We arrived exactly as predicted, sailing into the port
around 7:30, clearing immigration at 8 and on the shuttle bus to the town by
9. We were dropped off at Robinsons Mall
where all the photo-uploading and online bill paying could happen in a juice
bar. Those pics are on Facebook either Khachik’s or mine, mainly Khachik’s.
We’d had a letter in the last couple of days asking us to
take care in Manila, but it was surprising that there was such high security
everywhere. We were asked to leave all
jewels and excess money in our cabin safe, and to carry back-packs on our
fronts. First time we’ve been asked to be so vigilant, not the first time we’ve
felt that vibe though (remember St Lucia). Taxis were stopped regularly, boots
opened, sniffer dogs, mirrors on sticks checking under the cars. Maybe it
happens all the time, but in any case it was a bit unsettling. The other
security issue was in the mall. We were
welcomed in on a red carpet, but regular local shoppers had to queue and go
through a security scanner. After wifi,
we went with Judy and Jim round the city of Manila for 2 hours in an air conditioned
taxi, while it was 30+C outside so we think it was the right decision. So we
are very happy to report that all is well, the people we met lovely, the sail
in and sail away celebrations memorable too. We are now back on the ship and on
our way to Shanghai, looking forward to temperatures of around 5C!!!! Winter
coats at the ready.
Have I mentioned that time seems to be passing extremely
quickly now? Day 62 already!
What did I notice most of all today (apart for the armed
guards)? The driving seemed very calm but also without rules and regulations,
lots of weaving in and out, ignoring road signs and traffic lights. Anyone can step out into the road to direct
traffic. The taxis all seemed to have
Rosaries hanging over the rear view mirrors, pictures of the Pope, and
scriptures painted or printed on the vehicles, a bit like good luck charms. The contrast between rich and poor, developed
and undeveloped, tower blocks and sheds is striking. The size of the poor areas – huge, and lining
the main roads. There are two unique
modes of transport in Manila – The Jeepney and the Pushbike with Sidecar. The story behind the Jeepney comes from the
time when the USA withdrew their troops but left the jeeps behind. The locals built stretch jeeps out of these
and decorated them, removed the windows for A/C and started to employ the
souped up jeeps as small buses slightly bigger than a mini-bus, but not as big
as a coach. The Pushbike with Sidecar is
a very cheap form of transport but looks like hard work for the cyclist,
especially if two people get in the side car.
We also saw quite a few horses and carts.
We are so tired now I will say good night and post this up before
bed. Back tomorrow, first of 2 sea days
to China.
