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Patrick Leary

Joined April 2016
  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day23

    Summary

    May 6 on the Philippines

    The Philippines costs of over 7000 islands. The Philippines was colonized by Spain who ruled for 377 years until 1898. From 1898 to 1946 the country was an American colony.

    The most commonly spoken local language is Tagalog which is a mixture of European, Asian and Native American languages. Of the 170 languages spoken, English is the most widely used of the European languages. The major religion is Roman Catholicism, which accounts for 80% of the population.

    The currency is the Peso, at the time of writing 1 ZAR = 4 Pesos (approx).

    My cycle tour started in Manila, and from there headed south, ending in Cebu City, and included the following islands;
    Luzon, Mindoro (Occidental), Panay (Antique), Negros, and Cebu Island

    The Philippines struggles with excessive corruption (that appears to be changing now under the leadership of the new president), extreme poverty, and yet Filipinos are extremely hospitable and friendly.    Read more

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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day22

    Singapore, Day 3

    May 5 in Singapore

    Previous evening spent at Level 33, the world's highest rooftop brewery, with magical views of the Singapore skyline. From here you can watch the light and laser show in the Marina Bay.

    Back into the city today with a visit to Sentosa, Chinatown, and Little India.

    And another tour comes to an end. One that I would rate as one of the most memorable.

    +4
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day21

    Singapore, Day 2 - Parks & Nature

    May 4 in Singapore

    Stayed out of the city today, and did a Tree Top walk in the McRitchie Park, followed by a walk through the Botanical Gardens.

    1 comment
    1+5
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day20

    Singapore, Day 1 - Downtown

    May 3 in Singapore

    Staying with old time cycling friends from South Africa, Sarah, Benedict & family. Thanks for hosting me !!

    Took a bus into town and spent the day exploring Marina Bay area, and Front Canning Park.

    21+5
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day18

    Mactan - Island Hoping

    May 1 on the Philippines

    Arrived in Mactan and found a festival in progress. All the hotels were fully booked, but eventually found a really good pension.

    While in Mactan, spoilt myself with an Island Hopping tour with seafood lunch on a floating restaurant, and later Lechon for dinner (pork done on a spit) a speciality in Cebu.

    Impossible to find a bike box, so bike is basically just wrapped in two layers of cardboard and tape and hoping for the best.

    Next stop Singapore !!    Read more

    2 comments
    +5
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day15

    Toledo - Cebu City

    April 28 on the Philippines

    Final ferry of the trip, again boarding at 5am this time from San Carlos, and then a one hour crossing to Toledo. Cycled then from Toledo to Cebu City.

    Arriving in these cities by bicycle is not pleasant. Congested roads, dust and diesel fumes. Then having to pass right through the city to the far side to the island of Mactan.

    The most popular local transport here is the Tricycle and Jeepney. The Jeepney was originally made from US military Willys jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration. Boarding is from the rear which is much safer than side entry, and the fare is only R1.70 regardless of distance.Read more

    1 comment
    32+5
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day14

    San Carlos

    April 27 on the Philippines

    You know it's been a rough day when you finish your day with an average speed of 11.3 km/h. Had another dog chase me on one of the climbs, and the only energy I had left was to tell it to "go away".

    Crossed over the island from one side to the other and past another volcano. The peak was engulfed in cloud but still spectacular.

    Needed a new cell phone cable, and ended up spending the evening with some new found friends from the store.Read more

    +3
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day13

    Bacolod

    April 26 on the Philippines

    New dinning experience: arrived at the small roadside restaurant, they accompany you down the street to the fish market, you select and pay for the fish that you want, stroll back to the restaurant and in a few minutes your fresh seafood is ready and served.

    In the city there are some random traffic lights, other than that, there is not one stop or yield sign, and yet everybody patiently waits their turn.Read more

    +5
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day12

    Bacolod

    April 25 on the Philippines

    This morning start was before sunrise and on the road by 5am. The only life was dogs lying in the road licking their you know what ... and waiting for the sun to rise. Was chased by one dog who obviously doesn't like foreigners.

    Stopped alongside a beach for a rest and a local came out and insisted that I wait. He went home and fetched some food. Not sure of the name, but made from rice and coconut and wrapped in leaves. Very tasty.

    Another ferry crossing, this time from Iloilo City across to Bacolod.    Read more

    2 comments
    +3
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  • Patrick LearyPat’s Cycle Tour - 2018
    Day11

    Anini-y (Antique)

    April 24 on the Philippines

    Today was a bit further than normal covering 120 km, with the temperature peaking at 40 deg C .... intense !!

    Dinner tonight was at the resort. Free entertainment with the patrons singing karaoke. Nice beach setting with hot springs. Nice way to end the day.

    2 comments
    +5
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