#Sabang beach

[runningpinoy]

Baler: More Than Surfing

Of all the places in the Philippines I visited in 2023, Baler was one of the places I know very little about, but glad to have went to.  Here’s the story of our adventures… Baler is not that far Metro Manila (about 280 kilometers away) but getting there felt like going to a much further place.  Driving takes around 6 hours, majority of which into small local roads, with a significant part over…

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

Surfing

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

[sweetkinships]

Puerto Galera

© Millet P. Malasaga and SweetKinships, 2019–Present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this blog or material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Millet P. Malasaga and sweetkinships.family.blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original…

[akonaman]

Pagkauwe sa Bulan nag sabang naman at tumambay with the locals. I was observing lang yung mga families na nakatambay sa gilid ng beach and sobrang genuine ng tawanan nila habang nakain ng turo turo sa gilid.

After stroll sa gilid ng beach nakita namin yung Bentonarto and may pad thai sila. We tried it and whoahh ang sarap.

Pagkagising sa umaga naglinis ng isda para sa birthday ni tito. Nanood lang talaga ko pano magluto ng igado at caldereta haha.

Nung gabi na uminom ng konting empi na may coke. I’ve learned my lesson sa empi na yan haha. Medyo chill na inom lang that night.

Kinabukasan nag bus na lang kami and babalik nalang uli sa December. And laki ng magiging changes talaga in few months. Nakakaiyak pero kakayanin.

[tearsofrefugees]

Sabang, Indonesia

A Rohingya Muslim woman rests after landing at a beach in Sabang

Photograph: Riska Munawarah/Reuters

[aroundtheworldin214days]

May 11, 2023 - Day 137

Sabang, Pulau Weh Island, Indonesia

Sabang is a city in the Aceh province Indonesia consisting of Weh Island and several smaller islands off the northern tip of Sumatra. It has a population of 43,000 people which makes it, by far the smallest population of any city in Indonesia. It is the northern most and westernmost city in Indonesia. The distance from the westernmost point to the easternmost point in Indonesia is 3319 miles.

This is our only stop in Indonesia and was a replacement for the stop that was scheduled in Rangoon, Miramar (Burma). The island is 99% Muslim so there is no alcohol allowed. They do not practice strict Sunni law but there are mosques everywhere and the woman all wear a hijab or headscarf. They do not wear a burka and there were a lot of blue jeans.

We took a tour around the island and visited several very nice beaches which have perfect reefs for snorkeling and diving. There were several resorts along the beach including one named Freddies which looked nice and costs $40/night. There have not been many tourists visiting the island so the reefs have not been damaged.

The Japanese occupied the island in 1942 and there were many gun emplacements and bunkers all over the island. Operation Cockpit liberated the island on 19 April 1944. It was conducted by aircraft flying from British and American aircraft carriers.

It was hot and humid but a nice visit. If you like the beach, snorkeling or diving and have a limited budget this would be a good choice. The only downside for me is no beer.

[gracelaramusings]

Day 8: Hatchlings and Rum- Sabang to Port Barton

Today, crowds of tourists teemed to the hotel, so very different from yesterday’s intimate breakfast with the few patrons. It seems the hotel is making an effort to attract tour agencies to include a stay in Sabang as part of their packages. A power point presentation entitled “Why Sabang?” Or something similar was in a floor to ceiling conference room just off the breakfast area. A ton of uniformed tour agents were frantically videoing the dishes, the view, the chefs and hungry breakfast go-ers. I focused on don my cashews and wondered in what tourist agency video I would appear and whether they would notice the teaspoon-fulls of cashews I was taking at a time.

The wonderful staff knew from the day prior that there’s lots of things I ask about, when it comes to breakfast. Since I’m kosher-style and not merely vegetarian, there is no clear marking that is appropriate for me. So they were prepared: “Today, Miss Grace, you cannot eat the fish because it has oyster sauce in it. But we will make you a special dish!” and I was presented with a divinely seasoned salmon— a perfect complement to my cashews.

The beautiful pool seemed Olympic-sized at least, and begged a swim. So after breakfast I put on my one-piece, swim cap and goggles that I brought precisely for such an opportunity to swim laps. I haven’t been swimming in quite a while— what good exercise!

