Mindanao Weekend

Well just when I thought that the Philippines couldn't be any more beautiful I take a trip to Dipolog, Mindanao and discover the wonderful life of the South. Some of you have probably heard that Mindanao is not the safest places to go to ... to be honest there are warnings and notices all the time about staying away from Mindanao because of the situation down there. However, I ended up going with two Filipino girlfriends that knew the owner of the resort and it was located in the North way from the activist. Also, the entire time we were there we had escorts and drivers so we were never left alone which was nice to know.

So are flight was from Manila to Dipolog and we arrived around 12 noon on Friday. We got settled in and then spent the day relaxing by the pool and then all the action started on Sat. We were up early for Scuba lessons and then we headed out to a beautiful dive spot. It was my first time scuba diving so I was really exciting and it was more than I could have ever imagined. So many fish and sea plants, it is one of the most amazing things that I have ever experienced. If you ever have the chance to go scuba diving take it ... you will not regret it. Then after that we hit the water with the seadoo's for a bit and then lunch at the resort then in the afternoon a nap before heading off to visit the Rizal Shrine (one of the national heroes). After that back to the resort for supper and a tourist show of Filipino Dances which was very well done. Sunday up early again for a dip in the pool before breakfast and then out in the kayak for a while. Then we went and got some souvenirs before our flight back home. The highlight of the weekend was definitely the scuba diving but overall it was an awesome and amazing weekend. I feel refreshed and energized after the weekend so I hope that it will stay with me for the next week.

Everything is still going good here in the Philippines. I hear that some parts of Canada are starting to get snow. I'm dealing with temperatures between 20 and 25 so I still think its summer which is kind weird but I'm glad I don't have to deal with the cold weather this year. No major plans coming up just working, studying and volunteering but I'm ok with that ... I'm trying to save some money for NZ which is right around the corner.

That's everything for now ... I have a meeting at 1 pm so its almost time. I'll post again soon.

Cheers