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My new colleagues
Here we are enjoying Sinigang na Hipon (sour shrimp soup) and green mango shakes. I'm feeling pretty tired now after the last two days of 'getting my bearings'. On Friday night I was invited out for a meal by my new boss and the team. When I was asked I didn't feel like it because I was so tired but I'm so glad I went. It was a great chance to meet most of the people I would be working with and to eat some Filipino food. Everyone was really nice and they were all welcoming which has put some of my fears to rest. Although they said they wouldn't bully me too much, which I found concerning. Luckily we didn't talk 'shop' for too long as my brain was in no fit state after 36 hours without sleep. I just hope I can remember all their names for my first day tomorrow.
Yesterday (Sat), I ventured out around where I'm staying to get an idea of distances to different places and the transport network. Instead I ended up doing a lot of walking and discovered 'malling'. 'Malling' is shopping but here there seem to be many, many malls to do it in around the city. The girl in the tourist office looked bemused when
I said I didn't like shopping but proceeded to point out all the malls on my map anyway. I was a little unsure about using a Jeepney (bus) because there are no route maps just a few route destinations painted on the side, so I was on foot. Walking wasn't so bad but I am finding it difficult to come to terms with the poverty some of the people here are in. This is far removed from the homeless hostel I worked in this year. Seeing such affluence next to absolute poverty is a hard thing to understand and the area that I am staying in is quite deprived with many people living on the street. I don't think I'll ever come to terms with it.
My supervisor had told me that there were fireworks at the Mall of Asia (one of the biggest in the world) on Sat night so I headed that way and used the Light Rail Transit System (raised railway) to get there. This mall is massive with every brand you can think of from around the world. It's right on Manila Bay so it's nice to go outside and see the sea. I was in
the mall for about three hours and still didn't get round it all which is a long time considering I only went into one shop! At one point I came across an ice skating rink and a children's inflatable park - so I know where I want to go for my birthday.
Today (Sun), after plucking up the courage to use a Jeepney, I took a trip to Intramuros which is the 'old town' Manila where the Spanish first set up. It has a very Spanish feel and at some points actually felt like I was in the 'old town' in Calpe. There is some intricate, painted wood and brickwork on many of the buildings and the streets are kept free from traffic with only 'trikes' and taxis allowed entry. Fort Santiago was a highlight for me, with its imperious stone walls and many historical features as it has been used by the Spanish, British, American's and Japanese during their occupations of the country. I also visited Manila Cathedral, the oldest in the Philippines, built in 1571. I couldn't take pictures inside though as there was a service being held.
On my way home I visited Rizal Park, dedicated to
Jose Rizal - a national hero who worked towards equality for the Filipino people under Spanish rule. The park is undergoing some refurbishment but it still looks good with much to see and do. I met a few people who work in the park (Paul and Mike) and they told me about the Spanish history and taught me some more Tagalog. As I was walking to catch a Jeepney I was stopped by a homeless man who asked if I wanted to play chess, I went with him to the chess tables in the park and we talked about homelessness and how the government should be doing more. It was a good opportunity to gain some insight into the 'lived' experience of poverty in Manila.
Tonight I've just arrived back from Mr Poon's where I decided to eat. It was lush, beef curry and salted spareribs. Work tomorrow at 8:30, I better get some sleep, speak soon (check out the pics).
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anonymous
non-member comment
You'll be eating some wonderful foods
You should take photographs of your food. Happy Travels.