After some laps, we decided to explore the other direction of the beach. As we walked, we saw another couple who was also enjoying the beautiful stretch of sand. “Look!” They exclaimed, and pointed to a baby turtle trying to make its away back to the ocean, each wave making its efforts futile. I was ecstatic! I thought I had missed the hatchlings, but here they are! I could have watched it forever, and just hoped it would safely make it way to the sea.

We left the hatchling and continued walking, climbing rocks, crossing jungle paths and playing in low-branched trees. I love the sea.

Returning, we came across another hatchling, a different one. As we passed it, I walked backwards, hoping to see it reach its destination as I slowly continued. Instead, I saw a seabird diving down in the area it was. Saddened, I hoped it survived, but knew this is a part of the natural cycle of life. Damn.

Returning to the hotel, we thanked the staff for a great stay, and boarded the prompt van to our next destination… Port Barton!

Joining us on our journey were fellow travelers. A pair of Swiss travelers who were also continuing on to PB. We struck up a conversation with them- - it turns out the man had been traveling for some eighteen months, all across Asia. He was traveling with a friend of his girlfriend, who had been assigned with the task of making sure he returned home on his upcoming flight. They were both wonderful and interesting. We learned that one of his highlights was also the “expedition” we had heard about— seemingly the best way to travel from El Nido to Coron and vice versa. We wondered if we would be able to do such a thing, but our plan, for now at least, was simply to take the ferry.

We were dropped off midway at a junction, somewhere, and told to wait. Since the Swiss couple was with us and they were headed for the same direction, and we trusted the travel agency that sold us the tickets, we calmly waited for the next shuttle to pick us up. It did so just about on schedule, and we continued again on our way— with Yuval again in the front seat.

We continued on our way, and after a few hours, reached Port Barton. Yuval had heard it described as a laid-back vibe, almost like Sinai. I wouldn’t describe it as Sinai, but definitely more a backpacker scene.

We made our way using Google maps to the place we reserved, which had good reviews by some Israelis. We made our way to the beach, slung our bags on our backs, and walked a few minutes to the beachside entrance of our place. Doubling as a beachside restaurant and gelato bar, they led us up to our terraced room, overlooking the beach and the palms. We walked up the creaking wooden stairs and removed our shoes before entering the room, which thankfully was equipped with an air conditioner— not a given in PB, we’re told. The owner(‘s son?} showed us the room, how to work the air, and motioned to the large pail, bucket and scoop. “Sometimes there is low water pressure,” he explained. A bucket shower, yay!

We got settled. I took a drip shower (no need yet for the bucket…) and we made our way out to feel the vibe. Next to our place was a performer playing reggae songs. Loving the music but wanting something a bit quieter, we continued until we found another reggae performer, but this one acoustic. Fredy and Valentina, our Swiss friends, sent us a WhatsApp, so we sent them our location and they joined us at the club! What would we do without WhatsApp and Google?

Just in time for happy hour, we ordered the house drinks— rum with pineapple or mango juice. Disappointed by how weak they were, but enamored by the delicious mango, we ordered another round of all mango, this time pointing out that we would love just a little more rum, if possible.

I think they missed the word little.

By the time we were half way through our second cocktail, all of us were happily drunk, and enjoying every moment, even more.

Since the drinks were far better than the menu options, we made our way to a little place off the beach, which turned out to have amazing food. I ordered a special soup made with tuna broth and calamansi, the local lime/mandarin which is unique to the Philippines. Yuval’s fish and chips were also simply perfect.

After the meal, we walked along the streets and saw flashing lights and loud music in a little joint. We danced the night away!

Bidding farewell, Yuval and I went back to our terrace and fell asleep to the sound of the crashing waves of the ocean. Another incredible day.

[clarkglobo]

TRAVELOGUE, AURORA BALER

Have you ever been to Aurora, Baler? Let me introduce you to this place and why should you try going to this place.

Along the beautiful Philippine coast, Aurora, Baler is a mesmerizing resort known for its immaculate beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exciting activities. The spectacular beauty of Aurora's beaches, especially at Baler, is one of the main draws for tourists. Baler provides an absolutely beautiful environment for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing because of its golden dunes, glistening waters, and sheer cliffs. Baler's beaches are suitable for a wide variety of interests and tastes, whether you are an experienced surfer surfing the renowned waves of Sabang Beach or a leisure tourist looking for some downtime.

