Tao Expedition, Day One
Adios landlubbers. Today is the day we take to the sea on our five day expedition around the Palawan Islands, from El Nido to Coron.
Anticipation is in air. Correction, there is no air. Our t-shirts are soaked and we're still on dry land. Shouldn't there be a sea breeze at the port? Are we really going to take to the sea?
Coming from New Zealand, an island nation, I should be born with flippers for feet, right? Wrong. I've never taken to the sea. I've only just left swim school. Two months of classes in Perth with a group of special adults like myself. I don't remember leaving with a diploma but I was told I wouldn't drown. I take comfort in this and the fact that most Filipinos also don't know how to swim. Crew excluded, we hope.
After initial introductions with our fellow 21 hostages, from further afield than us but all with equal amounts of gusto to see the world, we board the best if not biggest little boat around. A master of engineering, wood and bamboo lovingly held together with fishing line. Remarkably spacious. Perhaps hostages was a little harsh. I can swim right? We are Pirates ready to rule the high seas.
