Sun on the beach and rain in the city

Following my adventures in Sagada I headed to the pristine beach of Boracay. I had been told again and again that it was one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and I figured it to be the perfect place to end my travels in the Philippines. So after a night bus to Manila from Baguio, I hopped on an early morning flight to Boracay, leaving the rain behind for beautiful blue skies and sun.

I didn't do much while I was there other than lie on the beach reading, napping and drinking fresh fruit shakes. The beach is about 4km long and I wandered up and down parts of it at times, but that was the extent of my activity during the day. In the evening I walked around to take in the entertainment and activities at the various restaurants, each vying for my patronage. Some offered drinking challenges, others performers.

There were also many Mongolian buffets. I passed on those, figuring that I'd get better Mongolian food when I'm in Mongolia in just over a week. As much as Boracay wanted me to drink my face off and party well into the night, I actually found the whole place to be quiet and relaxing. During the day I was able to lie on a smoke-free and litter-free beach (something of a novelty in the Philippines). And at night I enjoyed the drinks, entertainment and fellow tourists' company for awhile, but was able to retreat to my hotel at the quiet end of the beach at Station 3 for a peaceful night's sleep. All in all a perfect end to the Philippines and a great way to recharge me for the rest of the trip.

On Monday night I flew back to Hong Kong and back into the rain. With nothing much else to do I wandered around a few malls yesterday morning and somehow happened upon the grand opening of a luxury supermarket. There, the friendly staff fed me lunch with free samples of cake, fruit, pasta, chocolate covered ginger, sake, a freshly prepared mocha, green tea, and more!

In the afternoon I went for afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Since Hong Kong was a British territory for so long, it has picked up many Britishisms, including afternoon tea. My Mom and I have a tradition of going for afternoon tea at a fancy hotel whenever we are travelling. I convinced her that since it was raining and I had nothing else to do, but was a poor backpacker on a budget she should treat me to afternoon tea. I must say it is one of the better afternoon teas I've ever been to with tasty sandwiches, pretty decent scones and rich desserts. Thanks, Mom!

Last night I went for a drink at a swanky oyster bar on the 28th floor overlooking the Hong Kong skyline.

I spent two hours nursing my glass of wine, staring at the city lights and chatting with the man shucking oysters who was very concerned that I was going to be killed in a tiny mall in Beijing. Yes, specifically in a small mall. Big ones would be ok and on the street I would be fine, but within the tiny malls murderers away. I told him that I would stay safe and not visit sketchy malls, but he didn't seem convinced.

And on that note....I am off to Beijing this afternoon. I have a 23 hour train ride ahead of me, but hopefully it will be a nice way to see some parts of China. Tomorrow evening my friend (and classmate), Mercedes, arrives from Canada to join me for the rest of the trip. It will be very exciting to see a familiar face!