Last beach...

Well, we will fly out tomorrow. It was another beautiful day of beach in the morning. This time we took a van from Alta Vista de Boracay (which may have changed management overnight last night. Hopefully it increases the size of the pantry. There were only four options available on the menu last night and none of them include coconut, pineapple or french fries!) to Station 3 on White beach. It is the southern-most end of the beach and a fair 'mount quieter than up near D'mall (Tagalog for "the mall"). So we played in the sand, snorkelled had the traditional "shake break" and relaxed.

Oh, I need to break now for the food update. I have been neglecting this important part of a holiday blog, the food report. Today for breakfast we had the buffet at the hotel. There was french toast today instead of pancakes. Lunch was at an italian place Don vito or el divo or something like that. I had linguini carbonara, Karla had the greek salad, Tony the clubhouse on
"brown bread" and Ruth had a salad I believe. It was all very good. Oh and Sean had french fries, he was thrilled. Karla and Sean had gelato for dessert. Dinner was in our room. Room service, which is much quicker than ordering it from the restaurant. It is also only 10 pesos more expensive, ah the Alta Vista!

As for the rest of the day we caught the Van back to Alta Vista after picking up PB & J fixings for our trip back tomorrow. Sean got to wait for the bus with his friend Ambrose who doesn't really seem as keen on playing as Sean does. We had naps after getting back and then the pool was hyped for an afternoon activity but when Sean woke and we made it to the pool Ambrose was not there and Sean was devastated. After some serious crying we made it back to our hotel room and watched some TV a big deal for Sean. Dinner was enjoyed while watching Madagascar on the Alta Vista playroom's DVD player again (setup was much quicker!) Tony and Ruth shared their Purdy's hedgehogs which were amazing. I am at D'mall again typing the blog and trying to find a way to get to Kalibo in less than the 6 hours. That is the amount of time the front desk at Alta Vista is saying it will take us to get there.

By this time tomorrow we will be in Hong Kong. It's always good to go home...

Island Hopping...

After having 12,988 vendors ask us "Sir, Island hopping?" the conditions were right and we booked our boat. The wind had decreased significantly over the last day or so and it was a relatively smooth water awaiting us as we arrived at Station one on White Beach for our tour. We booked through Alta Vista and I was a bit nervous about how that would work but once again talking to the manager everything is smooth.

We were picked up at the hotel and driven to the beach with our guide and owner of the company Salvae (not sure of the spelling of this name) it was of course a beautiful morning and we waited a bit for the boat to come by but it was thankfully covered because it was to be a scortcher of a day. We headed south along the lee side of the island getting a great view of the beach from the water. some nice coral exists at the south end of the island but we were heading to Crocodile Island, so named because it actually does kind of look like a crocodile. Heading around the south tip of the island we encountered some swell but it was head on and kind of fun.

The snorkelling site is actually in the lee of the island and was, as expected packed. Fortunately nobody here swims well so they all "snorkel" in constant contact with the boat. Tony, Karla, and I had a splendid time cruising the 2-4m water for about 45minutes. Salvae and the skipper took Ruth and Sean to the beach for some sand time and we snorkeled. It was better than I had expected, saw a school of batfish, an eel, lots of sargeant majors, and some expectant black fish that were so ready to be fed they nibbled our hands. Coral was okay in spots but will be destroyed eventually because it is just common practice to chuck anchors over the side onto the coral below. I know I am forgetting stuff but the fish life was good.

We swam to shore got the boat and headed to Crystal Cove a beach that you pay to come ashore on but offers nothing. Tony and I snorkeled in a strong current with some interesting coral and deeper cooler water. Current was pretty strong though and you had to watch were you were. Sean and the ladies quickly found out there was nothing redeeming about the island and we headed to our next stop. The wind and swell were at our back now and we had fun "surfing" some of the swell as we headed back west to the calm side of the island.

Last stop was right out in front of Diniwid beach at a place called Baling Hai. Some good coral there but the it is getting destroyed by anchors. I witnessed our boat anchor ripping up coral while we were there. Back for lunch to the hotel.

FOOD REPORT:

I had Mami - a philippino noodle soup which was great. Karla had veggie noodles, I forget what Ruth and Tony had but I am sure we can fill this in later.

After lunch we played at the pool til nap. Karla and I headed for D'mall for our second Date of the trip and Sean slept over at Gramma and Opa's. Karla and I had gelato and foot massages, with Karla getting a pedicure as well.

Christmas in Boracay

I know it is not the most imaginative title but its 10:30pm. Awake at 6:30 as per the Buxton life, and opening the curtains to another beautiful morning, a Christmas morning! Sean watches a bit of cartoons as we all wake up. It's great he's three and the second day we were here he said something along the lines of "make it go to the next one mom I don't like the way it stops all the time!" He was of course referring to commercials, something he hadn't really seen up until watching kids shows here in Boracay!

