Our life in limbo.

Summary

After a lengthy 33-hour journey from Dallas to the Philippines, the travelers return to their boat, excited to resume their island life. Along the way, they experience the beauty of the marina, local markets, and Filipino culture. From riding electric bikes up hills to savoring fresh seafood, the trip is full of lively encounters. The boat requires maintenance, and despite a pause in their journey, the couple reflects on the lessons learned about patience, island living, and community. Though life is on hold for now, their spirit remains strong, eagerly awaiting the adventure ahead.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey from Dallas to the Philippines is long, taking about 33 hours with multiple flights, a taxi, a ferry, and a tuk-tuk.
• 😀 After a 36-hour journey, the narrator feels refreshed physically but mentally slow due to jet lag and exhaustion.
• 😀 The team has been in a state of limbo for 7 months, frustrated by the delay, but they cannot reveal the details about the boat's situation yet.
• 😀 The boat has been left in maintenance after being away for 6 weeks, and the first task is to prepare the fridge/freezer and go on a market run.
• 😀 The marina where the boat is docked is a comfortable, safe, and remote place, ideal for boaters with facilities like a community fridge and hotel accommodations.
• 😀 Electric bikes are incredibly useful in the steep hills around the marina, making it easier to get to town.
• 😀 In the Philippines, the locals are incredibly friendly, and it’s a joy to interact with them, especially when filming.
• 😀 Filipino cuisine features simple, fresh dishes like Kenny laa, a ceviche-style dish, and grilled tuna belly, which is considered the bacon of the sea.
• 😀 The market trip showcases a variety of local ingredients, including banana flour, finger bananas, and a range of fresh seafood, showcasing Filipino life and the community's warmth.
• 😀 Local Filipino houses are often made from bamboo, which is practical but requires rebuilding every 10-15 years due to natural wear and tear.
• 😀 Despite the setbacks and delays in their journey, the team remains optimistic, reflecting on the lessons learned from standing still and focusing on what truly matters.

Q & A

What is the length of the journey the narrator is facing?

The narrator is traveling back from Dallas to the Philippines, and the journey is expected to take 33 hours, including multiple flights, a taxi, a ferry, and a tuk-tuk ride.

How does the narrator feel after the long 36-hour journey?

The narrator feels physically refreshed after taking a shower but mentions feeling mentally slow and disoriented due to jet lag and the long journey.

Why is the narrator not able to provide updates on the boat situation?

The narrator explains that they have been in a state of limbo for 7 months and cannot publicly comment on the boat situation yet, as it's a process involving HH that requires more time.

What preparations does the narrator make upon returning to the boat?

The narrator turns on the fridge/freezer to prepare for their return, as they have no food on the boat, and plans to go to the market to stock up.

What is unique about the marina where the boat is docked?

The marina is calm and protected by a seawall or breakwall, offering a comfortable and secure place even during major storms. It is also a good base for traveling to Indonesia, which was part of the narrator's original plan.

What is the advantage of having an electric bike in this location?

The electric bike helps the narrator easily tackle the steep hill from the marina to the town, making it much easier to get around compared to a regular bike.

What local Filipino dish does the narrator highlight in the script?

The narrator highlights 'Kenny laa,' a Filipino dish made with raw fish, cane vinegar, ginger, and spices, similar to ceviche, which they enjoy with garlic rice.

What are some of the challenges of living in bamboo houses in the Philippines?

Bamboo houses are beautiful and practical for island living, but they only last 10 to 15 years before the bamboo rots and needs to be rebuilt, unlike more permanent houses made of stone or concrete.

How does the narrator describe the market in Babak?

The narrator describes the market in Babak as vibrant, where vendors arrange their produce in colorful pyramids, and people are always friendly and eager to chat about the various local foods and their names.

What food item does the narrator find particularly unique at the market?

The narrator finds U (a local fruit), particularly unique and interesting. They mention that U is normally bright fuchsia or purple but that they found an orange variant at the market.