Wednesday 25 April 2012

Cathay Pacific

(Writing time around midnight UK)
It is my first time fly with airlines different than EasyJet and Ryanair so the info in this post can be obvious for you, but want to share it with people who did not fly with CP before. Just few basics. Please note we flew in economy class.
First thing, the aircraft staff is really nice, helpful and always smiled. But it is a standard in all airlines today, just want to confirm CP staff are excellent.
As a standard you get:
- sleeping mask
- toothbrush and some toothpaste
- pair of socks (yes, SOCKS :)
- pillow
- blanket
Now, the meals. Just got the vegan lunch, to he honest, nothing special. Frozen stuff warmed in microwave. On top of that one roll, butter, fruit bowl, bean and chickpea salad and Orange juice.
Another thing- free drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic, including beer and wine.
Good stuff is that you have quite big choice of films and tv programmes to watch so 11 hours of eating, drinking, sleeping, watching films or tooth-brushing, whatever you want to do :)
Mark chosen sleeping... I will meditate and then do the same. Fortunately the plane is half empty so we can use 4-seat sleeping bed :)
Good night, Mabuhay and Haribol!
(writing time 7am UK, 2pm HKG)
Slept like a baby, the best flight ever. Was wondering if will have a chance to see Himalayas. Didn't seen them but seen some other beautiful mountains on the east of Himalayas. Really amazing view...
Breakfast eaten, but, like lunch yesterday, nothing special, cannot complain though. 1 hr to HKG.
Interesting thing is that we did not fly in straight line, but east and then south/south east. Anyway. There is only 5 hours between us and Manila!

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Waiting for the flight

Well, that's the end of part one of the trip. The least exciting. Hate London...too big, too noisy, too stinky...

Flight in 3,5 hrs. Wandering at the airport. Next post tomorrow from Hong Kong, 7 am UK time, for us it will be 2 pm.

Write u soon from the other continent!
Over and out.



Delay..

Someones been struck on the lines and we are in the queue of trains at Retfort station...

East Coast 9:30 to Kings X


The first part of our journey began.

Mark has been ripped off by taxi driver who, after some arguing shook Mark's hand and smiled. Why? Mark told him we are leaving all that system, including taxi drivers and going to live on deserted tropical island for one month.

Mark's rucksack also is ripped. Don't buy cheap gear!

The Time is now...


After 29 years waiting I finally am on my way. Sitting in the bus to the train station and thinking if forgot to take anything.

Train to London is at 9:30

Apart from my Family including my dog, Kanu, I will not be missing much, especially not the weather. Scotland is saying good bye to me by pouring the water from the sky..

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Our itinerary

On Tuesday 24th April we have train from Edinburgh to London Heathrow (£20 advance single, the same price return). Then flight at 20:00. We paid for flights £520 return (Cathay Pacific) from London Heathrow to Manila, changing in Hong Kong (2hrs transfer).

The next day we have accommodation for one night in Manila in Great Eastern Hotel Makati for which we paid around £30 per room.

After one night in Manila we fly to Puerto Princesa which will cost around £40 one way. One or two nights in Puerto to get some info from locals about the Island and we will be heading North to Taytay and El Nido.

For now the Island is located somewhere near Taytay or Linapacan (maybe we will go to Cadlao Island near El Nido) but we will decide when we will be in PP.


Mabuhay!
Stay tuned.

List of the stuff we are taking

  • Hammock and storm rings
  • Camo tarpaulin 2.7m x 3.5m
  • 30 metres of 550 paracord
  • Lemon eucalyptus repellent
  • Stainless steel pot and pan set
  • Snorkel mask & swimming goggles
  • Victorinox Outrider Swiss Army knife & multitool
  • Imodium Instant Diarrhoea melts
  • Salts Supplement sachets
  • Kindle 3G
  • Camera and waterproof case
  • Solar charger
  • Travel towel
  • Travel liner/blanket
  • Antiseptic gel
  • First Aid kit
  • Sandals & hiking boots
  • Cargo trousers
  • Mobile phone
  • Waterproof money belt
  • Aluminium water bottle
  • Flint with compass
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Notepad
  • Gardening gloves