were just down the street from my hotel so as I was looking for restaurants I headed out to finalise my days. That did not take long at all.

It was then time for a nice dinner and then to bed. Busy day tomorrow.

Julie

Stepping into a New Country

Travel from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Iguassu, Brazil
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Today was another travel day....and I was so busy travelling I did not even take any pictures. Today I entered Brazil for the first time. My next couple days would be spent exploring the famous Iguassu Falls, that sit on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

It was a very, very early morning. My hotel last night was so nice and comfortable and I would have loved to have slept in but unfortunately I had a very early flight. It was a quick taxi ride to the airport and then a quick flight to Iguassu Argentina. I was met at the airport by a local driver who then drove me (about 30 minutes) to Iguassu Argentina. This is when I got my first experience with the Argentina/Brazil border. Basically, I sat in the car while the driver took my passport in to get stamped......super easy.

At about 0800 (yes, 8am....I told you it was an early flight), I arrived at my hotel. I met Eduardo, who will be my guide for the next couple of days. He gave me a couple ideas of things to check out, where to find food and money etc. Today I had nothing planned which was good for a couple reasons. First, I was really tired so upon my arrival I slept for a couple hours. The second was that it was really, really hot and humid....and I needed some clothes. So after sleeping for a few hours I went out to check a few things out. 

My first task was some Brazilian cash. That turned out to be a bit harder than expected. Finding a functioning bank machine took some walking and the exchange offices wouldn't take US dollars. Eventually I found one but I got a good look at the neighbourhood. Not the best location and in very close proximity to the Paraguay border and the favelas (shantytowns). Eduardo had warned me to stay on certain streets and not be out after dark. Apparently a lot of smuggling comes in from Paraguay (drugs, arms etc.) and since I have no need to find trouble, I followed his suggestions.

I did however need to find some clothes. Lucky for me I found a nice second hand shop down the road, with cheap shirts and shorts. Even lucked out finding someone who spoke English, so the girls helped me out finding a few things. I think I under estimated how humid it would be so was happy to find a cheap shop.

I discovered pretty quickly that there is also a large Muslim population in the area around my hotel. Meant I didn't have to walk very far to find some super good shawarma.

It ended up being a pretty early night for me but I did not mind at all. Had a full day planned tomorrow and would get my first glimpse of the famous falls.

Julie 

Travel Day

Travel from El Chalten to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Monday, March 10, 2014

Today was a travel day, which meant not much went on at all. First, I had to catch the bus back to El Calafate. It was a very early bus, and my first little hiccup of my trip occurred on this morning. The driver who was supposed to pick me up and take me to the bus station, did not show up.....or showed up late. I got a little worried so decided to make the 7.5 minute walk instead.....got there in plenty of time to catch the bus.

3 hours later I arrived back in El Calafate. My flight to Buenos Aires was later in the day so I had a few hours to kill. Aerolinas Argentina had made a change to my flight. The switched my arrival airport from the domestic airline to the international airline. Problem was I had an early departure from the domestic airline and did not want the extra cab ride in-between. When I arrived in El Calafate I decided I would stop into the office to see what they could do. They ended up changing my flight....and upgrading me to business class as well. What it meant is that I left El Calafate earlier and arrive back in Buenos Aires much, much earlier.

Anyway, I still has some time so went for a hot chocolate and then for a quick lunch and a beer before heading to the airport.

A nice little local beer to finish my time in Patagonia.

Looking out at the lake as I wait for my plane.

That's my plane.......last moments before boarding.

I had decided that I had enough time between flights now that I didn't want to stay in the airport so booked a nice hotel close to the airport. Upon arrival I had a quick dinner and then settled in nicely for a few hours sleep. I would be back at the airport first thing in the morning and ready to cross the border.

Julie

Back on the Road

Travel from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, Argentina
Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Well, after my days in Antarctica and Buenos Aires with the posse, it was time for me to get back on the road. Jeff was the best host, but he actually was heading to Mexico for work in a few days so it was time I got moving. And as I mentioned Vanessa and Jason were also heading back home, so I set out on my own to see a bit more of Argentina.

 I had to take a picture of this because this is the entry way/elevator door to Jeff's apartment. Made me smile and think of clowns every time I was waiting for the elevator.

My next destination was back South to Patagonia and specifically to El Calafate. To help with the planning I used Gadventures to book a couple independent tours for me. Basically what it means is they book all the hotels and transportation and guides but I'm not travelling with anyone. Made it nice and easy for me but also gave me quite a bit of flexibility and freedom to do what I wanted.