The wind has toned down abit to about 14-15knots. It was beautiful sun and Sean and I explored the pool a bit before we headed down to White Beach for our main task of the day to get a family photo in front of the Boracay sand sculpture. Tried a couple things then pulled out the off camera flash, with wireless transmitter to fill in the shadows on our faces and I am okay with the results now. It was warm today and the "hike" down the beach drains us all. So we stop off at a "butterfly farm" at the Golf course and take a looksee. Sad, with a poor bat having his wings stretched out for the benefit of Korean tourists and the most unhealthy looking owl you've ever seen being handed about for photos. We were out of there pretty quick and Tony took us for lunch at the Golf Club House. Beautiful location overlooking the beach on the east (wind) side of the island. Had burgers and salads and then back to the Alta Vista. Finally we worked in some pool time and got Sean in the water with his boats. He had a blast and it was refreshing in the heat of the day. K & S did a nap and I went out to Puka Shell beach to scout out our Christmas Dinner.

Sean and I had followed a trail of bubbles to a family from Laos eating breakfast this morning. Sean got some bubbles and we mentioned Christmas dinner on the beach. They were interested so they decided to join us. They have a son about 5 that Sean was very keen on playing with. He is a geologist working in Laos and his family have joined them and are enjoying the expat lifestyle.

We headed down to the beach with food from Alta Vista and had dinner with Tony, Ruth, and Paul from Laos and his family. It was a beautiful night and the kids had a great time playing in the surf as the sun set and it got dark, all in about 30min like it does here in the tropics. K and S are in bed and I am writing this tomorrow we may do some island hopping for snorkelling and beach time.

Pizza, popcorn and DVD's!

We spent most of the day today in the shade of the palms on White Beach. Sean, Tony and I were making a huge sand castle and enjoying the beautiful day. We did lunch on the beach and we attempted Sean napping there in the shade. Too many distractions...

We spent Christmas eve in our room ordering in Shakey's pizza and watching the Bee movie on the Hotel's DVD player (after we finally managed to wiggle the cables to put an image on the TV!) We finished the night off to Sean's delight with popcorn! Or as Sean would say POPCORNNN!!!

In bed by about 9:30 and sleeping soon after.

A new day a new beach...

Well, Karla and I woke well rested and went to the next door hotel room around 7am to collect our son! Yes, Sean had a sleep-over at Opa and Gramma's! He was very excited and they did lots of fun stuff like make Christmas decorations. When we opened the doors to the balcony we were greeted with another beautiful day in paradise. The constant wind from the East/NorthEast keeps it cool and the sun was there for us again today. We met van der Waardes and headed to the buffet. I had purchased a map a day earlier and we were able to scope out a new beach closer to home for the day. Diniwid beach was it for the day.

Tricycles were the transport and the road was a bit rough towards the end but Sean loved it shouting out "we're offroadin!" as the bouncing began. The beach is beautiful and at 9am barely a soul there. Sean and I set out exploring and walked around the headland to see White beach in the distance then returned to a cluster of boulders of volcanic rock. We set up amongst the boulders and got to the tasks at hand. Tony and I went snorkeling and Sean, Karla and Ruth did the sandcastle bit. I went out with Karla's swim goggles and was completely unimpressed. It turns out it was because I couldn't see. I used Tony's mask and snorkel right afterwards and saw two eels, a nudibranch, lots of tunicates, cone shells, feather stars, a boxfish, christmas tree worm and had a great time.

People were ready for shakes at this time so we went and ordered some from the nearby bungalows. Expensive though 120pesos each. It took a while and Sean was fading so we packed up and walked around the headland heading for White beach and restaurants. Had some philippine fare and then back to the Alta Vista. Karla and Sean did a nap and I was off to Bulabog beach again to try my hand at sailing. Wind appeared strong and I headed out with a 6.5 and 103L but it wasn't enough so I traded up to 7.0 and 133L which was great but quickly too much, had some scary runs downwind and got some air and then in to go back to the 6.5. After about 15m the wind was done and I slogged in. Feels great to sail again. The muscle memory is there but the muscles did complain! I brought waffles home for dinner then Sean and I did the playroom. I am in dmall now after a massage and bloggin away...

Sleep-over/Date night

Note: the photos are not mine but they are of the places described. They have been chosen for how well they represent what we saw that day. They will be replaced with CBuxton originals when I get a chance to upload to a computer.

