Monday, 22 January, 21:37 Philippine time (Monday, 22 Jan, 08:37 Eastern US time). Settled in at Sea and Sky Hotel, in Barangay Pagdaraoan, City of San Fernando, La Union Province. Long drive from Manila, but enjoyed every minute of it, with Mr. Austria, the father of my good friend in North Carolina, Daumier. We relied on a skilled driver and tour guide, Ronnie. I'll see them again tomorrow, for more touring. Time to sleep now . . . early start in the morning to drive farther north to Vigan City and Laoag in the Province of Illocos Norte. I'll have to take more time later to give details, and some day find time to access the pictures on my camera to show you. Internet access while on the road is not easy, but I'm thankful for ... read more

A big HELLO to everyone! Doing well here in the Philippines. Fantastic experience so far. I'm with Mr Austria & guide Ronnie Araceli. Five hours more to drive to San Fernando, La Union Province. While passing through Manila, I did see the park and monument for the Philippine hero, Jose Rizal, just in passing, since we didn't take time to stop. We did stop for breakfast just south of the American Embassy at Max's restaurant ("sixty years of sarap to the bone"), at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Remedios Road. Manila Bay is in view just across the very busy Roxas Blvd. After eating lunch, we walked to the nearby Melate Church, known as Our Lady of Remedies Parish, dating from 1700's. This church was used by the British for protection in 1762. Later on ... read more

Currently Sunday, 21 January, 11:36am, Manila time (which is Saturday, 20 Jan, 22:39 Eastern US time). Long journey to Manila, but exciting and not too bad at all. Continental Airlines fed me often. Here are the stopovers and times: Snow began to fall just before our lift off time from Raleigh, North Carolina on Thursday morning, 18 Jan, at 06:14. The plane was de-iced before departure. Have you ever seen the movie "The Queen"? I enjoyed the movie on the 2 hour/45 minute flight, and the hollywood-like insight into the relationship between the Queen of England and Princess Dianna. See it if you haven't already. Arrived Houston, TX Thursday 08:00 Central US time (09:00 Eastern US), and it was just above the freezing temperature there. Departed Houston Thursday 09:50 8.5 hour flight to Honolulu; arrived at ... read more

23:31. Still packing and preparing, here at home in Raleigh, NC. I leave for Manila on Continental flight 151, at 05:55 in the morning. I want to use one of my first public blog entry to say THANKS to friend, Daum Austria. With Daum's help, Asia adventure came about. I'm glad I have enough Northwest Airlines World Perks Miles to cover the airfare. (You can't beat $70.00 US for a round trip ticket!) Finishing up everything, then I'll try to sleep for a little while. See you later on the blog! :) Bruce... read more