Catbalogan, Samar
The crew woke up quite late the next day but felt very energized and optimistic as the task of getting to the Visayas via Samar was done.
Day light gave us the chance to appreciate the hotel’s interior much more. The lobby area was quite impressive.
Here’s the restaurant of the hotel which doubles as a music lounge at night. Acoustic bands play almost every night.
Another view of the lobby. After having breakfast at the hotel restaurant JP, Joao and Rouel decided to have both cars checked. They set off to look for a mechanic around Calbayog.
The crew had a hard time looking for a mechanic. It took them almost an hour until they got to this place.
JP asked Mr. mechanic to drive the Gem so he can experience first hand the knocking sound that was coming from the propeller area of the car which was bothering him since Donsol.
The mechanics jacked the car up and started working on it.
While JP started working on his facial hair…
Rouel on the other hand decided to have his auxiliary fan replaced as his aircon wasn’t as strong as when they left Manila.
And in no time the Cressida had cool air blasting from the a/c vents. Meanwhile, the Gemini was taking quite some time to fix so the trio decided to head back to the hotel to have lunch.
When we returned to the hotel, we immediately ordered lunch and had it brought up to the room.
JP had chicken inasal samar style.
Joao on the other hand ordered baby back ribs.
So after having lunch at the hotel it was time to return to the shop and check on the Gemini. Mr. mechanic found the culprit – the big rubber bushing at the end of the torque shaft was worn out already. JP had this replaced before they left. It’s a good thing JP brought a spare.
The mechanics fitted the bushing.
Brand new bushing – problem solved!
So the two cars were back on the road again but pauses for a bit for some photo ops at the shores of Samar.
Our next stop was Catbalogan – around 2 hours drive from Calbayog.
The Gem went for its second full tank of fuel in Catbalogan, around 40 liters.
Across the street we saw this provincial jail, quite beat up. The gas station attendants said that the guys to the right side of the frame behind the wooden fence are the actual inmates. If there’s maximum security, I don’t know how you would label this.
We stopped at the provincial capitol for some more photos.
