After a lovely few days in Sagada we took our leave and headed for Banaue hoping to see the famous rice terraces of Bataad. This trip involved two jeepney's one to Bontoc and from Bontoc on to Banaue. These Jeepney's are surprisingly spacious in relation to the African equivalent and much to my delight we left early yet again and didn't need to wait until the thing was full. Not much to write about from Bontoc other than I spent a good hour sat facing two pig heads hanging from hooks waiting for our jeepney to leave. They looked as though they were sleeping in a disembodied sort of way.

We hit a hitch when the jeepney was not going to leave for a couple of hours so James took matters into his own hands and hired us a private transport, a little extravagant but well worth it. So the landslides and scary road continued to Banaue but we arrived in good time.

It was by now after midday and we were informed by the local tourist info lady that it was too late to get to Bataad and back before our night bus left later that evening. In a bit of a quandary since that was the purpose of the trip we settled on a visit to a village a little nearer and with less of a hike. Another tricycle took us on the bumpiest road known to man and we spent the hour groaning as we were bounced around. The views were worth the trip, walking down to the village felt a little like stepping back in time. The terraces in this area were built about 2000 years ago and they are simply incredible.

A bone jolting return journey to Banaue delivered us back in time for a bite to eat before heading off for the night bus. Pauline and Anwen I thought of you as soon as I stepped aboard, the aircon was blasting and it was freezing. I seem to remember you both in a similar situation in Vietnam and taking refuge under towels! We spent the next 9 hours wearing jumpers, socks and scarves despite the 30 degrees outside.