Just got back from a two-week adventure that felt more like two months—classic Condur style. We packed in a whirlwind of experiences across three stunning destinations, each one bringing its own magic.

Stop 1: Hawaii
We kicked things off with a layover in Waikiki. With just a day and a half, we soaked up beach vibes, devoured local staples like poke and musubi, and indulged in a fancier lunch at Morimoto—all within walking distance from our Airbnb.

Stop 2: Tokyo, Japan
Our three action-packed days in Tokyo were intense. This time, navigating the train system was smoother thanks to more English signage and the handy Suica pass on our phones. As always, Japan delivered: spotless, punctual, efficient and warm toilet seats.

• Day 1: DisneySea welcomed us with surprisingly merciful weather and thrill-filled rides (Indiana Jones was the unanimous favorite). “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was a bit intense—I had to shield Stefan’s eyes at times. With the help of fast passes we managed to try most of the big rides and avoid the long lines. We were too busy to take pictures that day 🙂

• Day 2: After sending our luggage to the next hotel (love that service), we took the train to the torii gates at Hie Shrine, catching a rare peaceful moment amid the Tokyo buzz.

Then came the sensory immersion of Tokyo Lab Planets’ art experience—very interesting but felt a little overwhelming by the end of it.

We hopped on a train to Saitama to visit old friends. Stefan instantly bonded with their kids, declaring it the highlight of the Japan trip. That night we had an elegant Japanese cuisine dinner and stayed at our friend’s place overnight.

• Day 3: Back in Tokyo, we took in panoramic views from the Skytree tower before diving into its bustling mall below. We finally satisfied our sushi craving, while Stefan stayed loyal to his beloved chicken nuggets—his adventurous spirit hasn’t yet rubbed off on his tastebuds. Later that afternoon, we checked into our hotel at the airport where our luggage was already waiting in the room.

Stop 3: The Philippines
The final leg of our journey took us to sweltering Manila, where our friends arranged a van for city touring—a lifesaver in the heat. After seeing historic landmarks and grabbing lunch, we flew (after delays and almost cancellation) to El Nido, Palawan.

• Tour A: Waking up to a tropical dream view, we embarked on an unforgettable boat tour. From pristine 7 Commandos Beach to swimming through rugged surf into a hidden lagoon, and kayaking through a big lagoon, every stop was magic. At the end of the day, we were riding away from the rain. One of the guides truly made Stefan’s day, helping him swim, snorkel, jump of the boat, walk on the boat’s crossbeams and letting him steer the boat.

• Tour C: Sadly, this one didn’t live up to the first—new crew, offbeat destinations, and some uncooperative weather.

On our third day in the Philippines, we hired a van for the long, winding ride from El Nido to Puerto Princesa—our final stop.

• Honda Bay: We wrapped things up with a more relaxed boat tour along the bay side of Palawan Island. While the scenery was pleasant, the islands couldn’t quite rival the beauty of El Nido.

• Underground River: The crown jewel of Puerto Princesa—and one of our main reasons for going—was the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided boat ride took us deep into a subterranean world, with limestone cliffs arching overhead and bats darting through the shadows. Before heading into the cave, we added a thrill: zip lining over crystal-clear ocean waters.

The van ride through jungle roads tested our nerves as our driver took corners like he was in a rally race, but the tour itself was unforgettable. Thankfully, our friends arranged a much calmer ride back—major relief.
These two weeks were full of beautiful sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.