Mar 24, 2025
Not sure whether we’re pleased or mortified, but one of the boat crew yesterday bowled up to Mandy, and in an effort to be friendly said “Hey, Grandma. What’s your name?”. Nonplussed, Mandy replied, “Actually I’m Nanna”, and so quite oblivious to the correction, that’s what he called her for the rest of the day.
Had another enjoyable breakfast on the balcony overlooking the bay, watching all the boats loading up for the day’s tours. The restaurant prides themselves on providing Asian, Continental and American breakfast. However, I’m not sure that you could claim in anyway to provide an American breakfast if you have no coffee, no pastries, no donuts and no bacon. Anyway, I had the continental breakfast which amounted to cornflakes. Still no coffee.
It seems to be a very Filipino thing. Never answer a question about ‘Why?”, instead just smile. Yesterday, when we tried at breakfast to find the coffee that was there earlier, we asked if there was some, and they just smiled. After a few minutes, we asked if any more was coming, and they smiled and said “20 minutes”. 20 minutes later they smiled, and told us “20 minutes”. when we said that they had told us that 20 minutes ago, they just smiled. It’s now been explained that they consider it rude to say “No” to a guest, but quite acceptable to lie and smile.
Mid morning, being our free day in town, and all the must-do activities for El Nido involving various island hopping tours done yesterday, I decided to treat myself to a massage which is a big thing around here, and very cheap. Boards with prices line the streets, and masseurs sit outside with menus of choices.
Quiet afternoon to re-group, and dinner at a Japanese restaurant.
Dinner