Malapascua Island

 A new couple arrived from Australia and two couples have finished their service and are returning to their homes and families. The senior couples all got together and did an activity in Malapascua Island, up above Bogo while we were all together. We got up early and drove 2 hours to Bogo. Picked up a friend Arlene who helped us make all the right connections to go to the island and try out some snorkeling.

Leaving Maya

Other boats in the area

Working to get the motor to work.
It took several tries but they got it going and we were on our way.

The water was beautiful

Headed for Malapascua island in the background

Beach front Nipa huts

White sand beaches

Besides the sand there are lots of coral  and shells on the beaches

Disembarking from our boat

We packed a lunch and ate at this resort under the grass roof.
Arlene's friend owns the resort and allowed us to eat here.

Map of the island

Selling fruit and snacks

There were numerous resorts.
Most people come to dive among the Thrasher sharks.

Beautiful beaches and water

 After lunch and a walk along the beach we headed back to the boat to go around the island and find a place to do some snorkeling.

Beautiful. Love the color of the water, very crystal clear.

A good place to try some snorkeling

Dad didn't want any sun screen, so you can guess what his back
looked like that night when we returned home. Yep, lobster red.

We couldn't see many fish the water was quite deep here. 

After doing some snorkeling we headed to the village to pick up the owner of the boat who was going with us to the main island. We were greeted by the local children who were out playing in the wash tubs using their flip flops for paddles. Seeing the children made up for the mediocre snorkeling.

The older boys were fishing

Arlene and I. Love this family. 

 On  the way back the tire blew. We ran over something that punctured the tire. The spare wasn't much better but it got us back home. We were using the AP"s van and they definitely needed to remedy the situation with the spare tire being not much better than the tire that blew. 

 Sister Caycayon, "How many seniors does it take to change a tire?"

 Halfway home we stopped at Borussia for dinner. It is a lovely place that we have eaten at a couple of times. They serve German food and have the most lovely breads. They make bread for the resorts and nice restaurants. I had squash soup and Schnitzel (breaded pork or veal cutlets) with mashed potatoes. 

 The next morning we did a Temple session and then went to dinner at a Mexican resturant.

 Fun decor in the restaurant.

 I had fish tacos and dad had a burrito

 And of course everyone had a traditional Mango smoothie or variation. 

I enjoyed my watermelon smoothie.