The day dawned windier than we had seen so far. It is a beautiful sight with true blue skies and the golf course across the way from us. The hotel is situated up on the top of a hill on the north end of the island. You could clearly see there were more whitecaps on the ocean this morning. The buffet offered small suprises this morning but Sean was still thrilled to have red juice and pancakes for breakfast. We have sort of staked out a breakfast table and our morning ritual is predictable.

After brekkie we were off to explore the legendary White Beach and its fine, fine sand. We were not disappointed. It really is beautiful and the tide was just right for exposing a grand sandcastle playground. Sean was off to try the sand and I headed back to pick up all the stuff we had forgotten; water, playtoys, swim-shorts, and sunscreen! When I returned some beach chairs had been secured and Sean had been into the water already. We built sandcastles, enjoyed coconut shakes and played with the local kids as the breathtaking day unfolded. I tried some skimboarding... ouch, and took lots of pictures.

We had Mongolian bbq for lunch and then it was nap time! I napped with Sean, I don't know which of us fell asleep first, and Karla had a massage! Ruth had been kind enough to offer to watch Sean so that Karla and I could have a date. We were outta dodge as soon as the opportunity presented itself and we had a relaxing date, walking along the beach watching the setting sun, Mexican food for dinner and then back to our hotel to watch channels other than Disney! It was nice to be able to talk and listen without any other pressures, we are on vacation now...

First day, straight to sailing!

I am typing this three days late so the details may be a bit fuzzy. We got up around 6:30 as normal and headed down to try the hotel buffet. The hotel is a nice spot but the service is a bit... dodgy. Breakfast was fine, and Sean is very excited about the PANCAKES! At breakfast Gramma, Opa, Karla and I decided that we would WALK to Puka beach for the morning. After consulting "the desk" we were told it was about a 15 m walk. Now to be fair they do have a 5m shuttle to the "private beach". We were going to WALK it. Well we set out and very quickly realized that the directions from "the desk" may be a bit of a problem. We were guessing and talking to people who did not understand us very well, very soon. We ended up at the gate to the Shangri-La's private beach getting a cushman ride down to this very exclusive resort, excited at the prospect that perhaps this outpost of civility and comfort was perhaps in an shared use agreement with our hotel. Well, I should have known better. We could enjoy the Shangri-La for only $70USD per person for the day. Instantly our place on the wealth scale was marked as we headed back out of the Shangri-la to a beach more within our price range!

Turns out our Puka beach was the other turn at the top of the hill and we met a Alta Vista driver shuttling people to the "private beach" and made the "15m walk" a bunch shorter. The beach is great, surf a little big for Sean but lots of fun was had digging a big whole and collecting shells. Sean was feeling a bit warm and fussy so we headed back to the hotel for naps.

The wind was blowing and Sean and Karla were napping so I was off to the beach. It is a kiting amphitheatre as you come to the beach. Probably 40-50 kites fill the sky like colourful birds diving and turning as the competing for swift prey. I quickly found a shop with windsurfing gear, not as easy to do as I thought as the beach is mostly kites, and got out on the water. I was using a 133L Starboard and a 7.0M sail and it was just right. I played for 90min and I had a blast. I can still jump and gybe but the hands and muscles are not use to this exercise! I had a lot of fun and was powered up just right for most of the time. I had a bit of front hand pressure towards the end as the wind picked up but it was fun and felt easy. The new equipment makes it easy. Closing the gap was not a thought and it all just fit. Lots of fun.

I got back showered and I hung out with Sean as the rest of the crew went into dmall for shopping and dinner. Sean and I watched TV and played games till everyone returned.

T'was the night before our Christmas...

Well, the holidays have arrived... we sang carols in the morning as the students walked through the gate. Two school assemblies, homeroom lunches, and lots of well wishes and now we are on vacation. Time to go for a hike!

We got the boy up from his nap and got ready to go. Karla was feeling a bit of an upset tummy so she decided to pass on this trip so it would be Gramma, Opa, Sean and I off to the country park! The weather was a bit grey and its cold for Hong Kong, about 13C, but we were undaunted.

With Sean on my shoulders and his stick in my hand
I could tell it was the Jungle today just as I'd planned.
When out all around us, there arose a gentle chatter
T'was the birds talking to us as we were the matter.

Away to the top of the hill we were climbing
My family spotting bugs without even my priming.
Caterpillars and lantern bugs there were all about
Daddy looking closer for pictures no doubt.

When what to our exploring eye would come next
But a creek made for racing little sticks I expect.
So Sean was the quickest he won by a mile
That's how we tell it to get that great smile.

Back to the road we began to walk quickly.
the light it was dimming so footing was tricky
And giving a nod to the taxi in passing.
We sprang for our seats, cars behind us amassing.
But I heard Sean explain and yes he was right.
we are coming home now Mom, byebye Good night.

van der Waardes are here!

