Carabao are a small domesticated water buffalo. They were brought in over the years to help with farming and now are kept by some families as pets. I saw two on the trip. They were tied out in yards.

The air has an odor but I've been unable to dfine it yet. I've heard people in the tropics talk about the odor of the jungle being an odor of rotting vegetation but that is definitely not it. The air is humid and heavy so that may be part of the problem.

There are thunderstorms but none that are really terrific. I have heard thinder rolling but not seen anything yet. I asked about it once and didn't hear anything that would indicate a dramatic weather event. Generally the only weather event that people are concerned about is the typhoon.

Interesting point, the locals universally do not like the heat. I am talking about people born and raised on the island. In fact, our guide yesterday mentioned that he grew up here without a/c and never noticed the heat until he started living in air conditioned cool air in his home and car.

Unfortunately, Kat, there was no latte at the latte stones [grin]. Actually the word is pronounced LAT'-ee. Maybe that's why there are no coffeeshops named after them.

The latte stone shape is everywhere on the island. Even the bus stops carry that shape.