I walked to McDonald’s for breakfast as it seemed healthier than doughnuts and other fried stuff.
I got talking to two Canadians from Quebecistan (Quebec amidst talk of seccession from Canada); it all started with his Komodo t-shirt. They were headed to Banaue as well and were wanting to know where the jeepneys left from.
As it turned out, it leaves from opposite the hotel and they had checked-out and carried their packs with them. I headed back to my room to pack up then joined them on the jeepney to Lagawe where we changed to a smaller one to Banaue.
The two rides and the seamless transfer took 3 easy hours. The ride was on a mix of paved and unpaved roads but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I saw a man carrying two baskets filled with a couple of dogs each, with their snouts taped up. I have my theory about dog-eating amongst Christians in the Archipelago.
Text continues after this gallery.
-
- Solano at breakfast time.
-
- Free paper at McDonald’s shows that Philippines’ claim on Sabah may not be over.
-
- On the jeepney to Lagawe where we transfer to another one bound for Banaue.
After checking in at the People’s Guest House, we grabbed lunch together then walked to the various viewpoint for the rice-terraces that Banaue is famous for.
The scale from top to bottom (hilltop to the valley floor) was impressive, as was the expanse extending into the yonder. However due to the time year, it wasn’t very green. The most impressive part I guess is that they were built around 2000BC making them about 4000 years old.
Despite the lack of green, I wasn’t disappointed. The long journey here to Solano wasn’t painful and the two jeepney rides this morning were a pleasure. It didn’t feel like a big investment that turned into a disappointment.
Text continues after this gallery.
-
- Don’t spit on your Momma? No, Moma is betelnut and leaf … that red stuff that’s bringing down the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata.
-
- Rice terraces of Banaue.
-
- Ifugao tribesman posing for money. He was nice, he would accept any amount even if small. Not demanding.
-
- Rice terraces of Banaue.
My new companions, especially, Jonathan is very well travelled and I found his experience in various places and dive sites very inspiring. I tried very hard to repay him with inspiring photos of Pakistan and Yemen (especially of Suqutra).When we reconvened for beer later in the afternoon, the Quebecistanis had arranged an outing to Batad for tomorrow and kindly included me in their plans.
After dinner, I checked out the shower and found that there was no hot water. After some attempt by the hotel to fix it there was a dribble which then turned intermittent. I resorted to the bucket and scoop with cold water. I’ve had colder washes in colder places so this was just a minor hassle.
We are after all in a very remote place where some many not wash very often (shampoo and detergent is sold by the sachet). On country roadsides where water may run off hillsides in rainy weather, people set up tarpaulin shelters as makeshift shower rooms. I consider myself lucky.