From Hong Kong to Manila

On Monday I flew from Hong Kong to Manila. I must say, it was one of the smoothest check in experiences I have ever had. I walked right up to the airline counter to check in, and waited under a minute to pass through security and clear customs. Aside from a lack of Western breakfast options, it was a pretty good airport experience.

Manila is worlds away from Hong Kong. Or, I should specify that the Manila I have seen is worlds away from the Hong Kong I saw. I specifically chose to avoid the area of Makati, a pristine highly developed city within the municipality of Manila. I’d imagine it to be quite similar to Hong Kong. But, the rest of the city is a world apart.

No one follows traffic signals, buildings everywhere are in disrepair and there’s garbage floating in the water (actually, that’s the same as HK).

But, the people seem exceptionally friendly and everyone is eager to say hello. I will never understand the joy locals get in saying hi to the white girl. The smiles on children’s faces when I give them a high five are equivalent to those I would likely see if I had passed out heaps of candy instead.

Tomorrow I’m heading off to either the beach or the mountains. I still have yet to decide. They both sound exceptionally appealing and will provide some relief to the inhumane heat and humidity (even the locals are saying it’s hot at 38C+)

Note: Posting photos to the last entry just about broke the internet, so I skipped them here, but I promise I'll put more up soon.