Larry Memmott's Blog

Just a few pics from the road.

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

We stopped in Baguio on the way back. The American Ambassador’s Residence there is probably the most relaxing place in the Philippines.

The weather did not really cooperate with our trip to the rice terraces. It rained most of the time we were in Banaue, and the mist blocked the view. Still, we had a good time and got to show my parents one of the great heritage sites of the world.

(Click on the thumbnail to see the whole photo.)

We went to Banaue to see the rice terraces. It’s a ten hour drive, but mostly through interesting country.

Of course, the primary reason for our trip to Albay and Sorsogon Provinces was to swim with the whale sharks, which we did the next day. It was pretty exciting.

You go out in a boat, which searches the sea for one of the monsters (the largest of all sharks). Once you find one and get the boat close, everyone jumps out to swim with it, until it dives down or swims past.

And a few shots of the sharks, or at least parts of them:

That evening we had grilled fish and some truly wonderful salads at a nearby restaurant.

And Aliciya made friends with the owner’s son.

The next day the annual whale shark fiesta began, and we witnessed the maritime parade before heading back to Manila.

We flew down to Albay Province to swim with the whale sharks. My friend, Joey Salceda is the Governor of Albay, and he was kind enough to meet us and have breakfast with us. We took the very first flight down there, and as we headed out to the airport at the crack of dawn (actually, a bit before that), I told Tatyana and my parents that we were going so early in order to catch an early glimpse of the famous volcano, Mt. Mayon. Good we did, as the only look we got of the volcano was that early morning sight from the airport. The clouds were covering it within a few minutes. Mom got a photo or two from the airport, but I will cheat and put up a shot I took on a previous trip.

Aliciya knew exactly what she wanted to do for her birthday this year — she wanted a costume and swimming party. So we had it at the Embassy’s Seafront compound, and she invited her friends to wear their costumes and bring their swimsuits along. She had a great time, and I think they all did, too.

(Click on the thumbnails to see the full photo.)

We went to Corregidor to show them the ruins of the fortress island.

I’d say she looks pretty dangerous here.

We were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Memmott come to visit. We had a wonderful time. We spent the first week in Manila, and then traveled for the next ten days. I’ll put up several posts to cover their visit.

At the end of the tour, we took the “fish pedicure” with little doctor fish nibbling the dead skin off of our feet. It’s quite an experience.”