The Philippines: Boracay Day 13

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 272011
 

Well, a tropical storm has been passing through like you wouldn’t believe. I am recalling my early days in Japan trying to get through typhoons on a bicycle and stay somewhat dry at the same time. Ultimately, there are only two ways to get through such storms: 1) don’t leave the warmth and dryness of your home; or 2) go with it!

For most of the day, we stuck with option 1 –

Moving rainMoving rain

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Moving rain

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Wall of rain!Wall of rain!

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Wall of rain!27-Jul-2011 01:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 100

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Chillaxin' on a rainy dayChillaxin’ on a rainy day

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Chillaxin' on a rainy day27-Jul-2011 01:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800

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But, food and a little cabin fever forced us to go with option 2 –

MmmmmMmmmm

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Mmmmm27-Jul-2011 03:16, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 13.09mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

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Tower of onion rings!Tower of onion rings!

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Tower of onion rings!27-Jul-2011 03:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800

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Caught in a major thunderstormCaught in a major thunderstorm

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Caught in a major thunderstorm27-Jul-2011 03:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

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Asians in shock!Asians in shock!

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Asians in shock!27-Jul-2011 03:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800

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Life goes on even in the rainLife goes on even in the rain

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Life goes on even in the rain27-Jul-2011 03:55, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

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We made it thru the pools to dessert ;DWe made it thru the pools to dessert ;D

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We made it thru the pools to dessert ;D27-Jul-2011 04:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 800

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Bunny keeping warm by the lightBunny keeping warm by the light

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Bunny keeping warm by the light27-Jul-2011 05:18, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 16.1mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 800

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Our nightly greeter by our roomOur nightly greeter by our room

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Our nightly greeter by our room27-Jul-2011 05:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 17.22mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

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We decided that we should fully appreciate this weather since we live in the desert most of the year and won’t get such kind of weather. Still, the Oregonian in me is reminded why I left that climate for dryer scenes. However, it could be a lot worse and there is a strange sense of adventure to it all.

Plus, I am getting work done that I need to do and have launched my new Abu Dhabi POV website, which I hope will become a useful and fruitful project to keep me from going too crazy with work and studies. πŸ˜€

The Philippines: Boracay Day 12

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 262011
 

The verdict from yesterday? Rain and stormy weather has come into the region to stay for a couple of days. πŸ™

The upside is that there is not much else to do other than some work things. So, I have written a course proposal, started work on the university’s ethical clearance which I need to complete even though I am waiting to hear back from MacQ’s committee as well. Plus, some writing and major blogging is getting done. So, it’s all good.

Still, I wouldn’t mind the sun coming back soon! πŸ˜€

Rain rain go away...Rain rain go away…

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Rain rain go away…25-Jul-2011 19:54, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

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The Philippines: Boracay Day 11

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 252011
 

Recovering from too much happiness the night before, we had a slow day by the pool. We managed to get down to D’Mall for massages and then went down to the buffet at Paradise Garden.

Lanterns on the beachLanterns on the beach

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Lanterns on the beach25-Jul-2011 04:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 15.06mm, 1 sec, ISO 100

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Buffet dinner - like the food here at Paradise GardenBuffet dinner – like the food here at Paradise Garden

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Buffet dinner – like the food here at Paradise Garden25-Jul-2011 04:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

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It was an extremely windy evening, which R said was either going to bring in really crappy weather or blow in some great weather. Which do you think is the result? ;P

The Philippines: Boracay Day 10

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 242011
 

Yesterday we spent some time trying to figure out what we should do – stay here in Boracay for another six days or head to somewhere else like Cebu. After some searching and consideration of transportation challenges (sea, air, luggage, etc.), we decided to go ahead and stay here. So, I looked online to book the same hotel again since it is cheaper to get the rates online than to do it in person here. Hotels.com offers a match guarantee if you find the same exact room on another site for cheaper. Since they already have my information and all that, I figured I would go ahead and contact them to get them to match the rate. Sounds easy, right?

