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Published: November 27th 2006
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Hello folks from Manila. Before we begin we would like to welcome two new additions to our readership (is that a word?) Amy's sister Andrea and her husband Steve had a baby girl; Cora Margaret Harrington, at lunch time (GMT) yesterday. We also need to belatedly welcome baby Michael Ferris, first child to Mick and Barbara. Big kisses to Mick, Barbara, Andrea, Steve, Mikey and of course the two little 'uns. We cannot wait to see you all when we get home in January. Now Jenny, Dave what are you waiting for...you are letting the Carroll side of the family down.
Our flight with Philippine airways was very enjoyable, plenty of leg room for me. We decided to venture to the airport early to avail of the marvelous facilities at Singapore airport, but unfortunately we only had a half hour to spare due to a slow check-in. You can avail of free internet access and use of game-boys and luxurious sofas to slouch on. For those who like their comforts there's a pool and also a reflexology centre.
We arrived at the airport in Manila but came unstuck when we couldn't access any cash, we decided to grab a
taxi, explaining to the cabbie that we didn't have any peso's. He nodded that this was no problem. Soon enough we realised that he didn't understand that we needed to go to the bank and he wasn't sure where the hostel was located. So we flew around sidestreets and alley-ways. We didn't mind as our taxi was a set fare and it was a good way to see lots of the city. We spotted alot of shanty houses with tin roofs and the streets were littered with young children selling all sorts of items. I read that there is a big divide between rich and poor in the Philipines. Manila is a bustling city brimming with street life and Amy and I are really enjoying the vibe of the city. The Filipinos seem to be very friendly people, always smiling and playful.
The price of accommodation for a backpacker is a little more expensive compared to the other countries we've visited in South East Asia, so we've been carefully monitoring our cash funds to maintain our daily budget. We're located in Malate staying in the Malate Pensionne. Malate is the main tourist area of Manila, it comes alive at
night with a variety of cultures blending together to create a special atmosphere. Japanase restaurants stand beside tapas bars, karaoke clubs and there are many theme pubs on the colourful Adriatico street.
On our first morning we walked past Rizal park seeing the active street life of the locals. Children scurried around, as we watched the hawkers seeling their wares to coach passengers. I was offered by a vendor two bling bling watches that Mr. T would have been proud off. Sensing my reluctance, he then produced a box of viagra. That was a first. I declined.
Indeed there have been a couple of street incidents. Later that day a horse tried to take a big bite out of my arm as I walked past it, much to Amy's amusement. A prostitute took a liking to me as I walked to the shops. I thought I brushed him/her off, not sure which but it was waiting for me as I left the shop. Dazzled by her/his light blue skimpy outfit and scared I mumbled that I had a girlfriend and flew down the street. Earlier that day Amy nearly stood on a load of snakes some guy was
hawking much to the amusement of all the locals who wandered by un-fazed.
So back to the tourist spots. We explored the Intramurous region. This area is of Spanish origin, the Spanish surrounded the city with a 4.5 km wall. Intramurous has beautiful Spanish architecture boasting the Manila cathedral and the San Augustin church and museum. Many buildings have been ravaged by earthquakes and war. We were impressed by Fort Santiago accompanied by the backdrop to the Pasig river. We didn't realise that many Filipinos died during the second world war with their conflicts against the Japanese army, as we saw the prsion cells in Fort Santiago, where many were imprisoned and died.
On Sunday we walked along the harbour to the coconut palace. It was constructed at great expense by president Marcos for a visit from the Pope but unfortunately it was closed. Our evening came to a spiritual end as we discovered a church with an Irish association. It was nice to hear an irish accent and he appeared very down to earth urging his parishners to be brave like the sermon when it comes to the local elections and not sell their votes to the
highest bidder.
The food and beer in Manila are of great variety. San Miguel is the cheapest beer we've come across in South East Asia. Our hostel is located beside a big shopping mall which has a food hall where you can eat a great variety of food. So far we've enjoyed the Spanish cusine, discovering a fantastic tapas bar.
This morning a little bit hungover from the local brews, Amy got a shock when she saw two long skinny worms in our bathroom. I thought they were seriously snakes which managed to climb out of a suspicious hole on our bathroom floor. We approached the hotel receptionist and said that there was something in our bathroom. She causually asked if it was a rat or cockroach ( having killed a cockroach the previous day in our other room we feel we may have some surprise vistors ahead). We described the creature and she assured t was only an egg-worm. Never a dull moment in Manila.
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jo
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Mabuhay !
Enjoyed reading your blog :>