Member-only story

14 min read

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Dec 21, 2023

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“Fairways and Bluewater Boracay! Get out!”

Our driver, the smiling jockey of the gaudy yellow electric cart we just rode in, gestured towards the massive gates of the resort. He had a huge beer belly. His Red Horse Beer t-shirt was soaked with sweat. I knew immediately where the belly came from. My hand brushed the peeling paint of our transport as we got out and grabbed our suitcase. I put an arm around Flora protectively, and a quick look back ensured Mike and Annie made it off without tripping over their sandals. Something deep inside was bothering at my mind, nipping at the edges. This something had no face, but I could tell it needed to be addressed before my overthinking ruined the whole trip.

The four of us hurried to a waiting van with the resort logo stuck to the side, hoping that a hot shower and food could be found somewhere within. We were exhausted. The day started early and dark, with a five-hour drive to Caticlan. Then a wait to get on the busy ferry at the port. We then survived an hour-long boat ride across the rough seas to Boracay proper, where the waiting electric cart took us through the first two stations until we arrived at ours — hot, hungry, and more than a little bit fatigued. The resort was made up of separate mauve and stone buildings. Ours seemed to be on the far side of the massive…