The sun is shining:

[Girgy85]

this is the most amazing diary.

This.

Truly inspirational.

Maybe I should ship a bird and start a diary next month  

You are right, though.

make sure she's got a sister

[The_nun]

Fantastic.

Hope the Birthdays boys had a great day.

[taximan007]

Hi Graham,

Nice pics and story again.  

Looks like you've used those flippin' slippy tiles for the bathroom, those things are the scurge of my life in Asia, nearly broken my neck a few times on those  

Are the best pesos rates on the ground when you get there?

What's your experience of driving there? Are they nutters? Not gonna drive in Manila obviously, but getting around up north and into the mountains seems like a more effective/flexible way of getting around than on buses.

Hi and thank you for your comments.

As for exchange rates it's pretty cack at the moment, around 65 peso to the pound, we have a bank account here so just transfer direct from the UK. The banks here don't like sterling and will direct you to the black market which on the few occasions I have used you will generally get a fair deal.

Driving!!! In ALL my time here I have driven ONCE for less than 1 mile and that was enough, there really aren't any rules and night time the majority seem unable to turn on their lights. From what I have heard although not tested it you are better off hiring a car AND a driver this is what most rental companies will advise for insurance purposes (this is what I have been told).

[taximan007]

DRIVING in Manila

This was on the news on Monday




2 seriously injured, 37 with minor injuries.

[Woodsey]

Cheers Mate, have no intention of driving in Manila. Was thinking of renting in AC and driving up north from there, I understand the roads are mostly sparse north of there anyway.

Probs not gonna get a driver its puts costs up and I just cba having a random hanging with me the whole time anyway. I'm just gonna suss it when I'm there anyway, I know I can rent a car fully comp for about £30 a day. I've driven around other parts of Asia and its not been a problem away from the big cities.

Nothing is set in stone anyway apart from a week with my mates in Manila and Puerto Galera, think they are doing some diving and stuff while I chill.

I like this guys circuit of North Luzon  

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/loop-through-northern-luzon.html

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/luzon-loop-sagada-onward.html

[taximan007]

Cheers Mate, have no intention of driving in Manila. Was thinking of renting in AC and driving up north from there, I understand the roads are mostly sparse north of there anyway.

Probs not gonna get a driver its puts costs up and I just cba having a random hanging with me the whole time anyway. I'm just gonna suss it when I'm there anyway, I know I can rent a car fully comp for about £30 a day. I've driven around other parts of Asia and its not been a problem away from the big cities.

Nothing is set in stone anyway apart from a week with my mates in Manila and Puerto Galera, think they are doing some diving and stuff while I chill.

I like this guys circuit of North Luzon  

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/loop-through-northern-luzon.html

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/luzon-loop-sagada-onward.html

Nice links, thank you, will read properly later, to be honest in all my time here I have been to very few places, I guess not having a car and being content at home are the reasons for this, we do have a motorbike (125cc) and I do ride this as far as the gym each day, about 2 miles each way and pretty straight roads!!!(and i DO wear a helmet).

[taximan007]

Strawberry picking

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Last week we took the bus to Baguio City a 2 hour trip, usually takes an hour but traffic was busy.

The city is at an altitude of approximately 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids.

The reason we visit Baguio is so Roxanne can go to the Mall there and shop!!! as if we don't have shops in our own city! on this visit though after shopping we went to Strawberry Fields, La Trinidad on the outskirts of the city to do some strawberry picking. I soon find out Roxanne's idea of picking strawberries is to pick for 10 minutes pose for a few pics then spend an hour looking around the gift stalls, we did have a nice time though.

[taximan007]

.

[taximan007]

.

[Woodsey]

Any recommendations for accommodation in Baguio Graham? Preferably no more than 1500 and close to somewhere to have a beer?

LOL I had to look twice at those strawberry pics to get it 

[taximan007]

Any recommendations for accommodation in Baguio Graham? Preferably no more than 1500 and close to somewhere to have a beer?

