Adventure in Puerto Galera, Philippines

My Dear Great Ones,

Merry Christmas!  This year Celia and I went to Puerto Galera, http://www.puertogalera.org/home-1/at-a-glimpse/   during the first week of our Christmas vacation.  Puerto Galera is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving.  It was as advertised.  The coral reefs are incredible and the variety of fish and sea life is incredible.  I will give an undersea report with pictures and maybe videos next week.  We really enjoyed ourselves and it was extra special in that part of Celia's family, mom Rose, brother Rob, his wife Carla and their little one Noah joined us for our vacation.  We had fun going on day trips and having meals with them on the beach at Sabang.

Our home for five days was here.  Five stars all the way with access to nearby world class snorkeling and diving.

 The view to Verde island in the background was spectacular.

 The resort had only three villas so privacy and great service was superb.

Our villa was the one at the end.

 Travel to Sabang from the villas was an adventure cause the road down was windy and rather narrow and going down by a Jeepney is also an interesting experience.

 A very common mode of travel in the Philippines.

Celia and part of her (our) family in a Jeepney.

 Tita (aunt) Celia with Noah.  I am tito Dirk.

Noah not so sure about this mode of transport.  No worries this only lasted for a photo op.

 Celia and I met the family at their place in Sabang for dinner and trips.  We either walked or took a Jeepney.  Walking was more interesting.  The local stores along the way were so interesting:

 Toy guns!!

Kids were charming.

A place for kids to play on a computer.

 The journey down to Sabang also goes through some nice jungle. 

Sabang itself is a chaotic jumble of sounds and color, smells, and uncontrolled traffic.  Awesome.

 In my notice me please clothes.

I have arrived!

 Sabang beach itself is not that great but five minutes away is awesome snorkeling.

 Eating on the beach.  The barbecue fare was great!

Some samples of Filipino breakfasts.  Below is Bangus.  Fried fish:

 Longanisa:

 Some more Bangus!

 Kutsinta:  Steamed rice cake.  Yum!  Eating banana leaf below it is optional.

 Filipinos are rather artistic with their food:

 They also like barbecuing:

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk