The Philippines- El Nido!

Hey everyone!!! Well it's a bout 2 weeks overdue, but I got back from my vacation to the Philippines! Wow Oh my gas range was it ever amazing! 

Like I stated in my post before my vacation, my friend and I went to El Nido and Puerto Princessa, smaller (but still popular) beach towns on the western Filipino island of Palawan. We began our vacation with one night and a 1/2 day in Puerto Princessa. It rained the first two days...but that didn't deeter our moods and stop us from having a good time. On the afternoon of the 1/2 day we caught a van to El Nido- the true paradise of Palawan. Once we arrived there after a 5 hour rainy journey through the mountains in a hot stuffy van...we were NOT DISAPPOINTED! ^_^

The water was so crystal clear blue/aqua green, The beaches long and white,and the inland was so tropical and lush. I spent the 5 days there with my friend (and fellow young travelers we met there). The other travelers were from thailand, a Filipino couple on their Honeymoon, and actually 2 Native Korean girls and 2 fellow English teachers working in Korea. None of us knew each other but when we all met we clicked very nicely :) 

We all spent 3 of my 5 days in El Nido together swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, beach time, exploring the inland via scooters, and of course fun nights out. Seeing both the smaller islands, corals and tropical fish, and also the inland were each uniquely beautiful. It was so amazing to be able to experience such natural beauty. And the native people there were so genuinely kind and open. Surprisingly they spoke good english and I got to chat with a lot of them and hear their stories/share mine. Exploring the quiet and quaint streets, restaurants, and cheap massage parlors was so nice when getting such hospitable and kind service. Good and cheap food eaten- Veggie Banana Curry, Avocado Tuna Salad, THE BEST Calamari and grilled Squid, and the list could go on Also, my friend and I went to the market every day bought loads of whole pineapples, mangos, bananas, dragon fruit, and avocados which we snacked on during our trip. So juicy and good! OMG!!!

Banana Curry

Not only did I spend time enjoying the adventure, cuisine, and nature...but also had some good reflecting time. Ya know, the people there have so little...yet they are so happy. They live simple honest hard working lives and slowly take every moment of the day in and appreciate their world.. It was a gift to see how truly simple their lives are...and what I am going to strive to start doing- cut down my consumption of goods, and see everyday as a gift thus enjoying it as much as able.

I highly recommend every spirited traveler to visit El Nido to experience the tranquility and peacefulness of it's beaches and the people who call it home.

As always, Peace and Love.