It's a Chocolate World!

Location:

Bohol, The Philippines

Let's just say the boat that took us to Bohol was an experience to say the least. It was more of a cargo boat. To board, myself, Jason and Bayo had to climb over railings, avoiding all the trucks blocking our route of passage. At least we got there in one piece! So I guess that's a good result!

Arriving at the port, we had the usual chaos! From being constantly asked if we need accommodation or transport. My Jay always makes sure he gets them down to a more affordable price. You really need to have your wits about you as there are so many illegitimate drivers that I'm sure are perfectly safe but when you are in a strange country, is it really worth taking the risk just for the sake of convenience. Eventually we found a Tuk Tuk diver that we could trust. Our driver was only very young, but he was just another example of how hard life is in a world so removed from modern society. Up until recently, he was employed as a tour guide, of which he lost his job when the owner sold the business. With not many options coming his way, he was forced to enter the Tuk Tuk businesses. Unfortunately, in this part of the world, wonderful opportunities don't present themselves that often. Hopefully, it will only be a temporary measure for him. Only meeting him briefly, it is clear where is passions lie.

Unlike Bayo, we didn't have any accommodation booked in advance. Our new travel buddy booked into the 'Reggae Guesthouse' for the night. Even though it was expensive, we decided to check it out. I think the deal breaker for Lason was beautiful gardens filled with his beloved 'Cacti.' They always bring a smile to his face. I can just picture our garden now. Asked which one was his favourite, his response was simple, 'I love all my children equally!' It was said in true Lason style. Very matter of fact! The resort comprises of a series of individual guest huts surrounded by beautiful landscaping!

The good news is we were close to the main beach. It would be extremely rude not to go for a stroll along the beach dipping our feet into the water and soft sand during sunrise. Could you say no to irresistible food and a couple of beers? It's the same thing.

After stating my desire to try more strange food, now was my opportunity, but would I face it alone or would my fellow travel buddies join me? Would it be the strangest thing I have eaten so far and would taste over come the fear factor?

The thing that freaked me out the most was that it was still alive even after it was cut in half. 'Sea Urchins' are a new entry for my ever growing list of 'Strange foods to try.' For those of you unsure what one looks like. They are shaped into balls with prickly spikes for protection. After eating the small amount of meat found inside the urchin, the spikes were still moving even thirty minutes later. Apparently it will be thrown back into the sea where a new sea urchin will be formed inside! Interesting stuff!

After a good nights rest, a new day dawned! And with it, a search for a new, more reasonably priced hostel. After looking at one other place, we eventually found the perfect place, 'Lennon's Place Backpacker Hostel.' Only opened three days ago by a life long backpacker from Canada, charm and potential can be found in abundance in this stunningly renovated native building!

With three scooters waiting for us, we eventually got to hit the road on a morning filled with problems and weather not fit for a king! However, once we were off, it was just us, our bikes and the open road! Granted, there was the odd heavy shower but we weren't going to let that dampen our day of adventures!

After a few hours of driving, we could see the world famous 'Chocolate Hills' in the distance. As we got close to them, it was clear why they have become so renowned the world over. They are simply breathtaking and can be seen as far the horizon, turning the edge of the world into waves that need to be seen to be appreciated.

After breathtaking views of a landscape so unusual, that even the hardest to please can't help but be mesmerised, we were entrained by a group of gorgeous children playing musical instruments. While some were loving all the attention of the cameras, others were clearly fed up with having to stand there, repeating the same songs over and over again. It was really cute when one made a charitable donation to them. To show their appreciation for your kind generosity, they would reply in the most American response possible, ' Thank you sir, God bless you.' It was very cute!

The ride back was interesting to say the least. Some of the things you see in Asia you wouldn't see anywhere else. Driving along, I noticed a large gathering of school kids. A building, a few stories high, was lined with kids in every window on every floor. I say windows, but where the window was suppose to be was simply empty. There was nothing in the middle of them, only a nasty fall to the ground. 'Health and Safety,' what's that? After a quick look around, we got back on our bikes. Guess who decides to get 'Lost?' Mr French! Always wanting to be the centre of attention! Tut, tut, tut!

After along day and way too much sun and not nearly enough food, we returned with one mission and one mission only, to get some grub into us. Walking along the beach, we bumped into Lucy, who we met at Nordzee Hostel a couple of days ago. All four of us walked down to one of the many restaurants lined along the beach. A table directly on the beach with ocean views was a must. I mean, when your on holiday, you simply have to! We all enjoyed each others company and a couple of cheeky beers! We're on holiday!

On the way back we decided to find out about returning the three bikes. Eventually we found the guy we got them off. Definitely a sketchy character. For starters, he lent us bikes belonging to himself and his friend. Secondly, he didn't have a clue what was going on, partly due to the fact he was stoned out of his mallet! At least we got him to take them back. We could have easily just kept them ourselves as we didn't give him our passports or any deposit!

Back at the hostel, just as I was trying to go to sleep, a beatle landed on me. I pushed it aside, however, it's head fell off. But what was weird was the fact its body was still moving. Lucy was only talking about a similar experience she had herself! How freaky! Then, a few minutes later a cricket decides to fall on me! Do I look like the bug master?

We had a really nice few days. Exploring on the scooters was really good fun. However with so many islands to visit, I'm not sure if a return will be on the cards. But who knows. Seeing the Chocolate Hills during the dry season with grass resembling more of a 'Chocolate' look might be worth checking out. For now though, it's time for our next destination!

By Andrew

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