LOL I had to look twice at those strawberry pics to get it 

The only hotel I have stayed in there is the Veniz Hotel which I have to say was very nice, clean etc, we didnt pay but the cost is showing 2,200php on this site:

http://directrooms.com/philippines/hotels/baguio-hotels/price1.htm

[Woodsey]

Any recommendations for accommodation in Baguio Graham? Preferably no more than 1500 and close to somewhere to have a beer?

LOL I had to look twice at those strawberry pics to get it 

The only hotel I have stayed in there is the Veniz Hotel which I have to say was very nice, clean etc, we didnt pay but the cost is showing 2,200php on this site:

http://directrooms.com/philippines/hotels/baguio-hotels/price1.htm

Thanks, I was recommended the same one by someone else too actually.

[taximan007]

Any recommendations for accommodation in Baguio Graham? Preferably no more than 1500 and close to somewhere to have a beer?

LOL I had to look twice at those strawberry pics to get it 

The only hotel I have stayed in there is the Veniz Hotel which I have to say was very nice, clean etc, we didnt pay but the cost is showing 2,200php on this site:

http://directrooms.com/philippines/hotels/baguio-hotels/price1.htm

Thanks, I was recommended the same one by someone else too actually.

As I said we are 1 hour from Baguio, how long are you planning on spending there? You would be more than welcome to stay with Roxanne's family (our room will be empty) and there is always beer here (so long as you buy it for them  )

[taximan007]

Cheers Mate, have no intention of driving in Manila. Was thinking of renting in AC and driving up north from there, I understand the roads are mostly sparse north of there anyway.

Probs not gonna get a driver its puts costs up and I just cba having a random hanging with me the whole time anyway. I'm just gonna suss it when I'm there anyway, I know I can rent a car fully comp for about £30 a day. I've driven around other parts of Asia and its not been a problem away from the big cities.

Nothing is set in stone anyway apart from a week with my mates in Manila and Puerto Galera, think they are doing some diving and stuff while I chill.

I like this guys circuit of North Luzon  

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/loop-through-northern-luzon.html

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/luzon-loop-sagada-onward.html

may be of some use:

http://www.jbrentacar.com/home.htm

http://www.viajerorentacar.com/

http://www.avalonrentacar.com/faq.htm

http://www.safarirentacarinc.com/safari_profile.html

[Woodsey]

Any recommendations for accommodation in Baguio Graham? Preferably no more than 1500 and close to somewhere to have a beer?

LOL I had to look twice at those strawberry pics to get it  

The only hotel I have stayed in there is the Veniz Hotel which I have to say was very nice, clean etc, we didnt pay but the cost is showing 2,200php on this site:

http://directrooms.com/philippines/hotels/baguio-hotels/price1.htm

Thanks, I was recommended the same one by someone else too actually.

As I said we are 1 hour from Baguio, how long are you planning on spending there? You would be more than welcome to stay with Roxanne's family (our room will be empty) and there is always beer here (so long as you buy it for them   )

Well if I do what I'm thinking of I will be heading through where Roxanne lives, San Fernando on the coast right?

The problem with me is I am an absolute wing it merchant, and whilst I have a few vague plans in place they are prone to change at any second depending on which way the wind is blowing!

Your offer is very kind but, and its a big but, it would be great to at least stop by or even stay over (and yes a I will buy more than just some Red Horse, I know the score   ) if I do head that way. The reason I say that is I hate making plans and even more so hate letting people down after making plans so I tend not to do it. But if they would be willing to accept me on a couple of days notice after I know what I'm definitely doing I would actually enjoy that very much if the wind blows me up north. The likely dates if I make it that way would somewhere between 6-14th April and yes I'm a catholic and would go to church too if it was easter weekend.  

I totally understand if that is a too vague for them or if Easter could be a pain, just let me know if that is unacceptable  

Once again thank you for your kind offer, if you ever need a bed on a DTD weekend you are welcome to stay with me (10 mins away) irrespective of whether I say with Roxanne's family or not.