A flight that left Darwin at 3:30am saw me arrive in the Philippines at 7am. You can imagine what sort of state I was in that day! I had averaged around 2 hours sleep a night for 4 nights and I wasnt fit for anything so I spent the first day sleeping.

When I finally got out of bed, exploring Manila was fun. I didnt expect to like Manila very much but it was so incredibly easy that it was enjoyable. For a start, everyone speaks good English and that always helps.

I had decided to visit the Childrens Museum for no other reason than I havent been to a kids Museum for a while. On the way I went past a park where some of the children were homeless and playing in puddles. Despite how much you’d like to do it, you cannot save the world and it’s always a difficult thing to see. I watched these kids for a little while. The park they were in was right opposite an old church as well so obviously Catholicism doesnt help much. I better stop now before I have my normal rant about organised religions and do-gooders.

Homeless kid playing in the park

Homeless kid playing in the park

The Children’s Museum was awesome. I really enjoyed looking at the exhibits. It was very well set out.

Next was the National Museum which again was interesting and I learned a bit about Philippines history that I didnt know.

Rizal Park is the main park in Manila. A bit like Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London. I wandered through there and watched people in the park. On one of the park corners I ran into what was essentially a jobs market for seamen. First time I have seen anything like that anywhere.

Anyone for a job?

Anyone for a job?

Intramuros was my ultimate destination. I had booked a White Knights tour which is nothing more than a Chinese sedgeway tour. Was good fun and I got to see some of the older parts of Manila. Finally I decided to go back to where I was staying via Robinsons Shopping Mall. The Mall was huge and very modern. Best part was that I scored my cheapest massage yet… £3.70 for a blind massage.

Local transport in Manila - A Jeepney

Local transport in Manila – A Jeepney

Next Stop: South Korea