Leaving Jeff's place I wandered out to the street to find a taxi. It took a bit of waiting but I had plenty of time so didn't complain too much. There was a bit of an issue because the driver did not speak much English and needed to tell me that I had to pay an extra charge because the airport was outside the "city". He found another driver though and once we were on the same page we headed to the airport. 

It was a rather uneventful flight as I expected. On arrival, it didn't take long outside the airport though to be reminded that I was a little farther south again and the weather would be a bit chillier. Not to worry though because I obviously have a few warm clothing items with me. I actually did leave a suitcase of stuff in Buenos Aires at the hotel I will be staying on the night before I fly back to Riyadh. Everything was nicely washed and sorted out so those things I would not be actually be needing were not weighing my backpack down. 

When I arrived in El Calafate I was picked up at the airport and delivered to the front door of my hotel. 

My hotel for a couple nights.

The view from across the street from my hotel. So pretty.

After my very early morning, mostly I took a nap on my arrival and then headed into town to check it out. Many things in the town actually close at 1230 and then re-open at 1600 or 1700 (just like in Riyadh actually) so there was no point me going out when I first arrived. El Calafate is a small place, around 32,000 people.....although that can change with the seasons. My hotel was within walking distance of pretty much everywhere, although there was a big hill in the way. I had nothing exciting planned on this day so just grabbed some dinner and then headed back to my hotel.

It was a pretty early night but tomorrow I would be off to see a very famous Argentinian tourist spot.

Julie

Time to Head North Again

Travel from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Friday, February 28th, 2014

Well on the last day of February it was time to say goodbye to Ushuaia and head back to Buenos Aires. Vanessa had a flight earlier in the day but we already had plans to meet back up with her. Jason (who was Jeff's roommate on the ship) was also already back in B.As so we would be meeting up with him at some point as well. But Jeff and I didn't fly out until later so we had the chance to see a few last minute things.

Mostly we just wandered our way down towards the water, did some shopping and Jeff was trying to find the Toyota dealership so he could look at his new vehicle (well not the exact one but you get what I mean). We didn't find the dealership but found a few other things along the way.

This is a time capsule. If Google translate is correct, it contains 6 laser discs with television shows from October to December 1992. The scheduled opening year is 2492. I wonder what people in 2492 will think of 1992 us based on our television.

Wine and church. They go together, right?

This translates to " Prohibited mooring English pirates ships". You will still find some (and sometimes a lot) of animosity towards the British over the Falklands War in 1982. 

In case you are not familiar with the Falklands conflict, it took place over about 10 weeks in 1982 over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Argentina asserted (and maintains to this day) that the islands are Argentinian territory, so the Argentine government viewed actions as reclaiming their territory. The British government regarded the action as an invasion of a territory that has been theirs since 1841. Falkland Islanders are said to favour British sovereignty as they are mostly descendants of British settlers. Relations between the United Kingdom and Argentina were restored in 1989 however, neither country has made a change in their positions in regards to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. In 1994, Argentina's claim to the territories was added to its constitution. There are a lot of monuments and information around the city about the Falklands Conflict but it is not something you want to discuss with the the locals.

The distance to a few other places from here.

I'm glad I didn't have to go to Antarctica in a raincoat....but hanging with that penguin would have been cute.

Yes, there there is a mountain nearby named after my niece.

Over looking Ushuaia.

Jeff was very excited to find the Southern most Geek Shop (his words not mine) in the world.

The Southern Most Arab Restaurant in the world.....yes we're still on that Southern most kick. Won't get to say that much longer.

Eventually we had to head back to the airport where we ran back into Shuri. He had an interesting story to tell. One of the guys on the ship had suggested that he hitchhike to some nearby locations. Turns out that wasn't as safe as this guy has let on and Shuri was actually robbed (well attempted) at knife-point. Lucky Shuri was able to depend himself and got away unharmed....and with most of his stuff but as you can imagine he was a little shaken up.

Upon arrival to Buenos Aires, the three of us headed back to Jeff's place. Shuri had a hostel booked, but not until tomorrow night and after the whole knife thing I think he was looking forward to spending the night among friends. 

My first priority was laundry.....getting all the penguin poop off my stuff so I could get my winter stuff packed away. I really like the laundry rack at Jeff's place. Jeff on the other hand was leaving his laundry....because his maid would be here in a few days.

Dinner time!!! Jeff, Shuri and I headed to the Japanese place around the corner for dinner. I have to say I enjoyed eating at a Japanese restaurant with someone from Japan (Shuri). He was pretty impressed with it all. And we ate good on this night.

