Wednesday


Well the countdown started some time ago, but as it gets closer we are getting more and more excited. We got our tickets overseas quite some time ago, saving some money by flying Philippine Airlines. We also got our domestic flight tickets both to and from Kalibo - and have booked our hotel for our stay on Boracay, and for the time we are spending in Manila at the end of our trip.

About three weeks ago I got my visa so I would be allowed to stay the 4th week in the country and we have also got our deposits into the Philippine National Bank so we will have some money to spend while there .

I am pretty much packed and Allan is getting there. First wrinkle though is that we just discovered that Philippine Airlines only allows 15 lbs of carry on. My carry on case is 12 lbs!!! Anything over 15 lbs is $225. We haven't quite figured out how we are going to deal with that. So much for the ticket savings. Bait and switch much?

Both Allan and I have work still, I am done on Friday, and Allan still works till Saturday - and has a tutorial on Sunday morning. Our flight is at 9 pm Sunday night but we plan to be there very early in case there is an issue with the luggage.

Thursday
Called Philippine Airlines today and confirm the carry on, and sure enough 15 lbs. I bought a lighter suitcase so I think I will be ok, but I will have to add a few things to Allan's. Checked our Winners and got one that is only 7 lbs. I think I saw a 3 pound one at Marshalls though, so I will head back there tomorrow.

Things at work are pretty much squared away for me to be gone for a month, and I have called the credit card companies and have money in my PNB account . Just have to rearrange the packing to balance it, get the carry on figured out, and we are set to go!!

Friday

Last day of work for me, second last for Allan. Got what I hope is all the loose ends tied up and the out of office reply set up. Now the final cleaning and packing can begin. Still checking for the elusive light weight carry on. Found one that was about 4 lbs. but it was $350. No thanks. Got some laundry put away and the bathroom sparkling. Allan is packing and weighing, packing and weighing. I am just staying out of the way....syncing iPads and iPhones. Having a glass of wine and I am off to bed.

Saturday

Up early to get Allan to work. Has a mcmuffin for breakfast and the clean the fridge. Nothing can be left if we are going for a month. Amazing the things you find at the back of the fridge. Nothing was moving or had legs so I guess we were ok. Off to best buy to get another hard drive for photos and also bought some chocolates for the flight attendants. Home again and repacked the gift suitcase. Scrubbed the kitchen floor and in all that still took a nice nap.

Allan finished work and did some shopping for some new clothes. More Kyle gifts resulted. Kid will be able to put on his own fashion show!! Instead of cooking we headed to the Churchmouse and Firkin for dinner. This is a small chain pub not far from where we live in Toronto. Allan ordered the snapper and I got a burger.

A quick detour to Shoppers for some last minute stuff and we were home, me to arrange,and Allan to finish packing.

Sunday. Leaving day

Up early and finished up. Allan cancelled his class ( as I figured would happen) Emptied a the garbages and went out for lottery tickets. ( hey I might return as a millionaire !!) out again with Allan for a couple of last minute things. And some lunch. Needed luggage straps and batteries.

Back home and last few preparations and squeezing things in.

Cab is ordered. Now the only big worry is the carry on weight limit.