Saturday 30 November 2013

Yolanda.

Someone I know was concerned that we would be travelling around a disaster stricken country.  So I just wanted to comment on this briefly.

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 islands.  Six islands were hit by typhoon Yolanda.  It is terrible the destruction which this has caused.  However, we do not intend to be passing through the six affected islands.

Manila was not physically affected.  However, the hearts and minds of the people in Manila have been.  On every corner people are clubbing together to organise donations of clothes, shoes, tinned food as well as financial contributions.  The stage at my daughters school was crammed full of bags of donations and even the car sales garage was collecting.  It is fitting for a country which exudes so much kindness and faith.  People of the Philippines I salute you!


Wednesday 27 November 2013

Settling in

After 2 weeks in Manila I am getting settled little by little.  Counting up the lists of pros and cons in my head to figure out the answer to the question I am frequently being asked 'do you like it here?'.  So here goes so far.
Pros
Friendly people
Amazing choice of food
Intramuros - history of the old town
China town for cheap shopping and ambience, ohhhh and Japanese cakes
They love love love kids here.  Everyone is sooo lovely to my little girl (Maya)
The spa - so when is my next facial?

Cons
Traffic, traffic, traffic - go everywhere before 8am and it's ok.
It's very very hot - but you can dive into the mall or pool for a blast or air con or cool water
Mosquitos - leave my bum alone

Well I think I can conclude it is tres bon.  The best thing is that Maya loves it here.  She is spoilt for choice and has no shortage of fans.  Today we went to the Rockwell health club for a spout of soft play, followed by a swim and then her first ballet lesson later this avo.  Fingers crossed she stays awake for the duration.

So when do I take her to the slum to show her how jolly lucky she is?  Maybe she is too young at the moment.