White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

There is one week in the Singaporean semester called Recess Week and designed for the preparation of all upcoming midterms the week after, but simultaneously the best opportunity to leave the country and go for traveling when you are on exchange. You can imagine what we did. We TRAVELED. To the Philippines.

Light travelers, Sara's backpack had 5kg :)

On Friday afternoon, after finishing last classes, last presentations and last homework, Sara and I packed our stuff and went to the airport to catch our plane to Manila. After one night in a very backpacker like hostel in the capital of the Philippines we continued our traveling and finally arrived in the paradise.

Boracay

White Beach

White Beach is said to be one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world and after one week of experiencing the white sand, the crystal-clear water, the palm trees and - as long as the typhoon did not bring us rain and stormy winds - the warming and lovely sun, we can definitely agree with it and could add that so far, it was the most beautiful beach both of us have ever seen.

Turquoise water, all around the island

Sara enjoying herself, and the sun :) 

Fortunately, we used the first day and lied at the beach for several hours, just enjoying ourselves and the water. As you might have heard in the news, there was the strongest typhoon for this year in the whole world going on in the Philippines for - yeah, exactly our week of traveling. Anyway, we were at the edge of its circle and "only" needed to fight against some rainy hours and a lot of wind.

Marianne and me

Under water, the weather did not matter. I took my Scuba Diving License during our stay there and can state that I am absolutely falling for it. I had four dives with my great French instructor Marianne, who taught me everything in so short time that we were able to see and enjoy under water life in a most amazing way. I pity that I didn't bring an underwater camera as I would love to share colorful corals, huge octopus, "flying fish" also known as squid :), seahorses, or lobster hiding in the holes with you. But the fun I had will definitely be continued in Thailand in about two weeks, maybe with a camera by then.

My very own BCD

There was a lot to enjoy when the sun had set in the evening. We had a fish market around the corner called TaliPapa (when you ever have the chance to get to Boracay, don't miss out on the food here, amazing!). We went there and bought fresh lobster and prawns, brought it to a nearby cookery and got the best food we had during our whole stay in Asia.

Who finds the mistake? Here we got our fresh lobsters.

And here is the result, best food ever.

I cannot miss out on telling you about our accommodation. Sara and I were so lucky. We met this amazing Canadian couple on our way to the island who gave us a ride on their jeep to a beautiful and cosy accommodation, Nigi Nigi Nu Noos (or similar^^). We had a huge double room with a big balcony facing the jungle around this place. And after six nights had passed by, the staff seemed to think that it was our honeymoon, at least that is what the towels on our bed that night said :)

Swans on our bed, I guess they just wanted to be kind^^

All in all, I need to state that this one week with my wonderful roommate and friend Sara has been the best week since I came to Singapore. The diving, the good food, the beach, the sun, the company of a fun friend and the Filipino way of life made my recess week and I will keep it in best memory.

On our way to the airport, in a typical tricycle

Saying goodbye to Boracay

This was definitely not the last traveling in Asia. The story will be continued from Bangkok and Koh Samet :) Until then, I need to write some midterms and pass some assignments. Spending some time in the harbor of studying, waiting for the next exciting trip... 

Cheers, Ju

Best friend in town!

After a long time of no show, here is some news coming up from my last two weeks.

Right after the end of Oktoberfest in Munich, Gabi took a flight over here and visited me for ten days. The summary is pretty easy, it was an awesome time together with my best friend in one of the best cities I have been to so far. I tried to show her as many unforgettable places as possible and as it turned out at the end of her stay, she totally approved it.

We went to Singapore Zoo (Claudia, I hope you read this!) and turned 6 years old again while watching the largest snakes, which actually live in Singapore too, crocodiles, Gabi's favourite: the monkeys and on top of all this: three of the almost extinct White Tigers. And because this was not enough, two days later we went to the night safari and saw these amazing animals you would never be able to see during the day. Huge bats, either hanging from the trees or flying around your head. So, if you will ever come to Singapore, please visit the Zoo, it is so worth it!

The baboons, Kirk, I guess they were just scratching themselves ;) 

Moreover, we went to Little India, saw the biggest technology mall you can imagine, had wonderful Asian food like Hot Pot (saying hello to Academy Consult's Hot Pot and especially to Tianyi over here, thanks for showing me). Of course, I showed her the famous New Asia Bar, in which we already celebrated Sara's birthday two weeks ago. But have a look :)

Singapore from the 71st floor

The Esplanade at Marina Bay

Well, and after the compulsory cultural sights, I finally removed the leash and allowed Gabi to go shopping in Singapore, which might have been a mistake^^ Fortunately, the exchange rate had become beneficial during the last few weeks. And as a tourist, you can even get the tax back when leaving the country. Hence, your shopping wasn't that expensive at all :) I had a very good time, thanks Gabi!

And by the way, the Canon EOS 550D is gonna be purchased right after recess week and the Philippines. So, you can be looking forward to a lot of amazing pictures :) Apropos, the Philippines, we are leaving the day after tomorrow, and the travel goal is White Beach, Boracay, which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I am gonna tell you about in a bit more than one week :)

Hugs to Germany,
yours Ju