paradise found.

There aren’t enough adjectives to adequately describe the beauty of Boracay Island. This laid-back stretch of beach felt like a piece of heaven, especially in comparison to the rest of our travels. We came with the intention of staying only 7 days and then traveling to other islands throughout the Philippines, but soon found it impossible to leave. So for the next 2 weeks we spent nearly every afternoon laying on white sand beaches, drinking mango smoothies in the sun, exploring the island on the back of a moped, sailing and snorkeling, and meeting other travelers from around the world. My time in the Philippines was more fun than I ever anticipated and I am so thankful to have seen this part of the world.


sunset. my favorite time of the day.


grant, nicole and i enjoying an italian dinner on the beach.


boracay's white sand beach.

Journal entry from Boracay:
“I HAVE LANDED IN PARADISE.” Boracay Island must be one of the most beautiful places on earth. After traveling through India for a few weeks it became hard to imagine that a place so laid-back and beautiful actually does exist. This morning I woke up in our quiet little hotel room surrounded by flowers and trees and went for a long walk along the beach. I had every intention of listening to music while soaking up the morning sun, but the sound of the ocean crashing along the shore was too beautiful to drown out. I love it here. This island really is one of the most serene and picturesque places I have ever traveled. Right now I am sitting at a beach side café drinking an iced latte and watching tourist pass by. From where I sit I can see palm trees stretching into the bright blue sky and clear turquoise water in the near distance. My only plan for the afternoon is to tan by the beach and drink a smoothie, and tonight I hope to go out and meet some other travelers. The living is easy. Life is good. I wish my family and friends could see this paradise with their own eyes because photos will never do it justice.


main street.


one of many amazing sand castles built along the water's edge.


this is what $22 a night will get you in the philippines.


another photo of the beautiful beach.


the view from my favorite massage parlor. $6 an hour for a full-body massage.


nicole and grant parasailing! i was too scared to go, so i became the official picture taker.

Next stop: Beijing, China...my new home!

three days in manila.

When we started traveling in January I never imagined that we would end up in the Philippines. But after enduring the food poisoning and filth of India, and then escaping through Southeast Asia, it seemed like the only logical place to spend the remainder of our vacation. It was definitely a good decision. I have been to beaches around the world but have never found islands as beautiful as those in the Philippines.

After spending 3 days in sunny Singapore we caught a flight to Manila and spent a few days touring Intramuros and the area along the bay, indulging in $7 massages, window shopping in some of the city’s most fashionable malls, and preparing for our next destination. Manila was an interesting place to explore but all of us were more than ready to relax on Boracay Island’s white sand beaches. So a few days later we boarded a 60-passenger airplane (one of the scariest rides of my life) and landed in paradise.

Photos from Manila:


intramuros. the old, walled section of the city.


view of manila bay.


the smallest plane i never hope to ride again. nicole actually screamed when the plane hit the ground upon landing.

Next stop: Boracay Island.