Thursday 5th October
After the storm (in my mind of hurricane proportions) I was convinced we would be stranded in Nacpan. Surely the previously described tracks that were already mostly muddy potholes would be impassable – but no evidence of any concern and we were sent on our bumpy way with smiles and waves to the bus depot. This included the “exhilarating” trike ride …
(Tim enjoying his first bike trike ride …)
Hopes of being 2 of few on the mini van to PP were dashed 3 mins after leaving when we stopped to pick up 2 very large American men and 3 not tiny women. Also, had not actually left as we then went back to depot so they could pay! However we all settled for a smooth ride to PP (anticipated to be 5 hours) Thought I might sleep (storm etc etc).
Should I be worried that our driver is leaning into turns and over the steering wheel like a demented Barry Sheen? I know Barry Sheen was a motorbike racing champion – that was an intentional comparator. This guy is putting us thorough spaces and overtaking into oncoming traffic around corners only as motorbikes do. And we’re packed into a minivan.
I have mobile data but this is not the time to research accident rates and fatalities on the Palawan highways … There must be a speed/timing contest amongst the van drivers – cannot see how this journey is going to take 5 hours if we continue like this … Refuelling using hydrostatic pressure – possibly aided by the cigarette … Travelling at speeds that make a completely mockery of me worrying about whether my vaccinations are actually up to date.
(Note fag in hand while refuelling …)
Tim is largely staying silent, although he did raise an eyebrow when the driver started to look at his phone while overtaking around a blind hairpin bend on two wheels.
Made it and dropped to the door of our 2-star hostel. All is forgiven – a 5 hour drive to the door for £10 each.
Proper Filipino meal this evening in a home style restaurant with the history of PP up on the walls – Tiya (Aunt) Ising (https://tiyaising.wixsite.com/tiyaisings).
Felisicima “Ising” Quicho was a pharmacist who worked at Palawan Provincial hospital. She is the grandma of the owner and a much loved woman – the restaurant was all about family and history. It also had it’s Christmas decorations up and twinkling – how fast was that driver going – did we time travel?
But now an early night, because tomorrow we are up qite literally with the larks (or a Filipino equivalent I hope!).
– Nikki