The Long Way to El Nido

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Translation

Are we there yet?

I heard the Fil-Am kid asking his mom who was seated in front of us. It was the same question that I had in mind. My butt was numb. My legs wanted a stretch. I peeked through the window and saw nothing but darkness. I remembered how this day started.

At 2:00 pm, we boarded the RORO Bus at the San Jose Terminal. I closed my eyes to sleep hoping that when I wake up we’re already in El Nido. I tried to sleep yet my mind was awake. The way to the north of Palawan was winding. I peeked through the window but all I saw were trees in a panning motion. I returned to sleep.

At 5:30 pm, the bus stopped. The conductor said that we’re already at the Taytay Bus Stop. I felt my stomach looking for food. My friend Janet decided to stay in the bus with the thought that we’ll be arriving in El Nido at around 8:00 pm. I went out and grabbed a dinner.

There were no restaurants at the Taytay bus stop but carinderias. J was apprehensive of eating at the carinderia (Maarte kasi sya! haha). Nonetheless, he shared the meal with me.

After 20 minutes, all of the passengers returned to the bus. I was happy that finally, we’re nearing El Nido. Taytay was the last stop. I estimated that we’ll be arriving around 8:00 pm considering that it’s a six-hour trip according to my research.

Darkness fell. The smooth paved road ended as we leave Taytay. The road in between Taytay and El Nido was rough and bumpy preventing me to sleep further. I was bored.

I looked around and others still managed to sleep. It was already past 8pm but still the bus continued to move like a turtle.

Are we there yet? Where art thou El Nido? 

It seemed like our roadtrip to El Nido was never ending until signs of civilization showed up. It was already 9:00 pm. The driver finally stopped the bus. I checked on the bus ticket and saw that we traveled 267 kilometers from San Jose Terminal, Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The travel time summed up to 7 hours.

Welcome to El Nido! The rains continued to pour as we went out of the bus. Tricycles were waiting for passengers. We hailed one trike and told him to bring us to Tay Miloy’s Inn. We paid him Php 50.00 (the fare that they usually charge coming from the terminal).

Kuya Rodrigo Carag welcomed us to his home. He told us that the RoRo bus slowed down its pace of travel as some passengers complained feeling dizzy due to the bumpy ride.

We left our bags in our rooms and off we went to the town proper since Janet and J haven’t eaten dinner yet. We called it a night at around 12midnight. It’s time to finally get a long sleep.

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