Tomorrow we would head out and see the city.

Julie

Holy Upgrade and the Start of the Trip of a Lifetime

Travel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Buenos Aires, Argentina,
Friday, February 14th, 2014

So you might remember that a year ago on Valentine's Day I started my trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Fitting that this year on Valentine's Day I began this year's big adventure. It started with a 26 hour trip from Riyadh to Argentina. A few days before my trek began I received a nice email from Emirates Airlines offering me an upgrade to business class, for not that much more money. I took another look at my itinerary and the 19 hour trip from Dubai to Rio de Janerio to Buenos Aires and decided having a nice lay flat seat and champagne on demand was worth the extra costs.

This pretty much sums up my entire flight. When you get on the plane and the offer you juice or champagne..... I made it clear to the girls the answer was always champagne (until meal times and then I would pair whatever wine went with my dinner). I will never be able to fly economy again, just for reference.

For roughly the 26ish hours it took me to get to Buenos Aires, I combined sleeping, eating, drinking and attempting to watch movies (which mostly turned into sleeping). I had to get off the plane for about an hour in Rio de Janerio (so they could re-fuel and supply and clean etc. ) and then we were back on our way to Buenos Aires.

I arrived there pretty much on schedule for what would turn into 5 pretty indescribable weeks....but I will describe them...here on my blog.

Stay tuned....I have a school break coming up soon.

Julie

Travel Time.......Again

Travel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Amman, Jordan
Friday, December 27th, 2013 and Saturday, December 28th, 2013

I mentioned in my Christmas posts that I had another week off work and was spending that time in Jordan. I decided a few months ago that I wasn't spending New Year's in Riyadh, and most people were heading home or had to work the holidays so I decided to find some place to go. Jordan has always been high on my list of places to visit while in the Middle East and I had looked at tours before, but they never seemed to fit into my schedule. But this time it fit perfectly so I quickly signed up for an 8 day highlights tour of Jordan with G-Adventures. Flights were not overly cooperative so I decided to fly in the night before the tour started and then I could relax all of the next day.

Jordan has always interested me. Of course like many people I wanted to recreate the scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when they first got a glimpse of the Treasury at Petra (you remember, where the holy grail was hidden). The history in this country is so interesting. There is such a combination of confirmed documented history, folklore and biblical tails. Regardless of what is true or not true or what you believe or don't believe the place is pretty amazing.

I was a little concerned about the weather on this trip. The whole middle east has been experiencing a cold spell and Jordan was experiencing more snow than they have seen in a good long time but it didn't stop me. I just made sure to pack more warm stuff than you would normally think about. Not to mention that fact that we would be spending a couple days/nights in the desert and even in the summer, it cools down a lot at night so I went prepared.

The trip to Jordan was pretty uneventful, just a short flight, quick run through the airport and then it was off to the hotel. It was dark by the time I arrived so didn't get a chance to look at much....although I could see the remains of what was a record snowfall. A quick walk around the block to find some water gave me a quick reminder that I was no longer in Saudi Arabia (they sell beer everywhere) and then I had a  good nights sleep.

Saturday I slept in a bit as there was nothing I really needed to do.....like at all. When I did wander out of the hotel my first chore was to find some more Jordanian cash.....then shawarma. At 1800 (6pm) I met up with the rest of my tour group and our tour guide. We took care of all the initial introductions and paperwork and then we were off to find some dinner.

It didn't take long to figure out that our guide Ayman was going to make sure we experienced everything he thought was awesome in Jordan. The group of us hopped into a few cabs and what not and headed to Hashem Restaurant. Now the menu consists of nothing but bread, hummus, foul (usually fava beans, tahini, olive oil and such. Very middle eastern but a little different depending on what country you're in) and falafel but I assure you it is so good and really cheap. I have really developed a love for hummus but this is probably the best I've ever had.......and dinner cost like 1 USD so who can complain about that? It was then to another lively spot for a few drinks before heading back to the hotel. Sunday we would head out and start seeing the sights.

Julie

A Little Island Get-Away

El Rio y Resort, Palawan, Philippines
Thursday, September 12th to Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

My long hot summer is finally over and it was time for me to head out on vacation. I hadn't had a single day off (without being at work or on call) since my dive trip in July so as you could imagine I was really ready to turn my work phone off and ignore my emails for a few days.

