The real deal

We've made it to Borongan! It seemed like a long trip on our scooter, but it's all worth it to be at our new home. We've been here since Wednesday morning and we've been cleaning up the house. And it's all so exciting.

BUT, I really need to get some things off my chest about the whole hostel thing. Many of my friends and family "like" the hostel's Facebook page and see the hostel's website. They see what's going on with the hostel. Jason and I have worked really hard on everything for the hostel. Really hard. But things weren't working out between us and a couple of my family members. We were constantly bumping heads and it just wasn't worth it anymore. Jason and I worked hard, and one person did NOTHING and takes credit for stuff. It's really irritating. And we had to get out of there before things got any worse.

So that's the biggest reason we had to leave. And the other reason we left was because Jason's dad has land here in Samar (the island just south of Luzon) and so Jason will be developing it for him. He's going to make it into an organic farm. As for me, I plan to dabble with a few ideas I have, along with helping Jason. We're much happier and stress free (and drama free!) here. It's going to be good. We plan on staying here for a very long time (we're even getting a puppy!).

So with all this being said, if you "like" the hostel's Facebook and see something dumb posted- that was not mine or Jason's doing. If you see something change on the website, that wasn't our doing either. We've given complete control of everything to others and have no control over anything pertaining to the hostel anymore. It's kind of a bummer, but also a relief. Through this hostel experience we learned a few things: me and Jason have the ability and talent to open up and run a successful hostel, it takes a lot of hard work but it's definitely doable, and we were able to see some true colors of some people. You live and you learn.

But don't worry my people, Jason and I still have plans to set up another hostel some time within the next few years. We're doing some research and business planning. We're going to make the next one bigger and better-- because everything will be done 110% OUR way. It'll be awesome. Stay tuned.

(I did not write this post for any other reason than to let our close friends and family know what's really going on)

On to our next adventure.

Yes, it's true. We're moving again.

Our main role for the hostel in Legazpi City was to be "consultants"- setting up the business, doing the advertising, website, hostel design, etc. We completed all our tasks and we've got the hostel up and running. And we have some other opportunities in Samar-- where Jason's family lives-- so we've decided to take advantage. (Of course, things are a little more complicated that that-- but that's just a breakdown.)

We're riding our scooter all the way. Right now we're in a city called Catbalogan. We decided to stop here for the night because my butt hurts-- we've been riding for 9 hours. Then tomorrow we head to our final destination- Borongan. Our new home. Here's a map of how far we're riding (a total of about 260 miles):

More updates to come.

How-to Trip: Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Caramoan is the name of a peninsula in the south-eastern area of Luzon island in the Bicol region of the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the main towns on the peninsula. Along the coast of Caramoan, there are many beautiful islands you can explore. The beaches are nice, white sand beaches and the water is crystal clear-- it's paradise! You can hire local boatmen to take you island hopping for a full day for cheap.

If you're planning a trip to the Philippines, Caramoan is a must-do! Largely due to the reality TV show Survivor having filmed here, it's currently gaining popularity as a tourist destination and people are saying that it could become the next Boracay. My husband and I decided to make a 3day/2night trip for our wedding anniversary. It was an amazing experience and incredibly beautiful. I highly recommend a trip to Caramoan to everybody-- from those who just like to lounge around on the beach to the more adventurous types who like to snorkel and climb rocks.