Just a shot I took back when I rented Canon's magical 85mm 1.2L. Stunning lens to isolate subjects, but I'm always surprised at how limited it's performance tends to be. If I wasn't shooting portraits, I was pining for a different lens. But, equipment plays a minor role in great pics, so it's best just to change goals and find a new way to get that shot.
Today was the best sunset of the trip so far, or at least the most colorful. With such great weather, it brought out every tourist who would otherwise be spending the afternoon within their hotel rooms. Speaking of tourists, it was surprising how popular Boracay was with the Koreans. I wouldn't be surprised if 75%+ of the tourists here were Korean, so much so that despite the area being originally famous among American tourists (and that the Philippines usually write everything in English), menus and signs have begun to display bilingual messages especially catering for the new demographic shift.
The locals have mentioned their frustration with adapting to the new language barrier, though they did admit that the Koreans exercised great restraint from littering the beaches, a tough problem locals had several years before. Basically, despite the increase of tourists, the beaches managed to stay cleaner than ever before.
Some of us deal with the sun without even trying...
...while others still end up getting burned no matter how much sunscreen is used.
The beach becoming more crowded than ever, although from what we've heard, this is nothing compared to peak season where one would have a hard time even standing next to the water for a sunset picture.
These screens were in front of a lot of outdoor seating, we think to protect against wind, although we rarely experienced any on our side.
Some of the foreigners were playing soccer against the locals, both sides being pretty evenly matched.
Every afternoon we also saw some volleyball matches with the local kids. They must have been doing this ever since they were little because they were pretty dang good.
Best seat on the beach. Seriously, we didn't realize until later walking the entire beach, these seats (which we effortlessly got every day) were one of the very few that wasn't blocked by anything and could also get drinks and food. Speaking of which...
Some delicious Potato Croquettes filled with cheese or chicken.
Paired up with a great Old Cuban. Total price for the combination? Just under $5. For once the currency exchange is on MY side, woo hoo!
The crowds gather for the last moments of light.
A lot of people chose to ride out on a sailboat to catch the sunset out over the water.
Not the worst way to spend an afternoon.
Final part in the next post.
We continue our "hopping" experience, although at this point the only thing hopping is our stomachs from the growing choppiness of the sea.
Crystal Cove was the last small island near Boracay which was meant only as a daytime resort, someplace to go to for a picnic or private event.
At this point we fully realize that we had been spending our time on the side of the island that was protected from the wind. On this side we were feeling the full brunt which Michael and Michelle weren't enjoying one bit.
There still where some pretty impressive views of the island though.
At this point the seas were calming down and we were approaching our first beach but we decided it'd be better to skip the beach and just head back to our original shore to recoup some dizzy heads.
On the north end of the island were some really impressive resorts. Is it better being excluded from the rest of the island? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't mind experiencing it to find out.
This resort in particular was created and run by a member of Manny Pacquiao's entourage. Definitely an amazing location.
And so ends our one and only experience during our Boracay stay out on the sea.