(1) It kept making me want to go and empty my bladder! But the thought of the excruciating pain that would be inflicted upon my knackered out legs, just to walk the few metres to the stairs and then down them to the extremely low toilet seat, over which my busted old thigh muscles would have to support me in a squat position whilst trying to keep me balanced as I held my pyjama trousers out of the 'line of fire', well it wasn't appealing.
(2) My mind was working over time with images of us all trekking the last bit of the rice terraces, all uphill and me losing my footing on the wet mud beneath, causing me to tumble off the side of the hills in my bright pink poncho, with arms spread wide hoping the wind would catch under the plastic material and causing me to fly upwards towards the peak of the hilltop, therefore looking like a bright pink flying bat, instead of me tumbling to my death below! (And people say I'm a bit of a drama queen?!?)
With only about two hours sleep, we were up at 7, breakfasted and with my knees strapped up and bamboo walking stick at the ready we were on our way out for the forty five minute trek back to Banuae - all up hill!
Yes, we did stop off to look at the stunning vista around us, at the most perfect viewing point, (and for me to catch my breath!) ...
... but by now I was getting 'rice terraced out' and just the thought of having a decent shower at the end of our trek and the clean clothes waiting for me in my back pack, was about all that was keeping me going! Well that and the fact that I had Abi (one of us Brits) to chat to. We were the slow coaches for the day and proud of it!
We made it to Sadel! And in under 45 mins! And probably a stone lighter after the amount of sweat gushing out of every pore in my body. With the dulcet tones of TC telling me to make sure I drink and stay re-hydrated we climbed onto our awaiting Jeepney and headed back for an hours bumpy ride to The Greenview Lodge in Banaue.
Thank goodness all our rooms were ready for when we arrived. Grabbing our belongings, practically vaulting down the stairs to our respective rooms, like a herd of happy elephants we were off to have a decent shower (and toilet break!!)
Once fully refreshed and no longer smelling like a Durian fruit! I texted 'the south London Geezer' to let him know I was still alive if not feeling slightly worse for wear! He seemed relieved! Then we all gathered together and headed off to look around Hiwang Village, (more steps!) to take a gander over at some more rice terraces and the Cordillera mountains. We visited some traditional Ifuago houses: tiny little properties built high up on stilts with no nails, no glue or cement used and not much room for living space for whole families (remember contraception is not allowed).
Finally it was lunchtime and the Jeepney took us back to the hotel where in our infinite wisdom we all decided to walk around the corner to the restaurant that Bryan had suggested. I don't know who's bloody idea that was, but as soon as we rounded the corner, we saw the steps, about 50 or maybe more leading up to it! The name of the establishment was '7th Heaven' but for me it was more like approaching hell!
Luckily my food was really good so the pain of dragging myself up those steps soon disappeared, (like child birth I guess!?!) and with an afternoon of free time I was ready to just go back to the hotel, sit out in the sunshine and write my blog ... Or so I thought ...
Thankfully the walk back was down hill, the sun was shining, my belly was full and I was in a good mood, as per usual I was at the back of the group ... Way behind most of the others, chatting with the two Jos when we noticed Tracy up ahead gesticulating at us, it looked like she was telling us to stop, or turn around, or go away or something. She had a panicked expression on her face, but we couldn't quite make out what was going on? Then I heard it, as did Jo and Jo, the most horrendous squealing sound and then we saw, by the side of the road, two local men were trying to truss up a massive pig to take it off to be slaughtered. The pig was twisting and turning, desperate to get away and squealing and crying out for its life! I have never heard such a horrendous or pitiful sound. One I still can't get out of my head.
Once it had registered with the three of us what was happening, (the two veggies and me the relapsed Jew who's never eaten a pork product in her life anyway), we managed an about turn and with my fingers stuck deep into my ears, whilst trying to hum some nonsensical tune out loud (well I am a member or Rock Choir), in a panicked state, we ran all the way back up the hill - it's amazing how the pain had just evaporated from my legs, but I guess that's adrenalin for you?
Finally out of ear shot, we decided to join Abi back in the restaurant, where she was sat out on the balcony, enjoying the scenery and peacefulness whilst reading and having a beer. Then we burst onto the scene completely flustered and ruined it all for her! (I admit I even snuck off to the loo for a little cry).
One beer later (and maybe a crafty little cigarette to calm the nerves), we returned to our hotel. Where we all chilled out in the communal area, recovering from our three day trek and preparing for what the rest of the week had in store ...
