OK, so we've made it. We're in paradise, there's crystal blue waters lapping up against the powder white sand stretching in all directions, but what next? It turns out there was an easy answer to that question - day trip to Ariel's Point. After a breakfast of fruit, eggs, toast and BACON, on our patio looking out at the water we were squeezing 6 of us into a vehicle that was probably meant for 3. We were staying in Station 3 of White Beach in Boracay. A little quieter, more chill, more relaxing, but now we were motoring towards the clubs, pubs and action of Station 1 on the opposite end of the beach. After checking in next door to, no joke, Obama's grill, (election slogan and everything) we sat down to mango smoothies to wait for our departure. The time was spent joking around about how the restaurant likely changed its name every 4-8 years, Bush's BBQ, Clinton's Cantina, etc. It should have gotten old, but didn't.
30 minutes later we were walking through the sand getting ready to board one of three traditional water bug boats for the 45 minute cruise out to Ariel's point. This involved wading out into the water with your gear held over your head, castaway style. With the wind in your face, a San Miguel Lite in hand and all the scenery to take in, the trip went pretty quick and was surprisingly smooth. Once we disembarked, it was as if we had arrived at Adult Swiss Family Robinson land. Stairs wound their way up to multiple levels
of the cliffs, scattered with tables, chairs, hammocks and foliage. After claiming a prime spot at the top, we scampered back down to the main attraction, cliff jumping! They had diving platforms of 5 meters, 8 meters and 15 meters. You had to do at least the 8 meter board before they would let you jump in from 15 meters, i.e. close to 50 feet. Jumping from 8 meters felt like you were endlessly falling with a reward of salt water up your nose for about 15 minutes. Still, it was enough to consider the 15 meter main attraction until I saw the big red welt on someone's arm from jumping a little while ago. I'll stick to food and beer.
The food! Fried noodles, grilled fish, pork, vegetables and the best sausage I had had since Germany a few years back. Like round, spicy/sweet balls of grilled flavor. Yep, I went back for thirds and was told it was a true Wisconsin meal. I took that as a compliment. After some uneventful snorkeling, lots of sea urchins, a few starfish, but not many other fish, it was time to head back. The followings days were not nearly as eventful, but super relaxing capped off by some great meals. One night we found ourselves at a Spanish restaurant, Dos Mestizos, being serenaded by some wandering minstrels. We requested a Spanish song first, but upon finishing and learning we were American, they launched into Country Roads by John Denver. That was rather unexpected, but what was even more unexpected was the entire restaurant singing along with the chorus. Only in Asia.Sun, beach, water, evening drinks in the Tree House bar with acoustic guitars. Soon, sadly, it was time to catch the next water bug ferry and propeller plane home. The beach vacations seem to blend into each other, but the journey to get to Boracay and the ever present music in the air should help this one stand out for awhile.
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