With all our winter camp and teaching duties out of the way, Brendan and I were in mega countdown mode until January 29th (vacation start date, and also our 6th wedding anniversary coincidentally). We celebrated a few days earlier by taking ourselves off to Deokgu Spaworld - one of Korea's most famous spas that is only a 40 minute bus ride from our apartment. We had been putting off going for some time - Korean spa's are predominantly nude affairs - and not that we are particularly prudish - but I don't feel inclined to go and strip off when half of the students and teachers at our schools regularly visit the place! Thankfully we were able to keep our swimmers on and enjoy the indoor spa baths, massage baths, sauna and outdoor hot tubs (where the water was a warm 40 degrees while the outdoor temperature was 2/3 degrees...made for a very quick run and jump into the hot tob). P.s the swimming cap is not a beauty or fashion statement, they are a requirement for all visiting the spa.

On Saturday we made the long bus ride south to Busan where we caught our flight to Cebu, Philippines!!! It's pretty amazing that a 4 hour flight can take you from minus temperatures to a nice steamy 27 degrees....aghhhh....I love that feeling of walking off a plane and 'hitting' that wall of tropical warmth. After a night in Cebu we finally boarded the boat to Bohol and then a bumpy 1 hour bus trip finally got us to our destination = heaven (otherwise known as Alona Beach on Panglao Island).

Panglao Island is very different to most beach destinations we have been to so far. It really feels like a mix of Malaysia and Thailand - but a mix of some of the best aspects of these places. It has the stunning clear waters of Southern Thailand beaches with great diving and plenty of places to relax on the beach and enjoy a mango shake or massage. Yet, to my absolute delight, it lacks the trashy under 18's party feel that seems to dominate a lot of places in Thailand. The vibe here is much more relaxed and laid back. Perhaps this is due to the slightly older crowd or just the fact that it is off the main tourist crawl of South East Asia. The locals are genuinely friendly and although the food is nothing to write home about, you can get an honest meal for only a couple of dollars.

But what we really came here for was the scuba diving and it certainly has not disappointed: see the video below for what I mean - does it get better than this? I could go on and on about all the stuff we have seen, but rather than boring you all, I think the photos will do all the talking. Check out the album!




Well, we have 2 more days in the Philippines and will then be jumping on a plane back to good 'ole Sydney town. Can't wait to catch up with family and friends. So...rather than spending all our time on the computer, I am heading back to the beach and then off to a bbq party tonight with some of our friends who are on holidays here as well. Hope you are all well and sending you love from the lovely Philippines.





//Kate