Kate’s Winter Vacation

Mum had us booked at El Nido resort in Palawan from the 22nd to the 26th of December. Oh Goody, Kate says, Another Plane Ride. Quel joy. But one hopes the end result is worth it. Okay well the flight was interesting to start with, a tiny little 19-person plane with one seat on either side of the aisle, and not much to see out the windows ‘cause I chose the side of the plane that doesn’t get a good view of the Lake Taal volcano. Boo. On arriving in the town of El Nido we were greeted by a singing troupe with a big bull leading a cart, and then we sat down for tea and crumpets (okay, iced tea and weird sticky rice bar thing), and then we had to take a jeepney to the boat (about 2 mins ride, I ask you, was that really necessary?), a motor boat to the banca boat (again, really necessary?), and then a big long 40 minute boat ride to Miniloc island, where we would be staying. Another lovely singing troupe greeted us there and offered us beverages (hurrah!), and then we were shown to our room, the farthest possible Cliff Cottage, with two floors, the top with one double bed for Mum and Dad, and the bottom with the bathroom and two single beds (one for me and one for me to spread my stuff out on, as it turned out). Vely nahce.