Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

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Teenytinyteddybears
Posts: 444

Carolynn May 8, 2009

I am finally home after the most exciting time.

We took a 9 hour bus drive (220 miles) from Manila to Banaue.

The rice terraces there are a UNESCO heritage site, and they blow your mind. All made by hand, every rock carried for miles. From Banaue we did a "gentle" 5 hour hike into Batad village and down to the water fall. Quite frankly my legs could have done without the water fall bit, but Batad is very beautiful. The top of the terraces is narrow and that is what the local people use as a "road". Everything is carried into the village along them.

We met a lovely couple and decided to go on to Bontoc with them. About 45 mins in a Jeepney.The purpose was a traditional market. But the only thing traditional was all the "made in China" stuff. Anyhow.

Next day off to Sagada. 2 Hours in a very packed Jeepney, which was a good thing, you don't roll around so much. Sagada is renowned for hanging coffins. Traditionally people were smoked for a few days in a chair and then put into a coffin and either put into a cave or hung on the side of a cliff, depending on their status.

Those little brown log like things are small coffins.. There are 100's packed into one cave. They kind of fold the person up to fit into that tiny coffin.

My hubby and the other couple wanted to go potholing. I opted for what I thought was a gentle stroll which turned into a full scale caving expedition. I cannot walk on slippery stuff and had a bag of our things so chickened out of one stretch of the cave, and was left in the dark with a tiny torch. I would do that again if I ever had the opportunity. I lay on a rock in the absolute dark with the gentle sound of water (and some bats). It was pure bliss.
I am in that blob of people, at least I have proof I was there :crackup: :crackup:

The trip home was long. It took us just over 36 hours and included, jeepneys, taxis, busses and planes. One part of the road had a huge landslide and we had to wait while they cleared it.

Aside from being exhausted and having a pile of toxic washing, (bat poo does not smell good) I am in absolute awe of what I have seen. And totally gobsmacked at the things I have achieved in the last while. I even went over a suspension bridge which for me was a big "no no".

Past Time Bears
Double Oak, Texas
Posts: 21,911

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorMay 8, 2009

BEAUTIFUL scenery, Carolynn!! Your trip does sound unusual, but very exciting. Glad you're back with us safe and sound.

Waggle Bears
So Cal Desert
Posts: 4,089

Marlys May 8, 2009

Amazing photos of the rice terraces.

Bubble Up Bears!
Murrieta, California
Posts: 1,804

Bubble-Up Bears May 8, 2009

Wow such fantastic pictures!
Thanks for sharing Carolynn.
Sounds like you had a very fun and exciting time!
Good for you!! bear_original

Doodlebears
UK
Posts: 7,414

doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorMay 8, 2009

Carolynn, you told me that you were going on this holiday, but Wow, what a holiday. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures and I must say the one with the skull peaking through the coffin made me smile, not that it should have really. bear_grin What beautiful scenery, I have never personally seen anything like that. The jeepney looks like you would have had a bumpy ride, but fun anyway. I am happy that you had a good time and thank you so much for sharing it all with us.

Hugs, Jane. bear_thumb :photo:
P.S. How did you plants manage with you away from home?

Sophie Z'Ours
Sarthe, France
Posts: 2,770

lapousmor May 8, 2009

:dance: :dance: :dance:

Doing the happy dance for you, honey!

It looks these holidays were fantastic, hehehehehehehehe!

I hope you will most more photos in your blog!

It is great to read you again.

Beary hugs,
Sophie.

Teenytinyteddybears
Posts: 444

Carolynn May 8, 2009

Thanks girls. Funny though, those pics do nothing justice. Was too stunning to see. Jane they coped ok. The bubble things worked well. My tomato seedlings are fine and I only lost 1 basil plant that was looking a bit ill anyway. Sophie I don't have a blog. But I really think I should start one for this trip especially. I did loads of research before we went but found out so much more. Important stuff, like where to find cash machines. One of the couples had to travel 3 hours to draw more cash. We almost had enough but also have local bank accounts so we were fine. I have put some more pics on Facebook. I must admit I am feeling a bit lost today. Never thought I was cut out for the back packing thing. But I obviously am.