Tony and Ruth arrived yesterday arriving in Hong Kong approximately... 8:27. Karla and Sean picked them up and brought them to Tai Tam via a luxurious rental van. When I got home from work Tony was out on the field with Sean playing hockey/soccer. It was a busy night for me with Interim Parent Night but we had a good visit before sleep called most to bed.

Today was a big event. Playgroup, was at our house. That means 7 kids and 6 moms with Karla, Tony and Ruth. Gramma and Opa are the kid experts though and they were a highlight with Opa reading stories and Gramma and Karla baking cookies with the help of some little hands. Karla was happy for the help as she is feeling a bit slower now with the the smallest Buxton growing within!

A first for today was Sean began, whistling. Yes, it is clearly whistling. He is really enjoying Gramma and Opa and will ask "I want to hold hands" if he feels the need. We had a great dinner out in Stanley and when we got back home Karla had a second birthday with gifts from Canada, of which one was a Muppets DVD! We watched one, turns out it was the Mana mana episode! Sean is talking about "being scared" and calling out but is not giving any reasons for what is scaring him. So we like good parents are ignoring him and telling him to go to sleep.

Note: Karla says - after we pray with him and sing Jesus loves me! Karla says Sean prayed "Dear God help me to be brave"

Finding the sunshine in Hong Kong

Karla's Birthday began grey and early. Today we are off to Lantau Island the largest island in Hong Kong to have some beach time with friends. To catch the ferry we were out of the house by 8 and that meant birthday gifts and cereal! The weather report was for sun and 23C but it was bleak as we boarded the ferry. Our friends Kevin and Liam were coming to play with us today on the beach as Liam's mommy had to cancel last minute. Like most trips in Hong Kong we sample a variety of transportation modes. This trip has taxi, ferry, and bus. At 10am we are on Cheung Sha Beach and we are the only ones enjoying the sun warmed sand. We set up camp at the Stoep a South African restaurant and the kids are shoes off into the sand.

What follows is a leisurely Saturday as we watch the kids play and eat great food. Sean and Liam are totally occupied in the sand and toys. The weather is perfect and we finish the day with a walk down the beach to explore the rocks at the headland. Bus, fast ferry and taxi take us home to Tai Tam for naps.

Although Dad had bigger plans, once the cake arrives in the house the birthday girl calls "cake for dinner" and how can that be undone! So we eat cake and watch movies and call it a day. As I write this Karla is watching "Charlies Angels" and Sean is sleeping.

Take a look at photos from the day @ our photo site.

Happy Birthday Karla!

Its winter in Hong Kong

Well winter means skating and Sean and Karla headed off today to go skating at Elements mall in Kowloon. They had the rink to themselves and they brought some friends, Ryder and his mom Susie were up for some skating as well.

I was busy this evening with our Fall Sports Banquet up in the HS gym. So I am writing this and then off to bed. Karla is there already.


Yesterday was date night and we headed out to the mall. Exciting I know!~ Karla got to checkout a craft store that's going out of business and after she was done she came and watched my hockey game. It worked out well as the game is at 8pm. Often games start at 11:30pm so being awake the next morning is as much a sporting event as the hockey game.

Cheung Chau

The playgroup social calendar dictated this weekends trip to Cheung Chau which translates in cantonese to Long Island. We got lucky on the day as we popped our heads out of the MTR in Central to catch a ferry it was blue sky and a clear view across the harbour. We were early, almost unheard of, and we soon had our friends Jeff and Robyn, with their kids Owen and Elliot as well as Joe and Stacie with their kids Anika and Kylie passing through the turnstiles to board the ferry.

It's about a 30min. ferry ride to Cheung Chau and we enjoyed the trip. We watched the harbour pass by quickly and the kids were remarkably focused on the boat traffic as we sped to our destination. Chris was particularly impressed with the hydrofoils completely out of the water and almost "flying" past us. Arriving at the dock we disembarked got our bearings with the iphone (althought Robyn new exactly where to go!) and headed to the other side of the island where the beach is. We stopped for buns on the way and then the boys were off and running.

The beach was almost deserted and with the clear blue sky and beautiful sunshine we had a great day of digging, running, jumping and exploring ahead. A couple of times we came across bizarre looking polychaete worms that had been washed up on the beach. They were enough to capture the interest of all. After a while we took advantage of the playground as the kids played with some local boys and girls and a new play structure never before recorded in playgroup history. Soon tummies were rumbling and we were back into the village looking for food. We had an okay lunch next to the sea and then the highlight of the whole day... ice cream!

The trip back was uneventful and there were some heavy eyelids as we said goodbye to head back to Tai Tam. A great day!