A week spent snorkeling off the beach, shopping at the market and lazing in the sun. We have seen some interesting things on the reef and in the 'muck'. Muck being the volcanic black sand that hides unusual, hard to find critters. From tiny frog fish to enormous barracudas, beautiful mantis shrimps to massive groupers. Wow!
We have added photos to this link showing some of the things we have seen.
See photos here or go to
We have met many interesting people here. Some are taking dive courses, others are underwater photographers loaded up with very expensive equipment. There was an incredible range of languages spoken and some people could speak all of them!
A fairly unusual experience in Dauin was the curfew siren. At 9.45pm, an air raid siren sounds as a warning to all under 17s. At 10pm, all the under 17s have to be tucked up tight at home or face a night in the cells at the Dauin police station.
We also enjoyed the local food here but couldn't resist the odd pizza!
Last night we heard music coming from the beach so went to investigate. We located the christening party and were invited in. We were made to feel very welcome by the local people, who allowed us to share their food and drinks. We ate goats brain, beef cheeks and some tasty beans. We were persuaded to get up and have a go at karaoke. We performed a few songs and became more confident as the evening wore on. At about 11pm we were singing Angels by Robbie Williams when the blue flashing lights arrived!
The police had been called because ...
1. Our singing was terrible.
2. Everything is supposed to go quiet at 10pm.
The locals assured us all was well but we needed to turn the karaoke machine down a little. As the party came to an end we went in search of noodles. The locals guided us to the market area but everything was closed except one tiny stall. No noodles in sight but the stall did have Balot! This is a local delicacy and not to everyone's taste. A developing duck embryo is eaten from the shell with a pinch of salt and drop of vinegar! Pretty good especially when eaten in the dark so you can't see what you are eating!
On our last day in Dauin, after we had been snorkelling, a local family invited us to join their small beach party. They very kindly allowed us to try their homemade coconut wine and bitter mangoes.
Next stop ... Apo Island!