I had been hashing around ideas in my head for months where I was going to spend my birthday but mostly decided that it wouldn't be here in Riyadh. I went through a lot of scenarios from Spain, to South France to Egypt to Jordan but after some conversations with Debi it was decided I would head to the Philippines and meet up with her there. It is a relatively quick and easier trip for her (a little less so for me but that's ok) and since it's been more than 2 years since we've seen each other we thought we better take the chance while we could. Scott unfortunately couldn't make it but that's ok...we turned it into a girls holiday.

While Deb and I have slightly different traveling styles, we agreed that we would hit a resort somewhere. We also agreed that we would avoid the high commercial areas (Boracay is where most tourists go, but we wanted some peace and quiet) so we looked at some places on Palawan Island. I work with a lot of Filipinos here in Riyadh and when I told them I was heading to Palawan they always went "oooh, it's so nice there". I guess that's where they go to relax. I found a nice little resort that was not too pricey and looked pretty and most importantly served cocktails at anytime of the day.

My trip to Manila was long. I had a 6 hour lay over in Dubai. At first I thought about heading to the mall for a bit but decided against it as I just couldn't put in the effort. Instead I killed about 5 hours at the champagne bar and then made my way to my gate. The flight to Manila was very long but I was happy we arrived a few minutes early. Once on the ground in Manila the real fun began. I had a very short amount of time between when I landed and when I needed to be checked-in for the short domestic flight to Palawan....about 45 minutes and in that time I needed to get off the plane, get through immigration, collect my luggage, get through customs and change terminals. Everything at first seemed to go well. I worked my way to the front of the plane and got off quickly, walked right up to immigration and was through in about 45 seconds and then got to the baggage carousel and I waited....and waited......and waited. Debi had arrived a few hours before me and was already at the check-in counter for the other flight. We were talking by cell phone through the whole thing. I was freaking out because there was only one flight to Palawan that day and I really didn't want to miss it. Finally at about 0735 my bag arrive. I now had 10 minutes to get to the next terminal and make the 0745 check-in cut off. Debi of course during all this had been talking to people at the check in desk and I was running to catch a taxi. Yes a taxi, because you actually have to leave the airport to get to the the other terminal......it is about a 10 minute drive with minimal traffic....so of course there was all kinds of traffic. The taxi driver knew I was in a hurry and did all he could.

Debi in the meantime had sweet talked one of the ladies at the check-in counter and they actually checked me into the flight without me being there. So when I arrived at the airport, I quickly went through security and ran to the check-in counter to drop of my bag. I had to move some things around (I bought some duty free stuff that could not go carry on to my next flight), paid for my overweight luggage (you only get 10kg on domestic flights with Philippine airlines), and we then rushed our way to the boarding gate.....where our flight was slightly delayed. We took the extra moments to actually hug and take a few deep breaths after the little transfer adventure.

Looking out the window on our flight. The Philippines is actually made up of a few hundred little islands. It was a very pretty little flight.

Eventually we got on the little plane and headed off. Once we arrived in Palawan, we quickly gathered our luggage and then found our ride.

The little Palawan airport.

Debi sitting on the baggage carousel as we waited for our luggage. Everything had to be hand carried off the plane.

It was a 30 minute van ride, followed by a 30 minute boat ride to the resort. We were very happy to be greeted with snacks on the boat....we were a bit hungry. On arrival we were greeted with tropical drinks and a song. After a quick briefing about the resort we were escorted to our room.

The water taxi after a very bumpy ride from the airport to the dock.

It was a nice and relaxing 30 minute ride through some mangroves and going past coastal villages. So much fun.

Nothing like a welcome song......

......and some welcome drinks. A great start to our vacation.

A sample of that welcome song.

A quick unpacking and change into our suits and it was off to enjoy the resort.

Our little cabana for the days we were here. They gave us an upgrade due to some construction at the resort and the low vacancy (our entire time at the resort there were never more than 4 or 5 other guests).

The view from our cabana. On the right of the screen is the little floating barg where you can get a massage. On the left is where we landed and where they have a very nice bar.

Our room. It was really nice.

The pool area. Also very nice. 

The beach.

US!

This is out by that water bar. Lots of places to relax and since the resort was empty we never had to worry about having too many people around.

Looking back at the beach and the cabanas from the bar.

We got to watch lots of little boats go by. Very nice and relaxing I assure you.

The bar.....well stocked.