Baler has a lot of cultural and historical significance in addition to its gorgeous beaches, which makes it an appealing place for tourists looking for genuine enjoyment.

When I browsed the location on Google, it took me 5 hours to go from Antipolo to Aurora, Baler. But when we traveled there last year, it took us 12 hours to get there safely. Our 12-hour trip included stops, filling up the gas tank, buying snacks, and also the traffic. It was a fun trip because me and my family were able to go there safely. I was able to see the sunset and sunrise views. It was an unexpected trip, but a coincidence because it's just the day that we finished the examination for the 1st quarter.

[jok3rgg]

Tempat Wisata dengan Pemandangan Alam Terindah di Indonesia

indonesia  dikenal sebagai negara dengan banyak banget pemandangan alam yang indah. Mulai dari Sabang sampai Merauke, pemandangan alam indah yang dimiliki Indonesia bisa dibilang tak terhingga. Keindahan alam ini bisa kamu nikmati dari pegunungan yang tinggi maupun lautan yang dalam.

1. Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida merupakan salah satu pulau di Indonesia yang memiliki pemandangan alam yang luar biasa indah. Banyak pantai-pantai indah yang ada di pulau yang terletak di sebelah tenggara Bali ini. Salah satu yang memiliki pemandangan alam terindah adalah Diamond Beach. Lokasinya sekitar 45 menit perjalanan menggunakan kendaraan dari pelabuhan Banjar Nyuh yang merupakan pintu masuk dan keluar pulau ini.

Waktu terbaik untuk mengunjungi Diamond Beach adalah pagi hari. Sebab, tempat wisata ini bakal ditutup pada pukul 18.00 WITA. Selain menikmati keindahan pantainya, kamu juga bisa menemukan banyak spot foto mulai dari di tangga sebelum menuju pantai hingga di pinggir pantainya.

2. Pulau Padar, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Sudah pernah ke Pulau Padar? Pulau ini terletak di Nusa Tenggara Timur. Pulau Padar merupakan pulau ketiga terbesar di kawasan Taman Nasional Komodo, setelah Pulau Komodo dan Pulau Rinca. Siapkan fisik kamu ketika ke pulau ini karena banyak aktivitas hiking yang bisa dilakukan.

Salah satu cara terbaik untuk menikmati keindahan pulau ini memang dengan cara menaiki bukit-bukit. Dari atas bukit, kamu bisa melihat pemandangan pasir tersapu ombak pantai hingga cantiknya gugusan pulau lain.

3. Pink Beach, Pulau Komodo

Kalau biasanya pasir pantai berwarna coklat agak putih atau bahkan kehitaman, pantai yang terletak di Pulau Komodo ini punya pasir berwarna pink. Maka dari itu enggak heran kalau dinamakan Pink Beach. Fenomena alam ini bisa terjadi karena ada hewan berukuran mikroskopis bernama foraminifera yang meninggalkan pigmen merah pada koral. Hingga akhirnya koral-koral ini lah yang memberi warna pink pada pasir pantai tersebut.

Di Pink Beach yang fenomenal ini, kamu bakal melihat pemandangan alam yang mungkin tidak bisa kamu temui di pantai lainnya. Selain bisa berfoto-foto di pinggir pantai, kamu juga bisa melakukan aktivitas seperti snorkeling dan diving. Kamu juga bisa menyewa kapal nelayan setempat untuk mengelilingi pulau-pulau kecil di sekitarnya.

[felixtoooo]

Hi guys!!!! Im jp from bulacan a model,artist and singer. Im creative for everything i do in life

Now i would like to present to all of you the experiences when im in puerto galera

Puerto Galera is a town on the Philippine island of Mindoro. It’s known for its dive sites and beaches. The long curve of White Beach is backed by bars and resorts. Inland, a forest trail leads to secluded Talipanan Falls, and a hillside 9-hole golf course sits above the coast. Northeast, the waters off Sabang Beach teem with marine life and corals. Medio and Paniquian (Boquete) islands offer quieter beaches.

we are here at medio island to experience the snorkling here in puerto galera

Quick change going to white beach to experince the night life in puerto galera

[shirobagus]

TRAVELOGUE

When I was 12 years old, my family and I took a trip to Puerto Galera, specifically to Sabang Beach. The experience was an absolute joy, and I look back on that time with great fondness. The beach was a place of adventure and bonding for my family, and it was a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was when I decided to venture into the water. Although I didn't know how to swim, I enjoyed floating in the shallows. Feeling confident, I moved a little farther out, testing the depths of the ocean. However, as I took a few steps forward, the sand suddenly gave way beneath my feet, and I found myself submerged.