It should have been. However, Agoda.com listed the room class as Deluxe. Hotels.com lists the same room class as a studio suite. Because the sites offer different options for listing amenities and such, HDC would not believe that they were the same room class even though I had someone get on the Skype line to confirm this. After spending a half hour trying to convince a woman who was in the Philippines, she transferred me to customer service. Customer service wanted to transfer me back, but I said NO WAY. I went through another explanation, the man told me the same story. I asked him to call the hotel again and after an hour of my morning had passed, it finally worked. Yes, I could have just saved time and booked on Agoda.com instead, but it was the principle of the matter at that point. I mean, if they are going to offer something, they should do it without making the customer’s life difficult. Both representatives compared the website information over using common sense to think that the picture captions were the same or that there were only two classes of rooms listed on both sites and though the name may have differed, one could reasonably assume that they were the same… Anyway…I won’t complain because it worked out in the end, but it wasn’t easy! πŸ˜‰

So, you’d think that we would be getting tired of being in the same place for so long, but surprisingly it hasn’t been bad considering we have yet to actually swim in the ocean or go to the private Puka Beach area. With happy hours and and the pool here, we are doing alright. Though, I may not recommend happy hour without some food as it tends to mess you up… πŸ˜€ All in fun.

Here are pics:

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A couple of hours each day spent on the computer...A couple of hours each day spent on the computer…

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A couple of hours each day spent on the computer…23-Jul-2011 22:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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Spent an hour on Hotels.com trying to get a price match...Spent an hour on Hotels.com trying to get a price match…

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Spent an hour on Hotels.com trying to get a price match…23-Jul-2011 22:21, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100

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Time I will never get back....Time I will never get back….

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Time I will never get back….23-Jul-2011 22:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

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The sun is back!The sun is back!

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The sun is back!23-Jul-2011 22:58, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.45mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

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23-Jul-2011 22:59, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.45mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 125

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23-Jul-2011 22:59, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

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23-Jul-2011 23:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 8.8mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

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Another happy hour! ;DAnother happy hour! ;D

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Another happy hour! ;D24-Jul-2011 03:09, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200

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I only had two margaritas...I only had two margaritas…

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I only had two margaritas…24-Jul-2011 03:09, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

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SunsetSunset

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Sunset24-Jul-2011 03:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 18.46mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

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24-Jul-2011 03:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

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24-Jul-2011 03:11, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 200

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Might be getting a little bit happy...Might be getting a little bit happy…

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Might be getting a little bit happy…24-Jul-2011 03:13, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

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24-Jul-2011 03:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 200

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24-Jul-2011 03:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 200

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24-Jul-2011 03:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 200

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Searching for food, but having a rest on the sand first...Searching for food, but having a rest on the sand first…

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Searching for food, but having a rest on the sand first…24-Jul-2011 04:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

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24-Jul-2011 05:21, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

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The Philippines: Boracay Day 9

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 232011
 

The sun still seems to be hiding, though we did see a slight glimmer of it in the late afternoon into dusk. We tried out one of the buffets on offer down by the White Beach area. It was okay, though the lack of breeze allowed the bugs to give me an annoying sense of formication throughout the meal, so I couldn’t enjoy it as much. However, it is always good to get down to the beach each day.

Here are the pics from the day:

Enjoying the pool despite the lack of sunEnjoying the pool despite the lack of sun

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Enjoying the pool despite the lack of sun22-Jul-2011 21:31, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80

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22-Jul-2011 21:33, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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22-Jul-2011 21:33, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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22-Jul-2011 21:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 7.28mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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The sun came out in late afternoon - just in time for a nice sunsetThe sun came out in late afternoon – just in time for a nice sunset

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The sun came out in late afternoon – just in time for a nice sunset23-Jul-2011 03:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 320

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Dinner at Paradise Garden's buffet and the lonely performerDinner at Paradise Garden’s buffet and the lonely performer

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Dinner at Paradise Garden's buffet and the lonely performer23-Jul-2011 04:15, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 2500

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The Philippines: Boracay Day 8

 General, Meanderings Abroad  1 Response »
Jul 222011
 

The weather has been cloudy the last couple of days, so it is not so inspiring to do much at the beach or even the pool…. So, not much to say about the day, but here are some pics from the afternoon.

