Whoops, we have totally lost track of what day / date it is, which I must say, is an amazing feeling!

But to make up for it, I have got lots of pictures to share with you about our island life so grab a bowl of coffee or a cup of tea. Whatever you decide upon, also grab nibbles, a biscuit or 3 and have a little scroll…

I’m pleased to report that over the last 5 days the weather has settled and evidence of the typhoon dwindles by the day, mainly thanks to the studious locals who collect, rake and gather washed up leaves, weeds and plastic from the beaches.

Our morning stroll to the dive shop is slightly different to our London commute.

Introducing paradise.

Local children play in the shallows.

Fisherman prepare their boats.

Max has been busy working hard training to qualify as both an EFR (Emergency First Responder) and a Rescuer, both courses of which he passed. Yay! He has been trained by a fellow french man, Guillaume, who comes from the same area in France as Max. Sometimes it shocks me how small the world is!

They have quite the ‘bromance’ forming. It’s cute.

After hours of theory, a few tests, 1 exam and 4 successful dives I am now Open Water Certified and I have begun working towards my advanced qualification!

I don’t always join Max at the dive shop. I sometimes choose to grab a coconut and enjoy the peaceful beach at Diniwid where I can blog, send emails, do my sudoku or read.

This is the bar on the beach at Diniwid. Simple and rustic but just perfect. They serve the most delicious fresh juices and smoothies too. Pineapple and banana is my favourite.

This kind of activity keeps the hot dogs happy.

Now for a little look at what we have been feeding ourselves. We are trying to be sensible with our money so we eat at home a lot which means I have continued in my role as ‘Food Finder’. There is no ‘comfort zone’ Wholefoods or Waitrose here… it’s an entirely different experience but I’m finding it so much fun. I try to pay the least money for the best quality whilst supporting the local people.

This is James’ and Francis’ little roadside fruit and veg joint near our flat which is convenient. I like supporting these guys!

*** Unwanted meat on aisle 2. Can you spot her? ***

Sometimes stalls in the centre of town have more variety but as they are bigger they feel less ‘local’. Whether or not they are, I’m not sure.

This little hoard came to £2 from a little stall. I was very pleased with myself for finding peppers and chillies outside of a supermarket.

For breakfast we tend to have either fruit, porridge or an omelette. The fruit here is just divine, especially the mango which is an island speciality.

For lunch it’s always different depending on what we are up to. It can be anything from egg fried rice to noodles back at home.

Now it’s not glam but this dinner has become a speciality in the Jacovella-Wemyss Jungle Palace. Pasta with lots of different vegetables in a tomato sauce topped with parmesan.

Bon appetit.

We haven’t cooked any meat at home. The frozen stuff at the supermarket looks pretty gross and I’m not keen on buying meat that has been left on a warm counter  with nothing more than a homemade fan device to keep the flies away.

If you want to eat out you have plenty to choose from but it’s not all cheap. Well its cheap compared to the UK but not for those on a ‘backpackers’ budget. If you’re prepared to risk it by eating street food then you can feed 2 people for under 200 peso which is roughly £2.80. We have done this a number of times and we haven’t been caught out yet. The other day Max proudly told me that he had just eaten a burger that cost 30 peso which is 40p. It was no Patty & Bun or Five Guys but apparently it was satisfying. No bathroom repercussions either. Most meals for the 2 of us come to between £10 – 14 including a few beers and non alcoholic drinks.

Boracay is teeming with insects. Those who know me well, know I am not a bug killer at heart. Whilst my friends stand on chairs to avoid spiders or small creatures I am first to volunteer to pick them up and put them out of the window. ‘All creatures great and small’ and all that jazz. However…. in Boracay… I have had to become an insect murderer. Mosquitos find me particularly tasty and I am surviving by using Expedition Plus 50+ Insect Repellent which is very strong but it does work. I have had two bites on my toes with suspicious pincer marks at the centre and the ants just never end.

This is the very least of it…

Thankfully, sunsets make everything better.

Most evenings on the island start with a game of volleyball outside the dive shop with whomever is around. Dogs welcome too.

Then we go for a quick dip in the sea and chill as the sun sets.

Every sunset is different but oh so beautiful.

There is no better place to be than with your loved one, watching the sun going down on the beach ,with a drink and mellow music playing in the background.

Even Maccie enjoys it!