Philippines Trip January 2011 #14

The adventure continues. Today was supposed to be a very exciting day. Dave and Debbie would fly from Manila to Tuguegarao (about 1.5 hrs from Tabuk) where we would finally connect with them. The weather was good here all day, but as we crossed the ridge overlooking the Cagayan Valley where Tuguegarao is, it started to rain lightly and we could see clouds moving across the valley. The plane from Manila to Tuguegarao is a twin engine and the airport is not equipped for instrument landings. When we got to the airport they said the flight was still on the schedule, but a previous flight had already been cancelled, so we were doubtful. Sure enough about the time the plane should have been there they announced that it had been cancelled. Now the challenge would be how to contact D & D to make alternate arrangements. Debbie is carrying a Canadian cell phone which is equipped for roaming and very expensive here where almost all calling is done by text message. Also I was worried the cell phone I am carrying was getting low on battery and minutes for anything more than text messages. We started by taking Glenn, the SIL Director to the bus station. He had decided to take the bus rather than wait for another flight if/when the weather would be better. Soon I had a call from Debbie. The options seemed to be for them to try to rebook a flight for the next day or take the bus. The bus is a 10 hour night trip and, having just arrived in Manila late last night, Dave and Debbie were understandably reluctant to try that. So they rebooked for the next available flight which turned out to be Friday, the day we need to leave for Asibanglan if we want to get there for the big event this weekend. Now Dave and Debbie took a taxi heading back to the SIL Guest House for another night. All they had was the address of the Guest House and the taxi driver apparently was not familiar with it. Also it was now about 5 PM, the busiest traffic time in a city which is always congested. It took the taxi 2 hours for the 10km trip to the Guest House. By the time they got there, we were back in Tabuk and had decided that if they wanted to get here for the big event in Asibanglan, the bus would be the only option. We contacted Rambie who headed out from the seminary where he is studying to the Guest House to meet Dave and Debbie and discuss their options with them and help them get to the bus if they agreed to that. Being good sports and up for adventure, Dave and Debbie agreed that the bus was probably their best option. The last trip going to Tabuk would leave Manila at 8:45 and they had not had supper yet, so they had a quick bite to eat and the headed back into the traffic to the bus station, this time with Rambie to help them. At 8:40 I finally got a text from Rambie to say that they were on the bus and would be arriving here in Tabuk tomorrow morning at 6 AM – tired I am sure, but hopefully ready for the next adventure, the hike into the mountains on Friday. Welcome to the Philippines Dave and Debbie where the best laid “plans of mice and men” are really just wishes needing to be adjusted at any moment.