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22-Jul-2011 01:59, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 02:00, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 9.39mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 02:08, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 02:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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Walking down a side street of D'MallWalking down a side street of D’Mall

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Walking down a side street of D'Mall

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Locals market perhaps?Locals market perhaps?

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Locals market perhaps?22-Jul-2011 02:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

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Friendly geckosFriendly geckos

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Friendly geckos22-Jul-2011 02:13, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 03:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800

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22-Jul-2011 03:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 800

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22-Jul-2011 03:31, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.1, 5.4mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 03:32, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.1, 5.4mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

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22-Jul-2011 03:32, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.1, 5.4mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800

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Dusk at White BeachDusk at White Beach

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Dusk at White Beach

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22-Jul-2011 03:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 320

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Dessert at Cafe del SolDessert at Cafe del Sol

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Dessert at Cafe del Sol22-Jul-2011 04:11, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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The Philippines: Boracay Day 7

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 212011
 

Our days seem to focus mostly on being pool-side and then a venture down to the D’Mall. I need to remember to take a better picture of the D’Mall area, but anyway, yesterday wasn’t really too exciting. I got up reasonably early for breakfast and then did some work until my computer battery died by the pool.

Breakfast at Alta Vista Boracay

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Breakfast at Alta Vista Boracay20-Jul-2011 18:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 125

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However, one interesting aspect to note about Boracay so far is the number of Asian tourists. There seem to be Koreans and Chinese everywhere. Our hotel is no exception. I like to call it the “Asian Invasion”…like flies, they are everywhere…

Asian invasion!!!

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Asian invasion!!!20-Jul-2011 18:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 14.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

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20-Jul-2011 18:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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In the evening, we made it down to drop off our laundry and have some happy hour drinks and grub!

Mmmmojitos!!!

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Mmmmojitos!!!20-Jul-2011 05:17, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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I would say these posts should be more interesting, but the reality is that vacation is suppose to be somewhat uninteresting, right? I am doing my blogging and some work here and there, though, so I can envision a life like this very easily! πŸ˜€

More to come…

-T

The Philippines: Boracay Days 5 & 6

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 202011
 

Day 5

A day of recovery from the crazy White Russians was required. So, it was mostly a pool day. We did manage to go down to D’Mall for some pizza dinner and we explored the beachfront a bit more. However, that was about all the excitement for the day. πŸ˜€

Poolside

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Poolside18-Jul-2011 23:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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Oh, we did see this bunny near our hotel room…crazy wildlife of Boracay?

Wildlife?

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Wildlife?19-Jul-2011 03:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 12.26mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600

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19-Jul-2011 03:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 12.26mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600

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Day 6

We did get a bit more adventurous and after a leisurely morning and swim, we headed down to the White Beach area. First, we attempted to get some food, which resulted in a rather strange tasting of a version of Pho – Pho is better.

Batchoy...interesting version of Pho

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Batchoy…interesting version of Pho19-Jul-2011 23:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800

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Then, we chilled on the beach watching the kitesurfers and sail boats (catamarans?) fly by the beachline. After that it was time for some more R&R with sangrias, tapas and paella. Another good day! πŸ™‚

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White Beach - Boracay

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White Beach – Boracay19-Jul-2011 23:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:41, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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19-Jul-2011 23:41, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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19-Jul-2011 23:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 7.73mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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Being a goof

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Being a goof19-Jul-2011 23:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 12.26mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 12.26mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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:D White Beach - Boracay

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πŸ˜€ White Beach – Boracay19-Jul-2011 23:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.3, 10.73mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:44, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.3, 10.73mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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19-Jul-2011 23:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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19-Jul-2011 23:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

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19-Jul-2011 23:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.5, 21.22mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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The Philippines: Manila – Boracay Days 3 & 4

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 182011
 

Day 3

On Saturday, R and I just relaxed and hung out in the Makati area without venturing too far out. We didn’t really do anything of interest and thus Β didn’t take many photos, but it was a good day to relax and to save up energy. Little did we know what the next day would bring….

Live Dance Party competition in The Landmark mallLive Dance Party competition in The Landmark mall

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Live Dance Party competition in The Landmark mall

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Dessert at Mary Grace - Cheesecake and Black Velvet Cak - YUM!Dessert at Mary Grace – Cheesecake and Black Velvet Cak – YUM!

