Asian Spirit

It was a mad dash to get tickets on the flight from Cagayan to Cebu, tried calling all morning and no response, tried to book tickets the night before at the agency but they had closed so the only choice was purchasing the tickets at the airport. Damn had to pay full price but what could I do, on top of that had to pay bloody excess luggage. I swear the airlines take full on advantage of international travellers by only giving 15 kilos allowance when the international leg is 20+ kilos.

Walk out to the aircraft and oh my god its one of those small aircraft's this is a first time for me. It was hot as when we sat down, they didn't turn on the air-conditioning until we was in the air. Take off was a bit shakey wasn't used to it. We got served a refreshment which was just juice and some snacks, the flight was only like half an hour. Wasn't too impressed that the seats didn't lay back to relax. Went through some turbulence and oh my goodness it felt like my stomach went from normal position to my head, of course Steffi May doesn't mind it at all. Its her first time flying and I looked more nervous than her. Arrived in Cebu perfect landing. Got off the aircraft to the transit buses which they took us to the terminal, picked up our bags and off to Cebu city.

Transasia Cagayan to Cebu to Cagayan

Departing Cagayan bound for Cebu, our accommodation of course is nothing but first class. We was in the presidential suite which I have stayed in before. Nothing different to expect 2 beds, airconditioned, balcony, TV but the toilets ummmm needs a bit of an update. The DVD’s were crap though! The food was kind of expensive at the kiosk as well. Airconditioning wasn’t to my liking, I would have preferred it to be really cold. Atleast we had the balcony so I could just enjoy the sea breaze and watch the boat pull into Cebu. The one thing I hated was that about one hour before we docked they turned the airconditioning off so the cabin began to become stuffy.

Cebu to Cagayan we was travelling on Transasia 1 and my goodness the difference in the rooms. Flat screen TV, the normal DVD player, toilets were more cleaner and the atmosphere was so much better. There was more space in the room but the down fall was there was no balcony which I didn’t mind. The range of DVD’s was quite wide. I really enjoyed my time on that voyage. I prepared myself with the bar hehehehe so I could get a nice peaceful sleep. The boat was faster also than Transasia 2. Prices were still the same for foods, but one thing I was not happy about was that they ran out of BBQ………

Coconut Bay Beach Resort

Our arrival at Coconut bay was just simple. It was nothing fancy and they didn’t even help with the bags. Coconut bay is kind of a low key resort, if you want help you need to ask for it. It is a budget resort which was nice atmosphere. The room we stayed at was the ambassador suite which I thought had 4 different beds; it was 2 queen size beds.

My family at our room

Once I was settled in I went to Agusan to see everyone and to have some drinks with my cousin. The next following days were going to be busy because we had mums birthday to prepare. I met with the restaurant manager to see the hall and to make plans on what was going to be for our buffet.

The birthday was a success with the help of the staff of Coconut bay. Issues I came across with Coconut bay is that they have a sign stating no foods or drinks allowed from outside. It was ok with me because I had a deal with the manager because I was staying long term. One big thing I was disappointed in was that I bought vodka to the swimming pool, the manager came over and reminded me of the policy but the issue is they don’t sell vodka. How can I drink vodka poolside if you don’t sell it and you won’t let me bring it? I thought that is still quite unfair too bad for the Russian tourists.

Check the link for their advertisment on CDO Guide
http://cdoguide.com/hotels/resort/coco.html


They advertised that the ambassador suite is newly built; I hardly call 5 years new. There were cracks on the walls, the door didn’t lock properly in the toilet, and I had allot of issues when it came to the structure. Another issue was that the ambassador suite is suppose to be like their first class, they are making noises next to our room banging and constructing at like 5am in the morning that isn’t really acceptable. Even the room next to us complained of the noise. The toilet was always getting clogged or there was always an issue.

My experience at Coconut bay was mixed, I had some issues with the place, but for the price it was average. I would recommend Coconut bay for small stays but I would not recommend it for long term.

Adelaide to Cagayan De Oro City 2010

It was a trip that I would be taking to finalise two things, bury my father’s ashes and the celebration of my mother’s 60th birthday. Everything was all fine getting to Sydney, the stupid check in girl wanted to charge us excess luggage as usual.

Arriving at Sydney we rushed to the gate as we didn’t have much time until boarding later to find out that the flight has been delayed. I will never understand how a flight is delayed and you still arrive at your destination on time. If they fly faster why don’t they fly faster all the time? We had a short stopover in Brisbane; I was excited because I haven’t been to the Brisbane airport before. It was funny because Philippine airlines were next to our gate; they were grounded for at least 3 hours due to mechanical problems. We left on time and arrived in Manila 5 minutes early.

Brisbane Airport

Philippine Airlines grounded

We met one of my favourite Aunties, Auntie Bebi Espina at the airport. We proceeded to our hotel Las Palmas. The room was ok; it was really just bigger than the normal rooms. I didn’t like being right next to the road because it was so noisy all night, didn’t get too much sleep.

Auntie Bebi Espina

Flying Manila to Cagayan best experience I can have. Arrived at check in and of course excess luggage. I agreed to upgrade to Business class as long as they don’t charge us, which happened. Malbuhay lounge oh my goodness was the best. Man I wish I could be there every time. They had sandwiches, brownies, salads, drinks and orange juice. Free internet and of course entertainment. Business class on the plane WOW...... Got served a drink straight away, I was the only one in the class so I got attention quickly. Lunch was pasta with salad and a little bit of crumbed chicken. Of course I got a drink; it was Virgin Blue which is just lemonade. When I got off the plane mum was complaining she is hungry “Mum what did you have for lunch” Mum said “Bloody packet of peanuts” I could not help myself laughing so much I made her jealous telling her what I had.