Bataan 3/3

07:30 the phone in the hotel room rings 'ready for breakfast?' Cedee is on the other end. We're not fully awake yet, Debbie tells him that we need another half hour. Quickly pack everything because the driver will be ready at 9 o'clock. He brought us empanadas, a kind gesture and very sweet but we're still full from breakfast.

Off to Mount Samat. Marc wants to walk a bit so we only drive 3/4 of the way and our driver waits for us at the top. 

The few hundred meters are enough in the humid weather, as it is relatively strenuous. But our legs are happy to do something again. Filipinos generally walk relatively little, as a tricycle costs hardly anything and can go almost anywhere. 

Along the mountain there are mountain bike trails that Cedee likes to ride when he is here, absolutely not for the faint-hearted. When we arrive at the top, we have to climb a few steps before reaching a museum. The view is breathtaking and we see an eagle in the distance.

In the museum, old weapons and the history of the Japanese-American war are exhibited. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed, but Cedee and JD explain everything to us. 

We don't have the opportunity to see everything because work is being done everywhere, as the President of the Philippines will visit Bataan on April 9th. Everything has to be clean and freshly painted. Cedee even tells us that the road leading up to the top will be closed for cars, so everyone has to walk on that day. All for the safety of the President.

After the museum, we climb more stairs to reach the cross. At the foot, stone statues of 'war heroes' are attached. Normally, you can take an elevator in the cross to reach the top, but it is also closed for safety reasons given.

We enjoy the view and look around a bit more.

After a short break in the shade, we go back down to return to the hotel. 

On the way back to Balanga, we stop at a suspension bridge. Although Cedee has passed by it a hundred times, he has never crossed it. (which may also be due to his fear of heights) So we quickly stop and gather up all our courage to cross the bridge.

After Cedee has managed to get there and back safely (poor thing), we drive back to the hotel. There are a lot of tricycles on the road. 

We are driven back to the bus station. After a long bus ride and a little sleep, we arrive at the train station. Today we are taking the last leg of the journey by train. For 25PHP per person (0.40€), we travel 5 stations. It's hot and stuffy and we're glad when we arrive. By the way, bags are checked everywhere when entering larger buildings with crowds of people, such as the train station and the shopping center. 

Back in TayTay, Rizal, we are greeted in our room by a baby snake, only as big as a rainworm but completely black. That was enough action for today. 

The next adventure is waiting around the corner. 

Paalam.