Panic set in as I struggled to keep myself afloat, but my instincts kicked in, and I began to paddle doggy style. Slowly but surely, I made my way back to the shore. By the time I realized where I was, I was safely back on the sand. Although it was a frightening moment, the experience didn't diminish the happiness of being there with my family.

The trip was a beautiful blend of relaxation and adventure. The beach offered us endless opportunities to play, relax, and enjoy each other's company. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the warm sand underfoot, and the laughter that echoed from my family are memories that have stayed with me ever since.

As I reminisce about that day, I am grateful for the memories we created at Puerto Galera. It was a perfect blend of exhilaration and tranquility, a true escape from the ordinary. The beach, with its stunning scenery and vibrant atmosphere, became a treasured chapter in my life's journey.

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

Buzz Aldrin’s Note

From Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 notes:

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; What is man that thou art mindful of him? And the Son of Man, that thou visitest Him?  (Psalm 8:3,4)

[keytt00]

Tabing-Dagat na Pahingahan: Sa Lalawigan ng Baler, Aurora Matutuklasan

Nasa hilagang-silangan ng Pilipinas, matatagpuan ang lalawigan ng Baler, Aurora, isang pook na puno ng ganda, pagkamakalangit, at kasaysayan. Ang Aurora ay hindi lamang isang lugar na sagana sa natural na kagandahan at makasaysayang kayamanan, kundi ito rin ay tahanan ng mga kuwento ng determinasyon at pag-asa.

Sa tuwing sumisikat ang araw, hinaharap ng Aurora ang isang bagong umaga na puno ng pag-asa at oportunidad. Ang mga baybayin nito ay hindi lamang tagpo ng pagkaganda, kundi pati na rin mga saksi sa mga kwento ng kagitingan at pagkakaisa sa harap ng hamon. Sa bawat tanawin ng bundok, ilog, at kagubatan, kitang-kita ang yaman at kariktan ng kalikasan sa lalawigan.

Byahe papunta!

Umalis kami sa aming tahanan ng alas-3 ng madaling araw, gamit ang dalawang sariling sasakyan, ang aming paglalakbay magmula sa Dinalupihan, Bataan patungong Hilagaang Luzont ng apat na oras sa kalsada. Matapos ang mahabang byahe, kami'y dumating na sa bayan ng Aurora at sandaliang huminto sa isang maluwag na lugaw na may malaking puno upang makapang almusal ang lahat.

Inabot kami muli ng limangpung minuto para makarating sa Baler, na matatagpuan sa hilagang-silangang bahagi ng lalawigan ng Aurora. Ang pagdating namin sa bayan ay hindi lamang isang simpleng pagkakataon upang makapagpahinga mula sa biyahe, ngunit ito rin ay isang simula ng aming pakikipagsapalaran sa pagtuklas sa mga yaman ng lugar.

Ang Ganda ng Dagat!

Sa aming paglalakbay sa Sabang Beach, ambon ang bumungad sa amin. Sa kabila ng maulan na panahon, hindi ito naging hadlang sa aming pagtungo sa naturang lugar. Sa halip, ito ay nagdagdag ng isang bagong dimensyon sa aming karanasan.

Nang makarating kami sa Sabang Beach, amoy na amoy na ang sariwang hangin ng dagat na hinahampas ng malakas na mga alon. Ang maulan na panahon ay nagdulot ng kakaibang katahimikan at kapayapaan sa paligid. Ang mga tanawin ay nagmistulang mas malamig at mas maraming tao ang nasa ilalim ng mga payong, na nag-aabang sa mga sandaling lulusob ang araw.