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Dessert at Mary Grace – Cheesecake and Black Velvet Cak – YUM!16-Jul-2011 04:50, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

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Sweet - but I prefer the Bilyeu version.... :DSweet – but I prefer the Bilyeu version…. πŸ˜€

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Sweet – but I prefer the Bilyeu version…. πŸ˜€16-Jul-2011 04:51, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 400

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Contemplating the size of his ice latteContemplating the size of his ice latte

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Contemplating the size of his ice latte16-Jul-2011 04:54, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 400

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Day 4

The day started off reasonably easily as we headed to the airport to catch our flights to Boracay. I was scheduled on a different flight than R, but we had a plan. Then, the best laid plans…. first we thought that the correct terminal was 2 since my printed ticket said so – turns out that was wrong. Who knew that the terminals were so far apart from each other? We had to take another taxi to Terminal 3, which was ten minutes away…lesson learned.

Thankfully, this was the correct terminal. I went to check-in and discovered that I am only allotted 20kg total for luggage regardless of how many pieces I had, so I had to pay an extra 73USD for my extra kilos since there is nothing to be done with the luggage that I have. Once that was sorted, I went to find R who had gone to the ticket counter to pick up his ticket. He was discussing with an agent about the fact that most of the afternoon flights had been cancelled and his flight may be re-routed to another airport, which complicated our plans. So, he check with another airline (Cebu Pacific) and was able to catch a flight with them. So, our plans were revised and I headed off to my gate.

The plane that takes you from Manila to Caticlan is a smaller one and definitely requires some calming of the mind to be comfortable with the reality of it all.

A propeller jet plane into Caticlan airport - made for an interesting ride...A propeller jet plane into Caticlan airport – made for an interesting ride…

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A propeller jet plane into Caticlan airport – made for an interesting ride…16-Jul-2011 23:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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Once in Caticlan, there is a tricycle, ferry and another tricycle rides in store before arriving at the final destination quite a few pesos lighter. Thankfully the weather was beautiful and we were together to be able to laugh through it all.

Our hotel, Alta Vista de Boracay, is a nice getaway from the busyness of the White Beach area. There is an hourly shuttle bus takes guests to the D’Mall, which is just an outdoor shopping area between the main road and the beach. We headed there for dinner after our pre-dinner White Russians. The rest of our first night is a bit of a blur after that…. ;D

More to come…

-T

Here are some pics:

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A one-room airportA one-room airport

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A one-room airport16-Jul-2011 23:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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First tricycle ride to the ferry portFirst tricycle ride to the ferry port

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First tricycle ride to the ferry port17-Jul-2011 00:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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The ferry port - a little chaotic in this areaThe ferry port – a little chaotic in this area

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The ferry port – a little chaotic in this area17-Jul-2011 00:52, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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Our precarious walk to the ferriesOur precarious walk to the ferries

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Our precarious walk to the ferries17-Jul-2011 00:58, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

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Porters are necessary!Porters are necessary!

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Porters are necessary!17-Jul-2011 00:58, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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17-Jul-2011 01:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100

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17-Jul-2011 01:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

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17-Jul-2011 01:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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The ferries are uniquely designed...The ferries are uniquely designed…

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The ferries are uniquely designed…17-Jul-2011 01:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

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17-Jul-2011 01:06, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 37.8mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

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17-Jul-2011 01:07, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 125

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Trike ride from port to our hotel on Boracay islandTrike ride from port to our hotel on Boracay island

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Trike ride from port to our hotel on Boracay island

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17-Jul-2011 01:50, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 52.9mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 200

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The infinity pool of Alta Vista Boracay hotelThe infinity pool of Alta Vista Boracay hotel

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The infinity pool of Alta Vista Boracay hotel18-Jul-2011 03:11, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 640

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View18-Jul-2011 03:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 800

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Night 1 - White Russians!Night 1 – White Russians!

