Short Galerian Break

The boat to Puerto Galera seemed to be a microcosm with the number of different kinds of citizens in it. The weather was perfect; sunny and cool. On our way, the peaceful ride did not give a hint of how hard climbing a mountain would be.

A friend of Gabby invited us to join climbing mountains and since we're both up for challenges, we grabbed some hiking bags and decided to join this trip. It was merely a day hike since we alloted time for beaching and staying in our lodge. The problem was we came there too late and the team decided to make the five-hour climb into three so as not to climb down at night. I thought it would be easy so I still brought our hiking bag. But within ten minutes of climbing, my heart was pounding like a kettle drum and anytime, I felt like fainting. Climbing a mountain wasn't as easy as it seemed. I checked the others; aside from Gabby, everyone else was fine. They came in different shapes and sizes but they're all accustomed to such activity that they just kept on going.

Gabby and I had lots of stops along with the sweepers (the veterans who get left behind to take care of newbies). There was one time that we found some caterpillar on Gabby's sleeve. I am juts so glad there were no limantiks along the way. 
As we tagged long, I learned that the technique to keep in pace was to merely walk (as advised by Kit, one of the mountaineers). In Gabby's case, she learned to walk REAL slow which made her always the last person to arrive at stops but still be able to keep up despite being tired. But the team decided that we cannot go on anymore for some many factors, including the ones I mentioned above. Also, with us as newbies, we cannot reach the peak within the expected time. So they decided to make one last stop, rested there for an hour, and we started climbing down the mountain. The way down was easier, for one does not need to exert too much effort in dragging oneself up. The problem was that it was slippery and one has to have balance and strength to keep from falling or continuously running down.
Puerto Galerian night is socially motivating; bars are open and people that you don't see at daytime are out there. When Gabby and I wandered around White Beach, we thought of bringing our friends there. Don't get me wrong; the company we had there was really good. But to be with our closest friends would be great there, watching fire dancers, dipping into dark sea, sitting on white sand, drinking in bars, hooking up, and all the fun we could think of.

The next day we woke up to enjoy the beach; white sand, less people (it's not peak season and it's morning), clear water, smiles, and a game of frisbee.

Our stay there was very short. And I feel like there's more to explore the next time we get there. Probably, this is just an prologue of our trip there.