Sa bawat patak ng ulan, nadama namin ang buhay na dumadaloy sa lugar na ito. Ang Sabang Beach, kahit sa maulan na panahon, ay nagbibigay ng kakaibang karanasan na hindi malilimutan. Ang paglalakbay na ito ay nagturo sa amin na tanggapin at pahalagahan ang likas na kagandahan, kahit sa anong kondisyon pa ito dumating.

Ang kanilang mga magagandang kayamanan

Plaza ng Baler

Nang unang hakbang ko sa Plaza ng Baler, ramdam ko agad ang init at kabuhayan ng lugar. Ang mga tao ay masigla, may mga bata na naglalaro sa ilalim ng mga puno, at may mga mag-asawang naglalakad habang nag-uusap. Ang amoy ng mga bulaklak at damo ay bumabalot sa paligid, nagdudulot ng pakiramdam ng kapayapaan.

Ang Plaza ng Baler ay hindi lamang isang simpleng pampublikong lugar, ito ay isang sentro ng buhay at kultura sa bayan. Dito nagtatagpo ang mga tao upang magbahagi ng kasiyahan, magpahinga, at magbalik-tanaw sa mga alaala ng nakaraan. Ang paglalakbay sa Plaza ng Baler ay isang karanasan na nagbibigay-diwa sa kahalagahan ng komunidad at pagpapahalaga sa sariling kultura at kasaysayan.

Balete Park

Pagkatapos, dinala ako ng aking mga paa sa Balete. Habang naglalakad ako patungo sa matandang puno, naramdaman ko ang kakaibang enerhiya na nagmumula sa lugar. Ang malamig na simoy ng hangin at ang humahagibis na mga dahon ay nagdala sa akin ng kagalakan at pagpapahinga. Napakasarap magpahinga sa ilalim ng kanyang lilim, na tila ba humihigop ng lahat ng pagod sa aking katawan.

Habang ako ay naglalakad sa ilalim ng mga sanga ng puno, ang malamig na simoy ng hangin at ang malambot na kanyang dala ay nagbigay sa akin ng kakaibang pakiramdam ng pagpapahinga at pagtanggap. Naroon ang mga kwento at alamat na nagbibigay-kulay sa bawat dahon at ugat na nakapaligid sa puno.

Hindi maaaring itanggi ang kagandahan ng naturang lugar. Ang matandang Balete sa Aurora ay hindi lamang isang puno, ito ay isang simbolo ng kasaysayan at kultura ng lokal na komunidad. Ang paglalakbay sa ilalim ng Balete ay hindi lamang isang paglilibot sa kagandahan ng kalikasan, kundi isang paglalakbay sa kakaibang mundo ng mga alamat at paniniwala ng mga tao sa lugar.

Secret Garden

Sa huli, nadatnan ko ang aking sarili sa Secret Garden. Hindi ko akalain na mayroong ganitong kagandang lugar sa Baler. Ang mga bulaklak na kulay-rosas at pula, kasama ang malalambot na lupa at puno ng niyog, ay nagdulot sa akin ng paghanga sa ganda ng kalikasan. Sa bawat yapak ko sa garden path, parang nabubuo ang isang bagong mundo ng kaligayahan at inspirasyon.

Sa bawat sulok ng Secret Garden, mayroong isang kakaibang pakiramdam ng katahimikan at kapayapaan. Naroon ang tila himala ng kalikasan na nagpapawi sa lahat ng pagod at lungkot ng puso. Ang paglalakbay sa lugar na ito ay hindi lamang pagtuklas sa kagandahan ng kalikasan, kundi pagpapahalaga sa kapayapaan at katahimikan na hatid ng naturang lugar.

Ang Wakas

Sa pagwawakas ng aking paglalakbay sa Baler, Aurora, napagtanto ko na ang tunay na kayamanan ng lugar ay hindi lamang matatagpuan sa magagandang tanawin at atraksyon, kundi sa mga taong nakatira rito at sa kanilang mga kuwento.

Bawat hakbang na ginawa ko sa Baler ay nagdulot sa akin ng mga bagong karanasan at pag-unawa. Mula sa paglalakad sa Plaza, pagpapahinga sa ilalim ng Balete, hanggang sa pagtuklas sa kagandahan ng Secret Garden, bawat bahagi ng lugar ay naghatid sa akin ng mga kakaibang karanasan na hindi malilimutan.

