We started the day at 4:00AM with a nice breakfast provided by the nuns at Sophie’s Farm. The stay at Sophie’s Farm was very moving and enlightening. We formed real bonds with many of the students there and got to know their lives. Sister Lydia, Sister Sandra, and everyone living at the farm were so hospitable and welcoming allowing us to feel the reach of our RSCJ community. We said our heartfelt goodbyes to the students and hopped on a two hour bus to Calbayog Aiport in Eastern Samar.
Following the hour long flight on a propeller plane we were welcomed to Cebú with a traditional dance by locals. We met our tour guides, Vicky, Mary Ann, Amor, and our photographer, Walter. We ate our lunch as we embarked on the four hour bus ride to Bluewater Sumilon. Unfortunately one of our beloved travel mates fell sick with heat exhaustion but quickly recourperated during the bus ride! We were provided with many drinks and snacks as our tour guide informed us that locals eat six times a day.
When we finally arrived in Bluewater Sumilon we sat in the bed of a tiny truck as they brought us down to the dock where we then made our way to the hotel in a boat. Our hotel was located on a private island with many amenities including a private beach, an infinity pool, baby shark watching, and breathtaking views of clear water ocean. We had a few hours to rest and relax until it was finally time for dinner. We ate at a restaurant called the Pavilion and had a nice buffet. When walking back to our rooms, the rain started, giving us a refreshing end to our day. We all went to bed after due to our early morning the next day.
Even through today was a busy and tiring travel day, we still had much bonding time and are so happy to have this opportunity to travel to the Philippines. We are so grateful for our experiences in Samar and are looking forward to our days spent in Cebu!
By: Ainsley Smith, Gr. 10, Sabrina Chua, Gr. 10
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 