I really didn't know what to expect of Siquijor, it is supposed to have witches and Filipino voodoo shizzle going on (don't know what the shizzle is all about ), I saw some travel stories about the island and to be honest they weren't inspiring, people doing folkloristic dances in folkloristic clothing, it just didn't catch me. But somehow we ended up there and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it a bit!!
Our first inn wasn't really all that and as we already booked for the other nights at a dive resort, we headed to Sandugan some 30km east of Siquijor Town. The driver knew the resort and of course immediately tried the lets-see-what-I-can-charge-these-tourists act, which didn't work by the way, but at the end of the ride he helped our luggage down a flight of stairs and that earned him an tip. In hindsight I discovered I'm not handicapped so next time I'll faint a limp leg and make him carry me as well, purely to justify the tipping. Yes, I'm making fun of them. They are still overcharging us.
Raul, one of the managers of the resort and also a very very good dive guide welcomed us and made us walk up the same flight of stairs again because the room we booked was not a beach front one, alas it was only cliff front. No help from the driver this time. The room turned out to be a fully equipped cottage with fridge and cooking facilities. Imagine our joy and slight step up to independence. We could cook our own meals and make our own tea and instant coffee!!
Inspired by the site of complete families riding a single motorbike, I suggested that we also try riding one. After a crash course in semi automatic gear shifts and a note about road rules, or the lack of, we explored the eastern part of the island. Finally I can say I can join the league of traffic participants known as 'grown ups', at least in the Philippines. It's kinda fun, throttling up, acting important, honking the horn to warn dogs, cattle, chicken, inattentive pedestrians and other road users. I found out that I officially need a drivers licence but then again the small kids that over took us frequently couldn't be 18, nor any older.
There we went, up and down the hills, riding on coastal roads and visiting beaches, passing the villages with there friendly adults and even friendlier children. The whole island vibe wanted me to go slow, take my time, enjoy the scenes, but... the bike was stronger, doing 60kph on empty roads was just too tempting.
The people and seemingly the whole island wanted me to stay longer, I might have been voodood, a little, but time is running out on the Visayas and I feel other treasure islands need to be explored. With a promise to visit again we boarded the ferry, bringing us closer to other destinations... like Apo Island (only pictures) ... Woohoo!!
in the philippines or among first-generation filipinos abroad, when one mentions siquijor, they immediately reply, Aswang. it is the local term for a creature---vampire and witch combined. they also advise that to keep away the aswang when you visit the island, you bring along garlic.
ReplyDeleteanyway, the residents seem to enjoy riding around the island in motorbikes. from the looks of it, you enjoyed it too.
mama
in the philippines or among first-generation filipinos abroad, when one mentions siquijor, they immediately say, "Aswang." it's a creature
ReplyDelete---vampire and witch combined. so the advice is, bring along garlic when going to the island.
one accomplishment, riding a motorbike. even without a licence. only in the philippines, as they say.
hugs to you both.
mama