Sa paglalakbay ko, nakilala ko ang mga lokal na mamamayan na puno ng pagmamahal at kabutihan. Kanilang ibinahagi sa akin ang kanilang mga kuwento at tradisyon, na nagdagdag sa aking kaalaman at pag-unawa sa kultura ng Baler.

Sa ngayon na ako ay nagbabalik sa aking tahanan, dala-dala ko ang mga alaala ng kasiyahan at pagtangi sa natural na ganda ng kalikasan. Ang paglalakbay sa Baler, Aurora ay hindi lamang nagdulot sa akin ng mga makasaysayang alaala, kundi nagturo din sa akin ng kahalagahan ng pagmamahal sa kalikasan at pagpapahalaga sa lokal na kultura at komunidad.

Sa huli, ang paglalakbay na ito ay isang karanasan na hindi lamang nagbigay sa akin ng kasiyahan at pagpapahinga, kundi nagturo rin sa akin ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng malasakit at pagpapahalaga sa bawat lugar na ating pinupuntahan. Ang Baler, Aurora ay higit pa sa isang destinasyon, ito ay isang pahingahan ng kaluluwa at pagtuklas sa yaman ng buhay.

[alexter11]

Pasyar in Ilocos

Beautiful and berathtaking view that Ilocos Sur has to offer when we are in Ilocos there are many adventures that we did, with the nature I fall in loved with the beautiful View of Sabang beach, there are beautiful mountains, fresh air, and clean water. Our travel is almost 7 houra it is very tiring even you are traveling at night, at that time we are expecting thatwere arrive immediatly but the morning comes we are not arriving get in our destination, it's tiring but it's worth it. because of the breath taking view.

When we arrived at Sabang beach people are welcomed we especially the staff of the resort, they have a zip line but I'm afraid to go and try, it so high and Nervous to ride. The water is clean and blue, the mountains, and rock formation are so beautiful. I loved Ilocos the people are ilocano like me their foods and smile that surely will passed your tiredness because of the travel.

Ilocos is beautiful, there are many things that has to offer. The stunning view is the reason why you her have to bck again and again just like as we are back at Ilocos again and again, you will surely missed the thing that Ilocos makes you happy and free.

[shainnehost]

Puerto Galera 2014

May 31 – June 1, 2014; Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines June 7 – 8, 2013; White Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines I am somehow a Puerto Galera kind of girl, even those time that it wasn’t that too mainstream yet. Exploring the beach life, getting sunkissed tan skin and salty hair are the things I love whenever I set foot on the beach. Puerto Galera, is by far, the…

[gracelaramusings]

Day 7: Chefs and Kayaks in Sabang

A stay in Sabang seems off the beaten path. Our hotel was nearly deserted, with what appeared to be more staff than guests. A full building remained empty, with all the guests housed in the section of the hotel that was closer to the beach.

We started our day with a lovely buffet breakfast. The highlight? Cashews. Cashew butter, roasted cashews, fresh cashews, carmelized cashews. And up there as one of my favorite nuts, I was in cashew heaven. Cashews are one of the primary crops in the island of Palawan. Hesitant to be excited because of the bad name cashew growers have in California, my presumption is, here in the Philippines, that cashews are a traditional crop for a reason, so I heartily and guiltlessly consumed them in the hopes and with the expectation that they are grown in a way that is beneficial to the local population.

Our beachfront table overlooking the turquoise water and traditional fishing boats made the cashews that much more delicious.

Almost literally in the middle of nowhere, we decided to first walk the beach. The walk led us to the launch where the boats took the tourists to another boat for the underground river.

Since we needed to book our transport to our next destination, we entered the first tour agency we saw at the dock and inquired about methods of transport. We had hoped to take a boat from Sabang to Port Barton, and heard it was possible. The agency matriarch asked us to sit down, and inquired about what we were interested in. For whatever reason, I got a heavy-ish feeling from the establishment. We quickly came to understand that, while we might be able to find someone who was willing to take us, it would be both at a price, and at our own risk. We got quotes for the van and the “at your own risk” boat transport from the first agency, then proceeded with our walk to weigh our options and get a sense of the village. I joked with Yuval that the agency seemed a bit mafia-esque, and he seemed to agree.