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Night 1 – White Russians!18-Jul-2011 03:14, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800

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Budget Mart - drop off point in D'MallBudget Mart – drop off point in D’Mall

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Budget Mart – drop off point in D'Mall18-Jul-2011 06:37, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800

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D'Mall areaD’Mall area

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D'Mall area18-Jul-2011 06:37, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

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The Philippines: Manila Day 2

 General, Meanderings Abroad  No Responses »
Jul 162011
 

After a brief rest in the morning, I had originally planned to just do some exploring of the immediate area of Makati. However, when I requested a map from the front desk asking how to get to different parts of town, they suggested that I do a three-hour tour where I could see the highlights of Manila for about 56USD. So, I thought it was probably a better idea to spend the money than to try traipsing around on my own in the very warm and humid temps of a seemingly harmless yet busy large city.

Here are the pics:

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Delta Economy Comfort meal...not so tastyDelta Economy Comfort meal…not so tasty

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Delta Economy Comfort meal…not so tasty13-Jul-2011 15:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.625 sec, ISO 400

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Delta Economy Comfort seats on Delta flight from PDX to NRT - not badDelta Economy Comfort seats on Delta flight from PDX to NRT – not bad

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Delta Economy Comfort seats on Delta flight from PDX to NRT – not bad13-Jul-2011 15:56, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 1 sec, ISO 640

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Sunset reflection in window and rising moon in the sky as I waited to take off from NRT to MNLSunset reflection in window and rising moon in the sky as I waited to take off from NRT to MNL

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Sunset reflection in window and rising moon in the sky as I waited to take off from NRT to MNL14-Jul-2011 03:05, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 200

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Welcome to Manila traffic!Welcome to Manila traffic!

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Welcome to Manila traffic!14-Jul-2011 20:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 100

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Rizal Park - monument in honor of killed presidentRizal Park – monument in honor of killed president

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Rizal Park – monument in honor of killed president14-Jul-2011 20:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

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Fire stationFire station

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Fire station14-Jul-2011 20:36, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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This is located in IntramurosThis is located in Intramuros

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This is located in Intramuros14-Jul-2011 20:38, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

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Used to be old prison cells in Fort SantiagoUsed to be old prison cells in Fort Santiago

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Used to be old prison cells in Fort Santiago14-Jul-2011 20:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

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Now they serve as stores/galleriesNow they serve as stores/galleries

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Now they serve as stores/galleries14-Jul-2011 20:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200

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Lovely garden in the middle of the fortLovely garden in the middle of the fort

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Lovely garden in the middle of the fort14-Jul-2011 20:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100

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Original gate edificeOriginal gate edifice

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Original gate edifice14-Jul-2011 20:45, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:45, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:46, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:46, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100

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14-Jul-2011 20:46, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 160

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14-Jul-2011 20:47, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

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The first area we went to was the Rizal Park just outside of Intramuros. I didn’t feel like walking around the park much as it was quite warm, but it looked pretty and serves as a constant reminder of President Rizal who was held captive and killed – don’t ask me the detailed history, because I lost interest quickly…. πŸ™ Anyway, Intramuros is the old Manila and is walled in. The sea used to go up to the walls of the city and Manila stood within, but a lot of land reclamation and spreading of the city has made it what it is today.

In Intramuros, we stopped at Fort Santiago which was heavily damaged by the Japanese in World War II and also the place where President Rizal was kept captive. From there, the Manila Cathedral stands close by, which was lovely inside. We drove a bit more within the city walls and then headed out towards Chinatown since I wanted to have a looksy.

It is quite amazing to me that anywhere you go in the world, all Chinatowns can look the same and they all look like Hong Kong, China (as I can’t say anything about mainland). So, we drove through and saw the stores, wares, etc.

The really amazing part of the whole trip was the traffic and crazy driving methods. Being mostly used to driving in Abu Dhabi, I wasn’t nearly as phased as I might have been otherwise, but it was still a crazy experience. The driver offered a tour for the next day to see the volcano and falls which are famous around here, but the thought of about 5 hours in the car facing any kind of traffic just doesn’t seem appealing….

The best news of the day was that R was meeting up sooner than we had planned. So, he got in evening-ish and then we went out for dinner and caught up. πŸ˜€

More to come…

-T

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