We arrived in the Philippines at 3 in the morning and by 5 am we made the drive to Taal Lake just in time to be greeted by this sunrise over the lake. Perfect way to kick off a 3 week trip exploring this beautiful country.
At dawn on the second day a group of us decided to take one of the small boats that ferry people to the active volcano in the middle of the lake. Two guides lead us on a hike up to the crater of the Taal Volcano.
Inside the crater of the volcano, which is in a lake, is a another lake. And inside that lake is another small island. We spent some time at the top before hiking back down.
Many people live on and around the active volcano. They sell food, drinks, and small souvenirs to those who climb up to see the crater.
The people of Taal use small horses to transport people and supplies up the the huts near the top of the volcano. They can even take hikers up who need a rest, for a modest fee.
After Taal we traveled to Quezon City, where we would stay for New Years.
Fireworks are legal in the Philippines and the whole city erupted in loud bangs and flashes once the clock struck midnight. It must be one of the best places to spend New Years Eve.
The rain did little to discourage people from launching their New Years Eve fireworks.
After New Years, our next stop was Sagada. We drove through the night on long twisting mountain roads to reach Sagada early the next day. We made a few interesting stops along the way...
On our way to Sagada we stopped to see the famous 2,000 year old Banaue rice terraces. But first we stop in a small inn for breakfast.
All of the towns along the road we traveled had to be built right into the sides of the mountains, not unlike the rice terraces themselves.
After Banaue we continued towards Sagada.
Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins. Many are hanging inside the caves that can be found all around Sagada, but these are hanging outside under the overhang of a cliff. Tourists line up to have their picture taken under the old coffins.
We tried to travel the mountain roads around Kalinga, but a mudslide took out the road to Buscalan Village, forcing us to turn back.
The mudslide was a unexpected let down, but we at least got to see more of these wonderful mountain vistas.
After leaving Kalinga we decided to visit the city of the north...Baguio. It was a long drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes I ever saw.
After a very long drive we arrived in Baguio late in the day.
After Baguio City we headed back to Quezon for a few days. I was told before arriving in the Philippines that the traffic in Manila would be terrible...
Our next stop was Camiguin Island, but first we had to fly to Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao.
We were staying on Camiguin Island for just 3 days and were told the best beach was on a small sand bar off the main island called White Island.
It rained all three days we were on Camiguin, but White Island was enjoyable nonetheless. We spent hours swimming and snorkeling around its calm waters.
I spent hours exploring the water around White Island. Colorful fish, seashells, and coral were everywhere.
Cemetery sunken by a volcanic eruption.
This man will write you name on a bracelet for about one U.S dollar.
The remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed by the same volcanic eruption that sunk the cemetery.
We happened upon "The Beehive" which specializes in making foods with their own honey they produce from hive boxes scattered around the cafe.
A typhoon was headed towards the island and that we had to leave for the boat back to the mainland immediately; before they closed the port. We rushed back to the inn, grabbed all our stuff, and left. We made it just in time; on the last boat off Camiguin before the storm.
We reached Sinait, Ilocos Sur, our next stop, about an hour before sunrise. I walked along the remains of an extinct coral reef and watched the sun come up.
The ancient coral made thousands of tide pools. You could spend hours exploring before the tide comes in and hides them away.
Took a 4x4 ride on the dunes. The ride is fast and bumpy as the driver races up and down the dunes.
The windmills of Ilocos Norte line the northern cost and can be seen from miles around.
For our last night in Ilocos we sat on the beach; under the full moon and fasting moving clouds.
Our last stop before returning to Manila was the old city of Vigan. We climb the tower near Bantay Church. Being up in the tower with its shade and cooling breeze was a welcomed relief from the midday heat.
Vigan is an old Spanish city. I spent time wandering alone around the city. Its architecture, unique in the Philippines, gives the feeling of walking down European side streets.
Girls returning home from school.
I found the people in the Philippines to be much more responsive to my camera than other places I visited. Many people waved or smiled as they saw me put the camera up to my eye.
As soon as this man saw me walking with a camera he smiled and waved to get my attenion.
I enjoyed exploring the streets of Vigan, but after just a few hours we had to head back to Manila.
I had the opportunity to climb to the crater of Pinatubo. I couldn't resist. We left Quezon at 3am to reach the spot where 4x4s take people as close to the volcano as they can, across lahar fields and flood plains, before they can go no further and you hike the rest of the way.
The 4x4 took us over the ash, known as lahar, left behind after the devastating eruption of 1991.
The hike proved not too challenging, especially since we had a very helpful guide, Brian, who showed us all the best sights and the best paths to take through the lahar. In just about 2 hours we were at the crater.
We managed to be the first ones to the top that day. We had the whole crater to ourselves and had plenty of time to sit and relax and take in the view.
The walls of the cliffs we hiked through were not made of rock, but instead lahar, and would crumble into dust if touched. As I walked through this unique world, I realized that this incredable landscape was actually younger than me...
On the way down from the crater I met this outgoing girl playing in the lahar fields.
Just one more day to go before our flight back to America. We spent it walking about the old part of Manila.
Tricycles are always nearby if you need a rest from walking.
Manila is full of Jeepneys; one of the main forms of transport around the city. Most are colorfully painted, or are decorated with religious or pop culture images
It was sadly time to go back home. The Philippines certainly left a strong impression on me. The people, the places, the sights...all were so unique. I didn't want to leave and I hope to return one day.