There’s nothing like walking a beach for as far as it will take you. We saw a canoe maker carving a traditional boat from wood, children playing, roosters cockle-a-doing. Deep breaths, long strides, turquoise water.

Heading back, we entered another agency at the other end of the port. This one was filled with about five jovial women, who were most certainly were busy with something, but gave us all their attention when we entered. They made mention of International Women’s Day, and that this whole month is a celebration of women, and I instantly loved them. Nothing like your gut, and your gut is typically never wrong. We inquired about a boat to Port Barton there too, and they said it is forbidden, that the coastguard will not allow it, and it is not safe. We happily booked the van with them— the price they gave was cheaper than the other agency, and we made no effort to bargain. They swore up and down that we would get the prime front seat, laughing all the while, made note on the receipt, and we left the office, lighter, knowing that while the boat to Port Barton wouldn’t happen this time, a safe and secure van ride would.

Chef Adonis wrote us, apologizing, explaining that he got a reservation that night for a group, so he’d be unable to give me an actual lesson. He said, instead, I could watch and he’d give me a few tips. Perfect!

We headed back towards the hotel and took out a double kayak. We splashed through the surf and made it into the sea. Paddling around, we raced and circled around the empty traditional boats that were anchored all throughout. We’d set our sights on a far-away boat— “Around number 7!” and race there, resting periodically, enjoying the effort. We caught a wave and returned the kayak, and then enjoyed the pool a bit before showering and getting ready.

I headed out to join Chef Adonis in his kitchen.

I walked to the restaurant, excited, not quite knowing what to expect. I saw the workers and the children, and asked to see the Chef. They led me to his kitchen, where he warmly greeted me, and introduced me to his family. A true family affair. His wife Wilma, and his kids smiled at me, as they kept busy, intent on preparing and serving food. I felt like I had been given the opportunity to see the inside story of a chef in action. I was intent on absorbing every insight, tip and lesson that could be learned from close observation.

Taking prompts from him, I was able to learn a bit about him and his story, as he cut, chopped, boiled and seared. At one point he suggested we take a break and come back in a bit. I went back to the room, and returned with later. This time, you could feel the intensity of preparation— the group was to arrive any minute. The family members worked in full coordination. He even invited me to flip some chicken on a grill that was meant for a curry. Intimidated and cautious, I flipped the meat, and was assured that I was doing a great job.

His kitchen. Everything had its place. Scissors, a timer, and measuring spoons were tied with strings to.a ceiling rafter, so he always knew where they were. Brilliant! Coconut milk was measured out in prepared servings, the spices were all labeled at the top so they could easily be recognized. As I observed his kitchen, a felt a little twinge of pride that mine was not too distant from his set-up.

The Chef mentioned that his best dishes come from great recipes he has found. That also was a comfort to me, and left me with a sense of ease, that I could do my best to repeat his excellence, were I to also have great recipes. And I am blessed with having found many great recipes (especially Indian ones, thanks to @Anupy Singla!)

I did my best to be invisible so they could work and I could observe. Generous with spices during cooking and fresh herbs at the end, I deeply breathed in the energy and the smells, and then took leave, taking a table where the other patrons sat, and Yuval had just arrived.

The group- apparently some filmmakers making a documentary of sorts- seemed very satisfied with their dishes.

We ordered a few things and took in our last evening in Sabang. Not an oceanfront dinner, it was so much more.

Adonis came and joined us towards the end of our meal, bringing us some desserts he had made just for us. “May I join you?” he asked, and we abashedly offered him a seat, embarrassed that it hadn’t occurred us to do so before he asked. And there began our deep dive into theology, science, the art of cooking, politics and more. Heaven.

It might have been half an hour or even an hour, where we sat, shared, laughed, described and explored. Pure curiosity and interest, from both sides. From the Big Bang to creation, understanding varying levels of religiosity, ways of observing Sabbath and more, it was electrifying. Simply a pleasure.

As it started getting late, Yuval asked if we could have a picture together (the clearest demonstration of how much he enjoyed the experience, too!) Chef Adonis invited us into his kitchen to take a picture there. I was overjoyed, knowing that his kitchen was his sacred place, and honored that he let us capture it, together.

A snapshot with memories I will always hold dear.