Resort to Convergence (Taste of an Island Resort)

A fresh adventure started when Edbert and Bong, our project site QA/QC invited us for a picnic. Then Dante again repeat the invitation to us, what will transpires are still hazy for me. After some details and amount of overall cost (100 aed plus) were confirmed by what I know who was the main organizer, Ms. Ro, I joined this summer affair months ago.

Destination. An Island Resort famous for fishing and crabbing they have told us.

What I have experienced. Convergence of adventure loving Pinoys about a hundred and I get to know and have some chitchat with some of them, I thought initially we are only a few groups of totaling at least 20. The transport vehicles are composed of 1 coaster, for me similar to a small plane flying to a rugged route because of how our Patan driver drove is a kind of dangerous adventure itself and a number of vans and cars.

What I have learned. That the place attract so many visitors with words such as Island Resort good for Fishing, that we will cross for about 15-20 minutes thru a speedboat occupied by batch of 10-15 persons with Hermie, Cresh and husband, William seating beside me, that night tide is high , it almost bury the island.

What I have done. About 4 hours of overnight fishing and I catch nothing. Possibilities are, the fish are already full because they are having their own party, some are already asleep, we are on boat landing part of the pier that fish got scared away and lastly, they are tired of eating my bait and they don’t like it. Lucky for Dante who come earlier to the fishing spot, he got a catch of some at least, maybe those who are not able to join the water world grand party somewhere.

What I have discovered. Manny, my colleague in Project Market Market in my previous firm was there and we have nice sort of short reunion. Second, I occupied and slept on a very big open cottage all by myself on a carpet. The breeze of the air compensate the humid environment, I was able to take a short nap although frustrated with my fishing expedition.

What I have seen and heard. In the evening, the food nicely prepared by Ro and her housemates, the way I have roasted the fish, the dimly mile long coast across the island using a powerful telescope brought by Marvin, the loud voice of Edbert while sharing some story, the Arabic dance music in the background, the rising wave and my wasted/useless fishing gear.

What I have viewed in the morning. Whole island previously covered by water was revealed, the trees/scrubs, the sunrise, the birds, a boat model, the different color of banners, tents brought and set up by some couples and groups, the schools of fish who did not cooperate the night before and some guys in their trunks still sleeping, emptied bottles and still lots of foods.
What are the surprises in the shore. We go back to the shore and found more structures waited the whole night to take our snaps. Pyramids, statues, cozy coffee shop etc…

What I have lost. My mobile account number to a taxi driver during my return to my villa from the drop off point and eventually he got two months of outside the country free call perhaps. And about a kilo of shrimp that I eventually throw to the school of fish the following morning in surrender…

What an event…

Hooked

Another exciting and memorable event happened again for the adventure loving Meinhardt folks and friends. This was organized by TDM MEP staff Edwin and associates under the leadership of Mam Jenny. Here are some of the individual highlights I captured during our fishing expedition last Friday.



Ebe not only drove with his car and brought the bait for us but also willingly share his expertise in tying up the hooks in different techniques. But since he consumed time helping many us, he lost too the perfect time to catch fish for his own and instead watched all of us enjoyed the event.



Mr. Dante, with his multi hook fishing gear was able to hooked two fish in one time. With that our level of motivation shoot up, I rushed to his place.

About a minute later, this was followed with Jing’s capture of a very big fish and everybody got ecstatic taking their photo with the caught fish.

Then my turn, after consuming two prawns and my faith died down, with the last piece of bait I have, luckily, I was able also to capture my own, history’s first. Mam Jenny was able to got video of my first catch of this small fish which later I pitied and return to the sea. But not long enough when I have adjusted I was able to capture two more in span of our remaining hours, this time much bigger in sizes.




I saw Nelson afar, he was also able to get some numbers. Allan and his family have some fun, bonding and fellowship together with Donald who in that time perfecting to fix the bait on the hook. Mike got so busy with the catch of somebody I think, including my fried fish breakfast, hehe. May prepared her group breakfast also supporting some fishermen and Jovy’s girlfriend too busy taking some nice shots.



Roger caught the most i think but told me that they are all small.

Edwin was busy telling everybody to return to the sea the fish we captured.

Mariz, who initially just enjoyed the sun and sight, later caught some also in span of I think 30 minutes.

Mam Jenny and her determined husband Sir Simon caught some too.

I got also a glimpse of Saeed and his pregnant wife, they too have a nice time together. Maybe this early, they are exposing their unborn child to love the sea.

Then when its time to pack up, smiling Jovy have fun playing with the fish still in the water, he lead them to have a synchronize swim using his fishing gear sink tapping the water. He enjoyed it very much.

To wrap things up, a lucky guy, Hermie was able to caught hammour, a big one.



Then we return to our cars using the same rocky path we cross earlier leaving persistent Sakeel behind trying his own luck.

We got hooked I think by the fish not the other way around, we’ve got to return.