MAR. 3rd -- PUERTO PRINCESA, PHILIPPINES

Barry was up early, sat outside and watched the sun rise.  I was busy sleeping!  So, thanks to Bar we have a sunrise picture.  What a guy!

Beautiful sunrise at Puerto Princesa.

We got into the port very early...around 6:00 AM.
At about 8:00 AM, we were welcomed by a Children's Band and some dancers.  It was lovely.

Pictures taken from our balcony

A Traditional dance performed for us

The name of our excursion is "Puerto Princesa Highlights" and it leaves at 8:50 AM.
As we got on our bus and started through the city, we realized Puerto Princesa is a very poor island.

A dress shop in the main shopping district.

The main form of transportation

The main form of transportation is a bicycle or scooter with a body build around it & it holds 2 or 3 people.  This is also their taxi service.

The first place we go to is the Iwahig Penal Colony...we drove around the perimeter of the place and stopped for souvenir purchases.

Sort of looks like a scene out of "Cool Hand Luke".

Recreation Hall...we saw them from the outside.

Who is this guy?

Then we stopped at the Special Battalion WWII Memorial museum

Our third stop was Baker's Hill...we had a half hour to look around and have a coffee and/or pastry at the bakery.  I looked for a t-shirt or something for "JB JB"...but couldn't find anything.

Had to get the picture ... well because "Baker", you know.

Our next stop was the Palawan Heritage Museum, which showed the paintings of local artists.  We were not allowed to take pictures here.

And finally we went to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral followed by a 5-minute walk across to Plaza Cuartel.

Inside the church...it is totally opened on the sides.

Beautiful alter...got this one for Mom.

Across the street from the Church...Plaza Cuartel

Outside the gates...description plaque

Just inside the gates.

This tour was about 4-hours long.  Now, we head back to the boat.

So, I update the Blog in the afternoon and have a little nap.  Barry goes out to meet the guys at the  Pool Bar.

The boat disembarks at 5:00 PM and the Puerto Princesa kids "sing and dance" us away.  So cool.

Musicians....getting ready.

We go to the Stars Lounge before dinner and see Rich & Carol at the bar.  We discuss our day and carry on and have dinner with them.
Back to the cabin.
We have Boracay Island tomorrow.
'night!!