Thanks for the worried emails; I am safe and sound on the east coast of Borneo right now. I heard about the tragedy while lifting weights in the Hyatt's gym, later that night the entire hostel sat quietly watching CNN's report. Strange feelings watching such devastation in places so recently familiar. I wonder if my bungalow on Koh Phi Phi is still there? I have heard that my Canadian friend working in southern Thailand is safe, but his roommate hasn't returned. Most of my friends have moved onwards from that region, but I still am concerned... It's peak season over here right now, and the region is flooded with tourists young and old, not to mention the locals who often live in relatively rickety homes.
My thoughts go out to everyone affected.

I took the morning bus to Sandakan and have purchased a ferry ticket to Zamboanga. My Philippino travel companion will be escorting me to the western-most city on Mindanao where I will head to Cebu, in central Philippines.