On the move.....

I was perhaps more nervous than I realized about facing Manila's traffic. I slept fitfully and had no appetite in the morning. 

The bike turned up and looked in good shape, well maintained with new brake pads and newish tyres. Paid up, loaded up and headed off.

The traffic was way lighter than anticipated, maybe because it was Sunday but the much hyped hellish Manila traffic never materialised. However the urban sprawl seemed endless, it being a couple of hours and more into the ride that I finally saw some countryside.

 

I stopped for fuel and a drink to keep hydrated. Felt a bit rough, which I put down to the lack of sleep and food. Felt better when riding, so continued, eventually seeing hills and proper scenery. Stopped for the day in Olongapo. About 150 kms in 5 hours. Still finding my feet with the local driving style and etiquette. First impressions are that the Phillipino drivers are better than many other places I have ridden, more courteous and less aggressive.

Checked into my hotel, safely stowing the bike in the gated compound. Feeling a bit unwell and dehydrated. Barely ventured out and still couldn't face food. I found it hard to sleep and my guts eventually staged a rebellion: violently ejecting their contents. I think it was the pizza I had in Manila. Rookie mistake!

In the morning, I gingerly made my way to reception to pay for a second night. In no condition to ride today. Stayed in bed most of the day with the occasional dashes to the bathroom to either throw up or to...........what is the Phillipines version of Delhi belly?

Ventured out briefly in the evening to try and eat. Ordered a lasagne, even though I'd sworn to avoid cheese. I only had a couple of spoonfuls and my stomach told me I'd made a mistake. So, another night praying at the porcelain altar......hoping I'd be well enough to ride by the morning. I never learn!! My original idea was to head south to explore the volcanoes on the peninsula. But having lost a day to sickness, I abandoned that plan.

After an uncomfortable night, both ends of my alimentary canal appeared to have called a cessation to hostilities, so I hit the road going north. Even though this was the coastal Zambales route, the sea was barely visible, just the occasional tantalising glimpse through the never ending townships. It was an enjoyable ride though, just to be on the move felt good, no longer hunched over the toilet!

 

The towns thinned out and the scenery improved the further north I went, before becoming very good once I turned off the main route for the coastal strip near Bolinao. Into my seaside hotel and out for some food (ham sandwich and fruit; hopefully not to be seen again too soon!) and an early night. Still too scared to risk a beer!

Soundtrack: "Earth city" - Hawkwind