Rest Week In Palawan

Reflecting upon my most recent holiday, err,  "rest week," traveling half-way around the world to "rest" was a good decision. Nevermind the 20-some hours I spent in a plane getting there or the day lost en route, because I came back feeling great! That is, until my body realized there was a 16-hour time difference. Then I slept. A lot. Which of course means, I rested more.

These Swine Know How To Relax

So, what did I do on this "rest week?" I swam several times, most notably in a secluded lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that were covered with lush vegetation. While I prefer to swim freestyle, I couldn't think of a better time to focus on backstroke. Stunning, awesome, and beautiful are all appropriate ways to describe my backstroke... I mean the lagoon.

Since I didn't feel like renting a bike and/or getting malaria riding through a jungle, I ran. I ran an out-and-back 8k several times and even did some hill repeats along the way when my friend joined me. Since I would get ahead, I'd run back to the base of the hill and then try to catch them. Then I'd do the same thing on the next hill. All in all, it was good, sweaty fun.

The area where I ran reminded me of the St. Croix run course. Hot, humid, and at times, hilly. Good preparation as I'm planning to get on that start line once again.

Other than that, I ate lots of fresh fruit and baked goods. I island hopped not once, but twice! I kayaked, danced, and husked a coconut that fell to the beach with nothing more than a rock. Keeping in mind that it was a rest week, I also got two massages. There was also plenty of downtime, but that's boring.

So, I'll conclude with some photos:

There Should Have Been A Sign Reading, "Take A Nap Here"

This Was A Rather Nice Island

One Of The Many Desolate Islands

Nicest Pig I Ever Met

The Fruits (or Juice) Of My Labor

This Too Was A Nice Beach

I'm Easily Fascinated By Rock Formations

Ahoy, Captain!

Sunsets Are A Favorite Of Mine

More Palm Trees To Come!