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All journeys in the Central Visayas region seem to lead back to Cebu City, and so we found ourselves there for one night as we prepared to leave the Philippines and fly onward to Vietnam. Similar to Manila, Cebu has an old fort to visit which now features some attractive gardens within its walls, as well as a fairly non-stressful vibe for a large city. We decided that the last order of the trip for the final evening was to have a semi-classy seafood meal overlooking the port amongst diners who weren't dressed in smelly backpacker clothes (although we obviously still were.) We followed up this suave evening by visiting McDonald's in the morning for breakfast as Troy really had a hankering for an Egg McMuffin. It's all about balance.
We go back and forth debating about money and the budget, as well as where we should spend the next few months, even though we already have a relatively organised plan that we thought we were sticking to. There is something about being back in these countries that feels different than last year; like we have aged a lot more than the 1-1.5 years that we actually have. We ponder getting off this particular tourist track and maybe going to Sri Lanka instead, just because it's new. And then try to remind ourselves that every experience has the potential to be fresh if you can just set aside your pre-conceived notions. We think about choosing other places just related to a time of year that we can't normally travel, (as in, right now), to take advantage of those non-typhoon affected areas. And then try to remember that there was a reason why we chose our current itinerary in the first place. There is a tendency to over-analyse our decisions and expectations, and then worry about how we handle our reactions to said over-analysis. It has been helpful that our cheaper accommodation options have naturally led us to more interactions with a younger crowd, who inspire us with their more spontaneous, carefree attitudes. Or at least the ones that they project! This may not be in our true nature, but the phrase, "Fake it till you make it" might be the one most fitting for now as we move forward in our travels!
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Carrie Just enjoy every day for what it is and have fun you two! Sometimes it’s good to not have a plan or an itinerary. Think about this amazing adventure you are on and be present in every moment and just let go. Xoxo
Caitlin I was downtown yesterday and walked by a printing store where one of the examples was a Cebu pillow (someone had printed a holiday photo on it)! Naturally I thought of you (and the fact that I am so ignorant when it comes to geography that your travels are the only reason I know where Cebu is!).
Clare Hansen Yes, rules to live by, right, Carrie?! Cait I hadn't even heard of Cebu until we decided we wanted to go to the Philippines and I started researching, I don't think that is ignorant at all! I love that you remembered we were in Cebu though when you saw the pillow!