In case you are wondering, September isn't really high tourist season in the Philippines (still a bit wet and rainy), which is why it was so empty. We managed to have a real mix of weather while we were here. Lots of sun, a little rain, clear nights. It was perfect. I mentioned the bar was open all day long. It only closed from about 4pm to 5pm when the power was shut down.......no fruity drinks then. The rest of the time we enjoyed some great mango drinks (imagine mango in a blnder thinned with a little rum....so good.)

Great view of the sunset.

Enjoyed more than a few of these.

Hmmm....so relaxing.

Our second day at the resort Debi and I decided we would just stick to the resort, change up vantage points and enjoy some good food. We got sun pretty much the entire day so it was great.

Debi ventured out on the paddle board.

I opted for the kayak.

Relaxing by the pool. So nice to never have to fight for a place to sit.

We enjoyed more than a few of these. Great little beer. Best part was the price. Being at a isolated resort we paid slightly higher prices than other places but they we still like 2 CAD a bottle.

Steamed crab anyone? All meals were included in the resort cost and I must say we never went hungry. When the resort is a little bit fuller they have a buffet but with so few of us we had an Al-a-carte menu to order from. But even within that they were pretty flexible. This crab was really good.

The next couple days we got a real mix of weather, and a little bit more rain than we would have liked. However the rain let up long enough for us to do a little island excursion. We hopped aboard a little boat and went to visit a couple more little islands for some snorkeling and relaxation.

Our little boat out. Not a dry ride at all but totally ok.

The first little island we stopped at.

Nice soft sandy beach for us to hang out on.

Yes, I had my underwater camera so got a few pictures.

This is the second island we were at. We had to swim to it as it was too rocky and shallow for the boat but nice and soft sand when we got there.

A little climbing success.

Even with the rain, it was a nice warm day.

Oh no.....watch out for that star fish.

Good thing they don't bite.

It was a little cold on the ride back but we managed to get there before the rain moved back in.

A very nice couple we met at the resort going for a little sail. They unfortunately headed out when the worst rain hit but that didn't stop them.

We did some kayaking again before the rain hit too.

Of course we were in the Philippines to celebrate my birthday and celebrate we did on our final night.

Opening my presents from Debi and Scott. I'm told Scott picked out my new purse, decorated with some beautiful Aboriginal Art from Australia. While not my actual birthday (this was the 16th) we celebrated like it was.

Wouldn't be a party without some champagne. I carried this bottle from duty free in Dubai so we could enjoy it at the resort. 

This is Ian and Rebecca, that great couple I spoke of earlier. We met them the first night at the resort and tended to spend our evening together. They are currently livinging my neck of the woods (Dubai) and were also here for a nice vacation. We had a lot of fun together.

Debi and I after some champagne and a few appetizers.

Ian eventually got behind the bar (actually on several occasions in the evening).

Debi and Rebecca.

After the pre-dinner drinks we headed to eat (another great meal) before moving on to the night's highlight.......

Karokee!!!!!! Now we were only supposed to have about 45 minutes of singing, but they let us go well into the night before finally shutting us down (other people were sleeping plus all the batteries in the microphones died). So then we moved back to the bar.

Of course there were some shots.

It really was a fun night!!!

The morning of the 17th arrived and although it was my birthday and we were still celebrating, we were leaving the resort so it was a bit sad too.

My special birthday breakfast...pre-arranged by Debi....and with a cake. I probably have not mentioned yet how nice everyone at the resort was. Just so amazing and happy and just so very nice. Waffles and cake were the perfect breakfast for me.

But eventually we had to leave. Saying goodbye to everyone was a bit sad. We took the short flight back to Manila where we had one more night before Debi had to head home.

I took care of the hotel booking in Manila because I was going to be there a night on my own. I went with the Fairmont Makati, partially because of it's proximity to shopping and partially because all the pictures were so nice. I think it was a good choice. Once checked in Debi and I made some arrangements for a bottle of wine and some in room massages.

The wine came with some free cake. Pretty much everyone who worked for the hotel knew it was my birthday and I was greeted with a "Happy Birthday Mam" everywhere we went.

Enjoying the wine and cake waiting for the massages.

Now those in room hour long massages cost us about 500 Philippine peso.....which is around 12 CAD. So cheap and so nice. We then went out for dinner before checking out the hotel spa.

Dressed up to go out.

Ok so we also made a stop at the lobby bar for a couple drinks.

The mineral spa in the hotel......it's ok as guests we're allowed to use it whenever we want.

The next morning Debi had to fly home. I spent the day getting lost in the giant mall across the street. It was a really nice trip and a great place to meet up with Debi. 

Anyone thinking about heading the to Philippines I would totally recommend it. I certainly will be back.

Julie