MELBOURNE
THE PHILIPPINES SERIES PT10
Arrived after a long layover and ridiculous detour in Kuala Lumpur. John got me from the airport and it was brilliant to see him. 5years it’s been, it’s felt like a long time but we kicked off straight away again.
I MET AND TRAVELLED WITH JOHN IN 2008 DURING MY FIRST EVER TRIP AND COULDN’T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER TRAVEL BUDDY
They bought a new house which was nice, great open plan living, kitchen and dining. Good to see Mish again (amazing cook) and Izzy, who is the happiest baby in the world!! Always smiling no matter what!
NIGHT OUT
Anyway chilled for the first day and then went to meet Zara and co. Knocked the door and Tomo’s face was utter shock! We are meeting Crovo in the city but we decided to FaceTime Sarah form home and she also couldn’t believe it lol. Then out to see Crovo who had the same reaction as Tomo. Once out I Facetimed my sister in the bar with us all and she wouldn’t show her face because she was in bed. That was until I showed her who I was with, again she couldn’t believe it. The I facetimed Phil, another one from the friendship circle and typically gave us all the one finger salute. Was a good night, looooong but good. Back to Zara’s for about 6 then up to watch the Aamir Khan fight.
FAJITAS
In the end we didn’t find anywhere which showed it after trying a host of different places we just checked the Internet for live updates. After it was back to Zara’s to chill and Tomo cooked some fajitas, exactly what I needed!
THE FERNANDES
John took me to a favourite restaurant of his. Obviously with his Brazilian roots it had to be Brazilian. Got to say it was amazing. Even a local came up to me asking what I had ordered because it looked so good.
MELBOURNE
Next day after mish took her scissors to my hair I asked John to take me around the city. 5years ago I was here for 3 months where it became one of my favourite cities. Melbourne hasn’t changed much but it didn’t need to.
Went back to the hostel (Urban Central). stayed at and it was easily the strangest experience I’ve had as nothing had changed. Good to be there. I remember on the way up to it saying to John that we need someone to walk right as we get to the door because it’s always locked. Right on cue, someone walks out and we both laughed as we walked in.
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ATMOSPHERE
Certainly didn’t seem to be the same hostel in terms of socialising, there was always groups of people hanging and it was what made the place so special. A lot of good memories in there but didn’t think I’d ever be back. Had a game of pool and then off to the casino where we spent a bit of time a few years ago (but never a lot of money). Southbank is a great place and the promenade hasn’t changed much either but again it didn’t need to.
Back to the Philippines tomorrow, a bit gutted to leave them but I’ve been having the same feeling at any place I leave.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Was great to see a few old friends, especially John and Mish (don’t want to forget Izzy) as I don’t get to see them half as much as I would.
NEXT UP
Going to El Nido and Coron (Palawan Island) with some of the best beaches and lagoons in the world. Nacpan is a beach consistently in the top 10! Can’t wait! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
35/229
This episode is part of The Philippines Series. Click to view episode1.
