Normally while riding my bike I eventually reach some point where I realize “Okay, here’s where I head back.” But on an island, I don’t need to do that.

When I reached Cordova (technically a separate island, but either way it was on the other side of mactan island) and the sun was setting, I knew I had to make good time. Only then, hours after starting and stopping did the riding really click — I went into high gear and suddenly I was keeping pace with the Jeepneys. When I get going like this I’m physically faster and the thoughts in my head silent. Just peddlepeddlepeddlepeddlebreathebreahtepeddle

Only later did I think about what I read about long distance bike riders or randonneur, and how some of the cognitive functions turn off in order to preserve better body functions.  Maybe I should try that some time.  

On this island I wouldn’t be tested too hard, however.  About half an hour later I had come around to a more familiar landscape and was eating dinner in a mall with a friend.  When he saw me walk in he said I looked like a monster — dirt on my shirt, hands, tops of my feet (mostly from a stop along the way to play a game of basketball). 

Another thirty or so minutes with my lights on and I was home.

…take enough Jeepneys to travel around the city multiple times.

…buy more than enough food from a local food stand or bbq.

…make your own salad from 30 cent heads of lettuce, 4 cent roma tomatoes, 2 cent calamansi (think lime), and anything else you can find.

…get your laundry done. hand washed. hang dried.

…have someone clean your house.

…buy about 65 bananas.

…and get your bike tuned up when it squeaks and the brakes don’t work quite right.

My uncle replied, “Just don’t do the same with a truck.”