We were up bright and early and out the door by around 6:30am. Morning traffic doesn’t seem quite so bad as evening traffic, but it’s slow going nonetheless.
Our first stop was in Cavite to visit some relatives Mina hadn’t seen for many years. The town is called Naic where Mina’s dad was born, and where several aunties, uncles and cousins live. Mina often stayed here as a child. The first person we met was Cora, Mina’s cousin, who she hadn’t seen in over 30 years. At first Cora politely greeted us with “Maganda araw po” (Good afternoon, polite to strangers), then after a few seconds “Aya, Ang ating bunso” (Gosh, it’s our youngest!). Hugs and tears all round followed.
Cora and her family live in a simple house, and attached to it is a coconut tree, and Cora’s brother Sammy was up like a rocket to cut down a bunch of coconuts for us to take. Jess immediately made friends with the local wildlife.
We then went a short way down the road to visit Mina’s uncle Tiyo Emeng, her father’s only brother. The story goes Tiyo Emeng was the original suitor of Mina’s mother, till Mina’s dad swooped in a stole her. There were a couple of pictures of Jess’s great grandparents hanging up (one of which Sally borrowed).
The kids went out the back and found a fighting cock tied up.
Then it was on to Tagaytay. We had lunch in Nipa huts overlooking the lake, at Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo, eating traditional Filipino food. Tagaytay is famous for it’s view. It’s on the lip of a large volcano overlooking a lake with and island. The island also has a lake with an island, so an island on a lake on an island on a lake on an island. It was much cooler up there at altitude – only 31C, but very tolerable.
The drive back took 4 and a half hours. The distance by road on Google Maps – 65km.
After we came home Mina and Jess went out to try and find something to eat. Jess had her very first ride in a jeepney and on a tricycle.
Next: To the Market
Previous: Day One