Yesterday Jessi and I, as well as several other guests from the resort took a private boat to a small deserted island. The boat ride took about an hour and was beautiful; the sea was so still and calm you could have gone waterskiing. The other striking thing about the boat ride was simply the color of the sea. It was the most amazing blue-green water I have ever seen. It was like looking through a gem stone, clear yet colorful.
Some of those on our boat were going diving and some, like Jessi and I, were snorkeling. Jessi had never snorkeled before and I had only done it a few times when I was in Saipan. Everyone got suited up and hopped into the water. The divers were really excited because apparently the Philippines are an amazing place to dive. Since we were basically off the grid all of the dive sites were, according to the divers, pristine and virtually untouched by humans. I’ve never wanted to be a scuba diver but the things they were describing made it sound very appealing. Snorkeling, however, turned out to be equally amazing in my mind. I have never seen so many fish in my life! I wish I knew what I had seen but my ability to identify fish stops with Walleyes, Northerns and Sunnies. However, I have seen Finding Nemo a few times so I can at least tell you I saw a lot of Nemo fish. There was also a lot of interesting coral to look at while snorkeling. Some of it was really flat and grew out like an umbrella while some of the other coral grew tall and tower-like. Most of my snorkeling in Saipan was spent looking at old war memorabilia that had sunk on the shores, which was also cool, but I have to say I enjoyed looking at the amazing variety of fish more than I enjoyed looking at old tanks and guns.
After the snorkeling and diving was though we took the boat to the island to explore. This was definitely a Robinson Crusoe kind of island; I don’t think a soul actually lived there. There were some picnic tables and a small souvenir shop but I’m guessing that was only there because of the resort. Once the island exploring was though we got back in the boat and went out for another diving / snorkeling session. Yet again I was amazed at the entirely different world that is under the sea. There is truly a separate universe under there.
The last event on the itinerary was a picnic lunch on the island. For once Jessi and I actually fully enjoyed a meal. I know, shocking, right? Everything was delicious. There was grilled fish, chicken and pork, fresh pineapple and mango, rice, a noodle dish, grilled vegetables and cucumber salad. I think I ate more on that island than I have eaten in my entire two weeks here. Yum.
The boat ride back to the resort was just as beautiful as the ride to the island. An hour trip really goes by fast when you’re busy absorbing every little sound, sight and smell. We even saw a school of fish jumping out of the sea while being pursued by fishermen. I kind of felt like I was filming for the Travel Channel. I half-expected Andrew Zimmern to hop on my boat and eat something disgusting.
Once we got to the resort the staff greeted us with fresh iced coffee and pineapple. They were all so friendly and wanted to hear about our day. The hospitality and kindness of the Philippine people is astounding. They are always smiling and welcoming; it really makes you feel at home and welcome.
This morning, Jessi and I packed up and said goodbye to our tiny slice of paradise. I feel lucky that I was able to experience such a beautiful part of the world. And if any of you need a recommendation for a good vacation spot I know a place…
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