Mucho mucho Manila

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After spending 2 days in Puerto Princesa getting all my affairs in order (visa, mailing a box home, seeing a few more friends, saying goodbye to Ghay), I had to return to Manila. Groan!


This time, however, I put a twist in it. I went couchsurfing! If you don’t know what that is, it’s basically an internet hospitality club where you offer your couch for travelers to stay on for free. I surfed in Europe and the States and I’ve been host and guest, and I’ve had a terrific time doing it. Why hadn’t I thought of it for Manila?! I stayed with a very nice Filipina in Makati, which is the nice business and shopping district. Basically, it was like being in any major cosmopolitan area…and so very very nice! She had AC (gasp!), hot water (double gasp!) and McDonald’s down the street! Don’t judge me, but I had McDonalds twice in 2 days. Hey, you try eating fish and rice for months on end and then you can have a say! I also ran to Starbucks like it was offering tickets to heaven. So sad, but my my, so delicious!


I spent most of the time in Manila shopping for a new camera. I didn’t really mention it so much before (because it just made me way too angry) but the love of my life, my Canon 30D DSLR, was stolen from my boardinghouse a few months ago. Devastated is how I felt. That’s also why I haven’t been posting any pictures! Luckily the two newer staff members at Sea Dog have cameras, so I’ve been able to steal their pictures.


I agonized over all the prices, which were consistently $100-150 MORE than the US. Whaaaat?! Isn’t Asia supposed to be…cheap?? I finally ditched the malls and headed to Quiapo on Hidalgo Street. This area is a cheaper shopping district, but a heck of a lot scarier. So many people and warnings to watch your bag everywhere! I finally settled on a Canon Ixus 220, and so far I’ve been very happy with it. Look forward to some pics!


My friend from El Nido, Jhoanna, was also in Manila, so we met up and had lunch and shopped a bit together as well. It’s so nice to pass the time in Manila with a friend! She also helped me find a new neck pillow, for which I am eternally thankful, especially since later that night I took a night bus to Banaue….to be continued!


So I hate to admit it, but I think I actually had a good time in Manila. I guess there’s even more hope for the next time! No scratch that…I will still avoid at all costs.


Next…Banaue!

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