Today was our day off, so our team decided that it would be fun to visit an active volcano, Taal located in Tagaytay. It was supposed to take about an hour and a half to get there, but with traffic, it ended up taking closer to three hours. The pastor, Ray drove us, which was so nice not to have to find a taxi or jeepney to get there. He was happy to go too and we were happy to have his company. We found out he’s a mean negotiator and he got us good prices for the tickets. When we arrived in Tagaytay we were dropped off at Starbucks.
This Starbucks could quite possibly be my new favorite. It was two stories tall and the view on the second story/roof top was AMAZING. From there, you could see the volcano and mountains across the lake. So while Pastor Ray went to find us a good price on our boat ride and trip, I enjoyed an iced, carmel mocchiato (my favorite). (And on a complete sidenote, I was so surprised to see so many Starbucks here. On our way to the volcano I counted three.)
It wasn’t long before Pastor Ray returned and we were on our way to the volcano. He had found us tickets for 500 pisos, which is about $10. Not too bad. Now this is where our adventure begins…we were at the top of the mountain, needing to get down to the lake front, in order to take a boat across to the island where the volcano was located. Have you ever been on a Filipino road that winds down a mountainside? Well, if not, it’s a real treat. Half of us ended up getting car sick by the time we reached the bottom (I was thankful for my strong stomach, but still felt a little funny any way.) We literally were turning every minute, winding back and forth down the entire way, trying not to hit chickens, or other obstacles along the way. We reached the bottom and I saw our boat waiting for us. Now mind you, I can still be in my American mindset at times, and I was under the impression that one would take a ferry to get to an island where a volcano was located. That however, was not the case.
We jumped in a tiny boat, that was just big enough to fit the seven of us, our driver and our tour guide. Away we went, crashing against the waves. It wasn’t long before I started getting sprayed on from the repeated crashing into the waves. At first I was a little annoyed by this, I mean, I didn’t sign up for the log floom at an amusement park, nor did I wear my bathing suit, bring a towel or a change of clothes, for that matter. However, my attitude quickly shifted and I began to laugh so hard everytime we hit a wave as the water splashed up over the side of our boat. I’m sure the driver thought “crazy American,” but I didn’t care.
We finally arrived at the island, after a some-what choppy boat ride (again, thankful I have a strong stomach). We were then asked, “You take horse or walk?” “Excuse me? Do what? I’m wearing capris and flip flops. I’m prepared for neither…” After a couple minutes of us debating, Noe decided to take a horse (okay, more like a mule) and the rest of us decided to walk. “Oh, by the way, how long is the walk?” “About 4K’s m’am.” So at this point, I wasn’t sure I made the right choice, but I was sticking to it. We started up the mountain and I realized, I made the wrong choice. Flip flops have no traction, no support and it is a quick, sure-fire way to ensure that your feet get as dirty as possible. Still, I found the humor in this and the volcanic ash provided some-what of a cushion under my feet, so they didn’t hurt as I made the climb.
Now I know the Filipino’s thought we were nuts. In fact, they stayed behind us for a while, offering us horses for 600 pisos about every 5 minutes. I think because they kept asking, I was determined not to give in–why I’m so stubborn, I’m not really sure. After the first, really tough hill and us continually turning them down, they finally left us alone though.
(And please don’t get me wrong, they were extremely nice, I just really didn’t want to ride a horse that day). I just looked at it, as good exercise to hike up the mountain, and believe me, walking straight up a hill is great exercise.
This was a pretty massive volcano and along the way up to the top there was steam coming out of little holes in the ground and it reeked of sulfer, which added to the whole experience, let me tell you. For the most part we all kept a pretty good pace and about after a half an hour, we’d made it to the top. What an incredible view! I HAD MADE IT TO THE TOP OF THE VOLCANO! In the middle, the crater of the volcano, there was a lake. A huge lake.
When we got to the top we snapped many photos and took a rest. I think we were all proud of ourseleves for making it to the top. It was well worth the view, I might add. We celebrated by sharing some coconut milk and after about twenty minutes or so, we decided to head back down the mountain.
Along the way down we had fun talking about life and how everyone was doing. It was a great experience. I even met a missionary and her mom on the way down and got to talk to them for a couple minutes. I was sorry I didn’t even think to ask her, her name, but it was nice meeting them along the road. Our day wrapped up at Mile Hi Diner for some good ol’ fashioned American eats. All-in-all, it was a great day. I’m glad we got to go on our little adventure. I’m also glad I got to share it with you! I pray you too will have an adventure like mine, complete with totally wrong foot-wear and a unique outlook on your circumstance! Blessings!
