The fireworks are beginning to thunder here on the Yellow River as Shanghai begins the wind-up to the Largest Holiday in the Universe, the +1.5 Billion strong Chinese New Year. Some half a billion mainlanders go into motion as they head home for full week of partying and family visitation, People's Republic style. Expect a full report at the end of the week here at the YRC.
While you tremble in anticipation over next week's report, we will use 新年快乐 as an excuse begin the usual testy YRC commentary in our continuing coverage of Resorts at the End of the World.
When we last left you, the YRC staff had made it to Apulit Island, Palawan, the Philippines. It is a fine area, full of biodiversity, coral reefs, baby black tip sharks, uninhabited islands, many tropical fish, including barracuda and grouper, white sand beaches and a very diverse group of co-vacationers.
We had a fine over-the-water cottage at the end of the row with our own sweeping views of water and mountain. The YRC staff had brilliant skies and shooting stars at night and the shimmering bay during the day. We even had some YRC style key learnings, such as:
But the best part was, as always, the people watching, and its upon this subject that the bulk of this missive shall ruminate.
There were two main demographics: large extended family groups from all over the world, including Brazil, Spain, Canada, Russia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the U.K. and Manila, and honeymooning couples from Korea.
Early in the process, we were able to locate a bar-like area where, comfortably clad in sunglasses, dark shirts and shorts, we could sip the local rum and lurk in the shade while we keenly observed the action. We were delighted to observe that while the nationality of our co-vacationers was diverse, there were several district types of groups:
 |
| The view from the hut |
While you tremble in anticipation over next week's report, we will use 新年快乐 as an excuse begin the usual testy YRC commentary in our continuing coverage of Resorts at the End of the World.
When we last left you, the YRC staff had made it to Apulit Island, Palawan, the Philippines. It is a fine area, full of biodiversity, coral reefs, baby black tip sharks, uninhabited islands, many tropical fish, including barracuda and grouper, white sand beaches and a very diverse group of co-vacationers.
We had a fine over-the-water cottage at the end of the row with our own sweeping views of water and mountain. The YRC staff had brilliant skies and shooting stars at night and the shimmering bay during the day. We even had some YRC style key learnings, such as:
- Do not snorkel at low tide without some sort of protective gear on. Coral can be...abrasive.
- There are DITCHES here, man. Stay alert.
- Do not throw discarded clothing at the ceiling fan.
- Eating a lethal looking red chili pepper is not the best way to test for hotness.
- Shooting stars appear when you are not looking, so focus on not looking.
- Sound travels significantly farther over water.
 |
| Hut 51, Apulit Island, Palawan, Philippines. |
There were two main demographics: large extended family groups from all over the world, including Brazil, Spain, Canada, Russia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the U.K. and Manila, and honeymooning couples from Korea.
Early in the process, we were able to locate a bar-like area where, comfortably clad in sunglasses, dark shirts and shorts, we could sip the local rum and lurk in the shade while we keenly observed the action. We were delighted to observe that while the nationality of our co-vacationers was diverse, there were several district types of groups:
 |
| The view from the bar |
- Systematic Types: Generally, they swarm in large groups on a tight schedule with a clear mandate to DO everything. If there are kayaks they shall kayak. If there is coconut frond hat weaving, they shall hat weave. If there are 47 items on the buffet, all 47 shall be tasted. If there is a lecture by the staff on the dangers of the Philippine Cobra, they are in the front row taking notes. Fun was to be had watching such a group wrestle on their flippers, masks and snorkels and frog walk the 20 meters to the water like the Clown Squad of the Navy Seals.
- Sun Roasters: They reside beach-side with no umbrella, generally from sun rise to sunset. Regardless of age or their wrinkle/flab ratio, the man wears a classic Banana Hummock Speedo and the woman a tiny, tiny bikini. They are dark, the color of mahogany and spend the day....roasting as they move with the sun like Mummy Sundials. They wear white in the evenings and have their dermatologist on auto-dial.
- The Families: They don't really seem to do anything, except gather in large groups at key choke points (entrances/exits/bars/dessert tables) and talk earnestly. They have not seen each other in awhile. There is alot to discuss. Yes, there is the sunset and yes, the mango parfait is lovely but did you hear about Mom's nose surgery? They have many strollers. It is difficult to tell which child belongs to which family. The babies are passed from person to person in a strange ritual of Musical Infants, where the last person holding the baby has to feed/change/silence the baby. The other attribute of the Families is that they seem to like to take pictures of buffet food. Tray of cheese? <Click> Chocolate fountain with marshmallows? <Click Click>. Macaroni and cheese shaped to form a hermit crab? Use the flash!
- The Love Struck Couple: They are alone together in a world of incandescent beauty. Their love knows no limits. They have matching flip flops as a symbol of their unity of thought and soul. She may be MUCH younger than him. Or maybe not.
- Dark-Souled Bar Dwellers: A quiet group, but fun at parties...
And Next Week: We are love-struck that you stopped by to have a cold one and visit here at the YRC. The Year of the Water Dragon is already shaping up for some new adventures, including the Siberian SeaGulls of Kunming and other mysteries. Thanks again and see you next week!
No comments:
Post a Comment