Mark and I are in the Philippines at the moment, having just said good-bye to family and friends in Perth, a full fridge, a functioning shower, a couch to chill out on, free windsurfing gear for Mark (thanks Annika and Jesper) and all of the other joys and comforts of home.
Good-bye extreme food and booze orgy, hello noodles and rice, tropical beaches and cheap beer because that’s all we can afford (I don’t think you feel sorry for us though, do you!)
We had a one night stopover in one of my favourite cities, KL. First things first, off to the central markets to get Mark’s feet cleaned by miniature fish. We spent a few hours wondering around, ate noodle soup (hooray we’re back in Asia) and then passed out to wake up (again) at 2am to catch our flight to Manila.
I love the mystery of heading to a new country, will we be harassed at every step with offers of food, booze, drugs, women (for Mark really, I don’t get offered women very often... sexist really), transports, cowboy hats (never understood that one). What will the food be like? Are the locals mercenary, will we have to haggle for everything, will it be a total bank breaker or will everything be reasonably priced. Do I have to wear a burka, or is it acceptable to run around in a string bikini. Are the local women likely to grope poor Mark at every step?
We’ll, we’ve fallen in love with the Philippines. It may just win favourite South East Asian country, and become one of the easiest, friendliest places we’ve been. Why so good?
Low hassle, an absolute highlight was the singing dancing boy who followed us for about 2 meters begging, and when we said no, wished us on our merry way with a ‘ok, bye have a nice day sir and ma’am’, taxi drivers leave us along for the most part. Prices quoted are reasonable. Sure there’s always a bit of haggling, but prices start somewhere reasonable. Accommodation (so far) has tended to be decently priced, and CLEAN!!! The food’s tasty and the local beer good. Since I tower over the local women, who tend to come up to my belly button, the men leave me alone. Dress code is – normal.
Poor Mark is complaining though, he’s not been gratuitously groped nearly enough.
A couple of photos, taken on my itouch, so excuse the quality
Old woman selling crabs at a bus stop, wish we had a kitchen :(
little kids on the street of Manila
Mark and I at a resturant in Sugar Beach, Negros island
Mark taking a sunset photo on Sugar Beach
Looks great - obviously a must see.
ReplyDeleteChris&Bjorn