Go to page 1 2 3 4 »»

For years, I had been dreaming of going to Boracay. But we kept putting it off. First, the kids were too young and the transfers from plane to land vehicle to boat to land vehicle didn’t sound like child’s play. Then, I resumed my career and all the traveling I got to do was work-related and none brought me to Boracay. Then, we bought a house and plane tickets sounded too much of a luxury. All of that is now behind us and we finally went last week.

a palm tree on White Beach in Boracay

Sure, the fine white sand on the beach didn’t scorch my feet even under the midday sun.

sunset in Boracay

Sure, the sunset was picture pretty. But as our first day in Boracay drew to a close, I was more than ready to voice out my disappointment. I wasn’t impressed, I didn’t find it relaxing, I didn’t understand what the big deal was. I suppose it’s just fashionable to be seen in Boracay. It’s hip to be with the hip crowd, that sort of thing. Really, I felt no excitement at the fact that I had to jostle my way through the crowded beach.

But then again, I have to admit that it was too early at that point to judge Boracay after having seen nothing but White Beach. By dinner time, I was willing to concede that the tables on the brightly lit beach did have a charm all their own. Still, not being one to enjoy life in crowded places, I kept wishing there was more to Boracay than what I had seen so far. That wish would be granted the following day when we went island hopping.

White Beach is nothing compared to the solitude and pristine beauty of Puca Island and Crystal Cove. And the endless fashion parade on White Beach seemed silly compared to diving, gazing at the corals underneath the sea and playing among the fish.

island hopping, Boracay, Crystal Cove and Puca Island

We hired a boat on the morning of Day 2 and Speedy was mocking us the entire time because only he had a waterproof cam. Sam, Alex and I could only take photos on shore. By the way, all the photos in this entry are mine and Speedy’s; I don’t know where the girls uploaded their photos to, if they already have. Anyway, the first stop was Crystal Cove. I was happy enough to stay on the beach and ditch the cave tour.

I took photos…

Sam Veneracion, Crystal Cove Island off Boracay

Alex Veneracion, Crystal Cove Island off Boracay

Speedy on the beach of Crystal Cove Island off Boracay

Smart girls. They kept their shirts on and didn’t get burned. I was wearing a swimsuit the whole time and the skin on my arms, chest, shoulders and back is peeling as I write this entry.

Anyway, so we were on the beach of Crystal Cove and I took more photos…

Speedy on the beach of Crystal Cove Island off Boracay

coral on the beach of Crystal Cove

seaweeds on the beach of Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove beach

Now, that’s my idea of a beach. NO CROWDS, just the sand, the sea and palm trees. Someday, I’ll build a house on a beach just like the one in the photo. :)

Our friends who had gone to the park to see the caves sent someone back to tell us that it was beautiful inside and we ought to leave the beach for a while. So, okay…

Go to page 1 2 3 4 »»

← Lenten reflections, sort of Dragons, crocodiles and artists →