NEVER TOO OLD TO COLLECT SHELLS

DAY 12 – WED. AUGUST 20, 2008

Today was our first morning with nothing to do or no where to be. Scott was up first or course and then me. I enticed Syd out of bed with a private morning walk with Mom on the beach. It was quiet and beautiful and we walked for a bit. On our way back I noticed a cute kid running towards us and it was Shelby in her pj’s with her favorite stuffed animal in hand. SO CUTE! We practically had the entire beach all to ourselves - It was glorious!

The beach in pj's. Does it get any better?

SIDENOTE: For those of you who know how precious each of the girl’s blankets are (yes, I use the term blanket loosely!) we’re happy to report the girl’s have survived without them here. There has been mention of them on the trip but I'm not fooling myself, I am sure they will be for them when we get home.

Breakfast is included at our hotel. You make your requests the night before and you get to pick whether you want to eat at your room, the beach or at the cabanas. We chose the cabanas which are little thatched huts with wood tables and benches over a sandy floor. It was nice to have eggs, bacon and toast! The girls of course did not like the taste of the toast for some reason, something to do with the butter being different – whatever!

Fresh mango and cook to order breakfasts - not too shabby!

We braved our first Boracay taxi today. They are basically motorcycles with little horsepower, a sidecar and small flatbed with camper shell over them. Can’t say it’s the most comfortable ride. Scott managed the front seat but I'm not sure how. I couldn't even imagine him attempting the back with the girls as I was hitting my head over every speed bump. The girls and I were packed in the back so it's hard to imagine how the groups of 8-10 we saw on some taxis managed.

Are you sure there's still room for Mom?

We spent hours at Puka Shell Beach; swimming, looking for shells and more swimming! It was an amazing beach and we had it to ourselves! Pure heaven and a place we are sure to remember for a long time to come.

Shelby visiting with the local school kids

The students had been waiting for this delivery of books.

Back to the hotel for lunch and more swimming in the pool. The girls are going to sleep great tonight! Pedicures for the girls and Scott and a massage for Jana – one of the best I’ve had despite the fact there was sand blowing on me from the beach getting mixed in with the oil she used. Guess I got a massage / exfoliation all in one! The girl was so good I insisted Scott get one too and it did not disappoint! The masseurs roam the beach so you can get one whenever you want and they are just a few dollars.

Jana joined some of the locals for beach volleyball and learned there are ball hogs in every country!

We went to D’Mall to find dinner which is rows and rows of more than a hundred shops and restaurants complete with a grocery store the size of a 7 Eleven. We, or should I say the girls, decided on ARIA an Italian restaurant since “plain noodles” were the request. It was a great find with the first salad we’ve had in 2 weeks. I swear I have had more carbs/starch on this trip than I eat in a month at home. I am dying for some protein. Ever since Beijing when I order a chicken dish, it comes complete with bones and god knows what else. Needless to say, I'm suspect of meats abroad….o.k. I’m picky!

Ice cream for dessert and a blueberry and ice cream stuffed crepe for Scott. Back to the room, all huddled on our bed to watch the Olympics again!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY:

Walking through some of the neighborhoods seeing Dad’s collect well water in buckets and small children bathing outdoors. We tried to explain to the girls we were walking own the Filipino version of Del Cerro Blvd. Not sure if any of it is sinking in or not but hopefully the pictures will help paint the picture.

FUNNY FORTUNE STUFF: Scott sitting in the back of the taxi cart. Shelby has decided Daddy must always sit in front!

SEEING THINGS DIFFERENTLY:

All kids where uniforms to school. The uniform worn, depends on the school attended. School starts at 7:30am with a break at 12pm and then kids return back to school at 1:30pm until 4pm. We stopped in front of the Elementary School and chatted with a man that is doing some teaching there. He said most kids attend school but part of his job is to visit the kids at home who’s parents don’t send them to school and try to get them enrolled.

*Lumber yards are simply piles of bamboo

*Speed bumps are made out of thick pieces of rope placed across the street.

DAILY FAVORITES:

I think it was unanimous…..Puka Shell Beach
Of course $8 massages poolside are a close second!

OLYMPIC UPDATE

With a 5 set victory by the USA Men’s indoor team over Serbia, all four USA VB Teams are in the medal rounds. Never in USA VB history has this happened, signifying something very special and the great work and results by USA VB. Both beach teams will be playing for gold and the indoor teams are in the semis. First off is the NBC focused team of Misty and Kerry as they look to run their winning match streak to 108 with a win over China’s top team. It will be the toughest challenge yet, as China has a distinct home court advantage. The women’s indoor team matches up against a tough undefeated Cuba team. A win puts them in the gold medal match. It was nice to see Bolt actually run the full 200m race and set a world record versus the show boating he did in the 100m. Things are wrapping up in Beijing and still too close to call for the overall medal count. Wins by volleyball could put the USA over the top.