Lilom Anilao

A couple of weeks ago we welcomed our first guests. Some of Hana and Kai's best friends and their family came to visit from Hanoi over their autumn break and we had a great week together. Over the weekend we went back down to Anilao and this time stayed at lovely little Lilom Resort just on the shore, where we were constantly taken care of, provided with booties and snorkels for all and constantly served snacks, juices, food. Even a big jar of mojito suddenly showed up - to all adults joy.

Lilom resort garden and terraces.

Just love rooms with perfect ocean views from the bed - and to falling asleep with all doors open, listening to the gentle waves.

Excursion time! Rebecka, Kai, Elizabeth, Hana.

Ashore a small beach on Maricaban Island.

Green waters.

Fresh breeze.

 Passing little fishing villages.

Good old friends on the Lilom rock.
(Nothing wrong with the view from the garden (mojito in hand)).

And a bonfire. What more can you wish for.

Last night with the friends - before going back home to Hanoi.

 

Hot dog break on the way home.

Divisoria

Last week I went for an all day "excursion" with a friend to the Divisoria bazaar or market area in old Manila City, close to the harbor and just north of Intramuros. A completely chaotic place where you can get about everything you need and not. Our goal was the textile market but I also found all the colors, chaos and street life I miss - and a few other things as well.

Getting off the LRT at Recto station, looking for a jeepney to take us all the way.





Extra wires perfect for metal clothes hangers.

Christmas season.

 Corduroy. Apparently.

 A bit of Arabic feel in the textile bazaar maze.

Would happily pay extra for that wrapping.

For carnival. Or is it a hat?

Traditional textiles in a corner.

 

Abaca fabric. Will get some of that next time.

Not so cold fridge. Very hot and more like an oven in fact.

Got a pink and a long brown one for Hana.

Street life. Of some sort at least. Finally.

On the MRT, heading back home to our clean and green gated communities...

Magic light

Maybe a result of all the magicians and witches inhabiting the island. Or maybe just the way nature can be. Either way, Siquijor late afternoon light was magical.

Sunset over Apu Island.

Friends

Without knowing it, four other families from the neighbourhood were also going down to Siquijor over autumn break. Needless to say, kids had a blast.

Thomas, Kai, Thijs, Luca, Liam, Pim, Margarete, Marianne (well, parents weren't exactly suffering either) and Milan.

 Kai and Thomas

 

 Thijs and Hana - also pre-school class mates at home.

 Serious UNO competitions by the pool. Luca, Keisuke, Pim, Thomas and Kai.

 Another little friend joining the team - the beach dog.

 Team work.

Dinner time. As chaotic as can be. Luckily we didnt all have dinner together every night...

 

Late night fun.

Reflections

In a tropical country with more than 7000 islands, situated in the middle of what is called "the Coral Triangle" you shouldn't be surprised of the numbers of amazing beaches and waters. But I still am.

Kids admiring the sea and all its creatures at low tide. Siquijor island.

No, not standing in front of a giant poster. It's the real thing.

Siquijor Island

Over autumn break we went for the first time a little further from Manila, flew down to Dumaguete and hopped on a small ferry to Siquijor Island, known for its witches and magicians. We have to go back and check those out, as this time we did not move far from the shore.

Off the ferry and just a small jeepney ride to...

 wonderful, wonderful Coco Grove Resort although you can hardly see the place (which is an important part of its greatness).

Lunch on the beach.

Dinner on the beach.

And actually little less...



Largest Halo-halo ever seen.

 

 

Going home. Sad to leave. Happy to have been there. And with loads of new energy.