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May 6, 2009

Our Ginatilan Getaway: Part 1

Hellow there puppies!

Sorry to have been a little silent for the past days, the hooman had her hands full with work (again!) . So without further ado, we give you Part 1 of our Ginatilan Getaway…

Last May 1, Friday, was a non-working holiday here in the Philippines. We celebrated Labor Day, and instead of going through their daily work routines, the hoomans decided to take us along for a two-day trip of plain leisure and all out relaxation.

We headed to a place called Ginatilan, which was about four (4) hours by local transport. In order to get there, we had to take a bus from the South Bus Terminal.

We woke up as early as 4:00 AM in time for the 6:00AM trip.


By 7:30 AM, we were already on our way

We arrived in Ginatilan by 11:00 AM and proceeded to take a 5 minute walk towards the coastal areas, where manang Joyce’s private rest house was located.


Upon arrival, I surveyed the entire area and was rather pleased.



Here is a view of the corner of the island as seen from our beach



Beautiful and virginal Ginatilan is well known for its waterfalls, but when we arrived, we fell in love with its pristine beaches




Without a minute to spoil, manang and I proceeded to test the waters. Aside from us, there was only one more group of people who were there. I courteously introduced myself to the locals, who were at first a little petrified to see a smiling dog with extremely huge incisors.


Manang spent a lot of time convincing people that I was as harmless as a clownfish. She even had to humiliate me in such a manner to prove her point…

See how she treats me in front of so many people? You could imagine the level of mortification I went through.



By 1:00 PM, the hoomans had finished preparing our meals and we all had a hearty lunch. A little later, everyone slapped on their sunblocks and went back to the water for some after-meal swim (isn’t that supposed to be bad for the health?)

Here are the three angels who planned out this wonderful vacation. Manang Joyce (sitting on rock) was even kind enough to let Poopie and I sleep with the hoomans in the room- how cool is that?


In order to prevent the rough waves from crashing into the house, they built this sea wall by piling (and maybe concreting) large rocks which were scattered all over the area.


Amidst all these frolicking and horse playing, a lonely soul stood still and silent. We call her- “the gate keeper”… BOL!



Poopie, as you all know, loathes the water, except perhaps, for drinking. Unlike me, she hates taking baths, swimming or simply getting wet.



Sometime during mid morning, the hoomans brought her to the beach (forcibly) while she was strolling along the sand bar. She fought hard and strong and ran out drenching wet with her tail tucked in her bumbum.. hehe.. Of course, the hoomans, being primitive creatures as they are, failed to digest all these and repeatedly “forced” her to “enjoy” the waters. Poopie had to fight back, of course, and their story ended with a large “pooper scratch” on manang’s leg. I hope they finally got the point.




Manang Joyce’s house had two storeys and a roof top with a breath taking view of the ocean and the mountains.





I, in particular, was very thrilled to be afforded the independence to decide where I want to go and when. I had practically, access to every nook and cranny. I even managed to go to the roof top without adult supervision (don’t worry, it is very safe).


Aside from enjoying the beach, we were finally able to enjoy one thing that we had not seen for a long time… watching the sunset



At around 5-6PM, the waves started to ebb. Watching the skies slowly lighting up as if it were “burning” was mesmerizing.



By this time, Poopie had vomitted twice because of the long trip. The cold sea breeze was likewise a little too much for her petite frame and so she had to spend the entire night wearing a jacket.


Not even the cold night wind could quell the inner diva in her.


This is my first time to stay overnight in a beach and live the life of beach bum hoomans.


I spent some good hours sleeping under the moon that night, waiting for the skies to clear up and the stars to line the heavens.
I wanted to make a wish then. I wanted to wish for dogs to have the same experience I (and Poopie) did: to live and roam freely, but without the hunger pangs and the occasional worry of where to seek shelter and to spend cold nights by choice and warm ones under blankets of hugs and kisses from people who love us.

There was one lone star, and even if my inner gutt told me it might have been pretty Venus, I made my wish.


Good night, Ginatilan.



19 comments:

Angel Tucker, Daisy and Leo said...

Hi Aki

That looked like so much fun. You must have had a great time. They don't like to let dogs ride the bus here.

Tucker and Milo's Daisy.

Rufus and Indie said...

What a great day!

Suzuki said...

It looks like you had a pawsome time!
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx

Anonymous said...

Wow what beautiful places, i am so jealous. You are a very lucky labrador.

Sara Alves said...

wow Aki! what a great trip you had! :)
that place it´s beautiful!

wish I was there too...
licks
Pu

Hero said...

What a beautiful place! Too bad Poopie doesn't enjoy the water. She really is missing out on a lot of fun.

Petra said...

What beautiful pictures you have! I don't think I'd ever want to come back if I took a vacation like that!

Anonymous said...

Oh Aki! That is a WONDERFUL post!! The pictures are Bootiful and your words are inspiring! I wonder if someday I can have Mommy and Daddy bring me there!!

Licks,
Kylie

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Oh Aki!

What a brilliant and beaWOOtiful post!

Tank woo fur sharing your getaway with us!

Hugz&Khysses
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: I khan't wait to see Part 2!

Maxie said...

I like the fact that they let you ride in the bus.

Beautiful beach! Thanks for sharing and were looking forward to Part II.

Love,
Charlie

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Oh what a beautiful post!!!! an awesome beach too. We can't believe you can ride on buses. Not here, no way!!!

Hope Poopie is feeling better. We love that picture of you with your front paws being held up in the air. So cute.

Tail wags, the OP Pack

Lorenza said...

Hi, Aki!
You were allowed on the bus!!! Lucky you!
Thanks for sharing all the pictures! I can see you all had a pawesome time there!
Sorry Poopie got sick.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Thor and Jack said...

Hi Aki!
What a pawsome trip you had! Ginatilan is a beautiful place!
You all sure had lots of fun!
I wish the same that you wish, Aki.
Beautiful post, great pictures!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Love you, buddies!

xoxo
Thor

The Musketeers said...

What a great trip Aki man !
How I wish I went there with you ! :D

Drools,
Codster

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Aki,
Looks like all of you had a great time.. maybe except poor Poopie!! You are so lucky and we are totally envious of your wonderful holiday. The beach looks lovely and it is such a wonderful place to chill out...

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

OMD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear brothers....what a great time you had!!!!!!!!!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...we're soooooooooooooo jealous of you and sooooooooooooooooooo sad because we can't be with you and playing togheter!!!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......
Do you know how much we love you and your sweet family?????
TONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
we loved ALL your photos....but our preferred is the one with you and Poopie with your humans!!!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Aki....you look sooooooooooooooooooo gorgeous!!!
Lots of girls are drooling for youuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We miss you a lot!!!!
Awwwwwwwwwwwww......why we can't live togheter?????
Sigh sigh......
Can't wait to see the 2nd part!!!
You're in our hearts ALWAYS!!!!!!!

P.s.: nothing in the mail!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...........WHYYYYYYYYYYY???????

Have a great week!!!
We love youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Oh how beautiful. We love the sunsets..


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Molly the Airedale said...

OMG, what a dream get-away vacation! We are so jealous!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Raising Addie said...

WOW!!!!

What a wonderful place to visit! You are so fortunate to have beautiful water and islands to visit!

Poor Poopie... doesn't like the water. Hope that scratch heals quick.

Aki you should really tell Poopie that the water is sooo much fun!

Beautiful pictures!!! We LOVE the one of Poopie standing at the door. Wonderful sky and sunset!

Chasing my Tale...
Addie, Lucie, and Hailey