As I had mentioned before, I had a fear of boats and the water. I did not like the idea of taking the ferries but it was the only reasonable choice we had of getting back and forth between Mindanao and Cebu. When I first mentioned the idea to my husband he thought it sounded like a wonderfully romantic cruise. I knew better but I did not want to diminish his high expectations prematurely.

The boat we had taken over to Cebu was very crowded and the state room that we had was clean and neat despite the fact that it was somewhat claustrophobic in the interior of the ship. At least the state room that we had on the return voyage was on the outer rail of the ship and we could see the ocean from the port holes. I say at least because that was the only good thing about the room that we had on the return voyage that was even marginally acceptable. It was tiny, had two small bunks on either side, a refrigerator that did not work, a filthy & clogged shower and no bed linen or bath towels to be found anywhere. When we called the porter and complained, he wanted to argue rather than help us. He said they must be there somewhere. My husband finally had to go to the linen dispensary and get them himself.

The contrast in our accommodations of the past 24 hours could have not been greater. Fortunately we were both tired and were only interested in getting some sleep during the overnight voyage. Unfortunately the bunks were very uncomfortable and despite my trying to fit on one side with my husband I finally gave up and retreated to my own small bunk. Sleep was not something that was going to come easy that night.