Dec 26 2007
Yoga Means Union (or ‘How To Get Free Italian Espresso In Southeast Asia’)
If only I'd known then what I know now. Dammit if hindsight ain't a bitch.
As mentioned previously, the last 7-10 days of this trip have been absolutely great. Thankfully, I can barely remember the dark and stormy times of my initial 3 weeks here on Siargao. Most, if not all, of the good times can be traced to the efforts of several members of a local long-established clan, to whom I owe a great thanks.
I also extend a thank you to them in advance of todays island hopping trip — running from local island to island for surf, sun and sand — culminating in a BBQ on their private island. I shit you not.
Also, as the onshore winds have dropped during the last week as the weather changes, I've been able to go out in the water surfing — Daku Island, Guiwan, Jacking Horse, and Quicksilver — pretty much every day for the past 10 days. I swear, there's nothing like some time in the water to clear the head. Everyone gets pretty ugly when there's no surf — myself included. In contrast, now some of the same guys who gave me the evil eye just last week are joking and laughing out in the water with me — but they could just be trying to soften me up for later, it's too soon to tell (just kidding, but not really).
I've also been able to see first hand how Cloud 9 - the local 'big spot' - got its name. Although I haven't seen it 'hit', I can tell how, in good conditions, the break is EXACTLY like backdoor Pipeline. It was only 1.5 overhead yesterday and it was spitting buckets. Just fantastic — for someone who can surf.
I've also stumbled upon a potential side gig — teaching (or at least 'leading') yoga at some of the foreign hotels. It started out as just trying to organize a few people to do yoga together, and it culminated in my leading a class to teach the basics for some of the guests and locals.
The best part — I got free espresso from the hotel where we did — the ONLY place in the Philippines I've found that doesn't serve 'Nescafe' and call it coffee. A real cuppa' joe! And free!
Yep, this place is starting to grow on me…
That stated, I'm still pretty fucking excited about heading to Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka next week. I've heard some really nice things about the island country. I've also heard that it's in the midst of a civil war and it's virtual suicide to travel to the north side of the island.
But let's try to keep a lid on that part of it, huh? Thanks, sis.
Sounds great, bro. I’m completely lost when it comes to surfer lingo, but it sounds like the conditions are great.
By the way, if you want me to send you a diagram of the “Exploding Lotus” position, lemme know.
Keep the updates coming.
Yeah, I’m with Manny… I have no clue what half the surfing stuff means, but I’m always glad to see your updates.
If for no other reason that it lets me know you haven’t been eaten by sharks/rolled by local street gangs/kidnapped and forced into prostitution.
Take care homeboy.