Tilling the filed with Buffalo. 8 Sisters in background.

Originally uploaded by mainelife.

A farmer tills his fields in front of the 8 Sisters, part of Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol. He is using a native Buffalo.

Well, here I am changing course again. No big surprise. Things haven’t been as comfortable aboard the boat as I would like, and so I think traveling solo will work best for me. The group dynamic is hard to deal with, and I think would require a really great, close group. I think I will see much more of the islands than could possibly happen with fellow travelers. My plan today is to hop aboard a ferry and head to Bantayan Island. It is small enough that I hope to travel mostly by foot and avoid the nasty air that hangs along all the highways here. The vehicles are mostly diesel or 2-stroke motorcycles, and all have clouds following them. Everyone walks with rags over their faces to help protect from it. I’m glad at this point that I decided to travel so light. Everything I brought is carried in a small backpack, and crammed really, really tight.

Last night Laura and I took a taxi to Cebu City to get a break from the boat repairs, and to see some of the area. It was so nice to stay at an air conditioned hotel, and quite reasonable at 1000pisos ($20 USD).

Today we had breakfast at a little cafe, and walked to one of the many internet cafe’s in the area to email. I have taken many photos so far, but I forget to bring a cable to upload them from my camera. Next time. The weather here is hot and humid, but so far we have had no rain. That season is supposedly in the late fall, so hopefully I will miss it. Right now I’m not exactly sure where this journey will take me. Everyone knows that my plans are subject to a change at any moment! But, in this high-tech world, it should be easy to let everyone know where I’m at.

By the way, only 3 days left until I’m in Cebu!