ITS gloomy right now here in Boracay as I write this article. This morning the sun was shining fully, but it was comfortable in the shade with the strong, cooling breezes. I can hear the sound of the waves in my mind, see the changing hues of blue of the water.
When we arrived a few days ago for Law of Attraction and meditation activities for some of our clients, the weather was just fine. But as soon as we got to our hotel, there was a really heavy downpour. This lasted about 5 minutes, and then it was shining again.
The weather has been like this while we were here, alternating between gloomy and sunny, with 5 to 10 minute thunderstorms once or twice a day. One night, we got stuck for a while in Station 2, but the establishment we stopped at gladly let us wait the thunderstorm out.
I noticed that the locals we've met -- from hotel to restaurant to commercial establishment staff, even the tricycle drivers -- are all kind, and courteous, and helpful.
It was raining on the morning of our scheduled meditation activities, but it was good for our group because we had a long stretch of Station 1's White Beach to ourselves. It was a unique experience doing Zen Tai Chi in the rain and in the water, trying to focus on breath and keeping steady at the same time while the waves pushed at our backs and our feet.
Wonderfully enough, after doing the water blessing, the waves were more friendly, no longer trying to tumble us to shore.
Did you know that where there is a body of water, there are many Angels there?
We like to come to Boracay when it is lean season. You actually have spaces between crowds. I observed just two crowds actually, both Korean tourists. One was at a stop where a van brought down its hotel's guests, the other at our favorite barbecue place. Other than those two crowds, Boracay is more spacey.
But then it's off peak. Prices are lower at this time, I've seen Agoda and Trivago post hotel rates slashed by as much as 68 percent. Even with these rates, there are vacancies at many hotels.
I remember the first time we came and stayed at Station 3. It was a December break and I wasn't aware yet that rates were dependent on season, or that accommodation filled up pretty fast during that peak period. My younger sister told me there was no need to pre-book since there were hotels everywhere.
Tired, hungry and badly needing beds to lay our aching backs on, we checked in at the first beachfront hotel nearest to the docking strip that had available room. Let's call this place the Spanish Hotel to protect its privacy.
The owner was not very friendly, the rates were steep, but we had no choice. We were just too exhausted to look further than here. I consoled myself with the thought that we would not come back to this hotel again ever.
The next time we came to Boracay, classes had started already in most schools, so off season rates were being offered. Once again, we landed in Station 3, and lo and behold, the rates at Spanish Hotel were 60 percent less than the price the last time! We walked further and fell in love with Station 1's whiter and finer sand, and we've been staying at this area ever since.
We've been back countless times, making Boracay a yearly or once in 2 years event, not just to recharge, but also to connect to the energy of water.
August in Boracay has bouts or rain, and the waves are strong from Station 1 to 3. Parts of the beach are littered with seaweed. One morning, we walked along a stretch of the beach, and saw that some areas have not been cleared yet. Aa almost stepped on a nail sticking out from a piece of wood, clear sign for us to stay at our chosen part of the beach.
Chiara says it's so different from the first time we came, more establishments, more structures. But the beach, the water and the sand, they will always have a pull for us.
We will be back again.
To know which crystals to bring when you travel to the beach, see us at #29 Sari-sari Section, Baguio City Market. We are open from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.