Off to the Philippines

26/11/10 - 28/11/10: A weekend in Manila

Weeks and months have past since Astrid's last proper holiday, and so with Christmas in sight but not yet in touching distance, we decided that a weekend away was in order to help recharge some batteries. It would also allow Ian to get out of the flat as he waits and waits and waits for his new job to start.

We flew in by Philippine Airlines (banned by the EU, apparently... thankfully we survived) and stayed in the very lovely Diamond Hotel. Flights and hotels in Manila are relatively good value at the moment, this may be because some of the terrorist attacks that have occurred in Manila in recent history. There is a lot of security around the hotel and in general in Manila, which is a little disconcerting, but necessary we suppose.


Its fair to say that we struck a good balance between relaxing and exploring. In the morning we relaxed with a Reflexology massage which was actually quite full on, in the afternoon we explored. We visited Intramuros which translates as "within the walls", the walls enclose the historical city/fortress featuring 16th Century architecture, a Cathedral, Churches, Hospitals and Universities. The old city is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats built during the Spanish colonial period.

It was while looking around the Intramuros' Spanish fort in 30 degree heat that we had a moment of weakness and agreed to take the 'sight-seeing tour' by horse and cart and very cheesy tour guide. It was actually very enjoyable!!

In the evening we went over the seafood market for dinner where we were able to first choose and buy our dinner from the market and then have it cooked for us. We went for fresh lobster, crab, prawns and squid - cooked in sweet chilli and Singaporean style, all very tasty!!

On the way back to the airport we became stuck in yet more traffic congestion, a feature of life in Manila. It would be harsh to suggest that Manila is a traffic-jam with buildings, but it did feel like this sometimes! Also, something you won't see anywhere else are jeepney's - brightly decorated and privately run 'mini busses' - not recommended for foreigners :)