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

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

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

 
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

 
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

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

 
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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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™‚

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

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

: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

 
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

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

 
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

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

 

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

 

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:

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

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

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

 
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

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

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

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

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

ViewView

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

 
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

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

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

 
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:

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

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

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

 
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

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

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

 
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

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

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

 
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

 
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

 

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

Jul 152011
 

I arrived last night in Manila and am staying in the Makati area of town. Since I arrived late, I do not yet have an pics to share, but my first impressions are as follows:

*People are quite friendly, though not necessarily helpful

*Crossing the street seems to be an act of taking your life into your hands or pure craziness – I haven’t yet attempted outside, but will soon and can report on the reality of this later

*Women somehow manage to wear tight jeans and not seem to sweat…

*Flip-flops are the national footwear!

*It is definitely a large city

So, I am about to go out and explore a bit to see just what this place is all about…photos to come!

Until next time,

-T

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