Manila - Baguio

01 – 30 November, 2009

What – November is already over?!?!? This is just crazy! My daily routine since I got here has been getting up at 5am to go jogging around the village, shower, breakfast, TRY reading but I always seem to end up falling asleep again, it’s lunch time by the time I wake-up, then the afternoon is whatever happens...happens.

Don’t want to go to the malls in fear that I would be tempted into shopping for things I don’t necessarily need. Reading kept me busy a few hours a day, and when I finished all the books, I didn’t know what to do with myself. *SIGH* So I went to the mall...

At the beginning of the month, we had an impromptu invitation to stay over at the Ledesma’s house. One thing I love about the Philippines is the instant get togethers! By the time we left to go over, it was 10pm and I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I know, I know you think it’s just my age showing, but don’t forget I was out the night before and didn’t get to bed until after 4am. I just need to get back into this, haven’t been out clubbing for a long time now, so give me a break guys!

Miki, and Francis were already there, and Christa arrived shortly after us. We decided to go for a drive and pick-up Anna, and Carlos. We got back to the house close to midnight. And as usual played card games with consequences, this time the lipstick came out to do some damage. Finally got to sleep around 3am, and I’m happy to report that I wasn’t the first to do so. Hehehe

When I got up, Sab was just getting to bed, Audrey was already awake, and Miki & Anna hadn’t slept yet. Everyone started waking at around lunch time, but was way too lazy to get up! Then Carlos had this crazy idea of having his legs waxed, so Lora being the great friend that she is did the honours. YAY Lora!

After going back home, we freshened up and got ready to go out to the supermarket with Miki, Francis, & Anna. Who would have thought that a simple supermarket trip could be such a laugh! Though I think Anna was a bit embarrassed by us, I wouldn’t be surprised if she never asks us to join her again. Would this be right Anna? Dinner was at Pizza Hut, and it was incredibly cheap! A combo meal for one person which includes – ceasar salad, 3 cheese macaroni, & iced tea for only P100, that’s approximately AUD$2.50!!! They didn’t skimp on the servings either, I was definitely full afterwards!

The weeks that followed were spent planning the USA/Canada leg of the trip, and booking the rest of Europe hostels/transportation. I had a hard time figuring out where and how to get around the east coast of USA, and also getting to Canada. It looks like we’ll be taking Greyhound bus for trips between cities which is a good change from waiting at the airport and getting on a plane.

Before I left Australia, I had cut out a dress design that I saw in the “Sunday Magazine”. That dress costs over AUD$200 – I don’t think so! So I brought that cut out with me and went to a dress-makers here, and it turns out they can make it for AUD$60 – I definitely think so!!! The only thing I needed to buy was the material for it, which was again quite cheap. It will only take a week to have it made, perfect!

One Saturday morning I was invited by a friend – Ryan – to go jogging in Filinvest, then to The Palms Country Club afterwards. I got up at the usual time, and he came by to pick me up. We jogged just over 5km making a good time of about 30 minutes. Yes Elena & Peter “Wonton”, I know you guys are probably pros now and could perhaps jog circles around us. Hehehe. It felt so good afterwards to jog that much. Walked back to the country club for a swim, and lunch, which was more like a brunch since it was only 9:30am! Walked around Alabang Town Centre, before heading over to Posadas Village – where Ryan still lives, and as a kid, we also lived here. So that was my “healthy day”, minus the bubble gum ice cream I had after lunch. That jogging inspired me to jog further in the mornings, and even longer on some days.

I had plans for the following weekend, but had to cancel those as another childhood friend – Elaine, convinced me to go to Baguio with her and a couple of other friends. So...OK! I hadn’t been there since 2004, (see http://www.gobaguio.com/). Friday night, I took the taxi to go to Elaine’s house (also in Posadas). At first I didn’t think I was going to make it because the taxi company we rang sent to taxi to a different area, they couldn’t find any available to take me and it was already late at night. I was getting desperate, and didn’t think I’d be able to go, so waited outside on the street hoping one was on its way out of the village. Et voila! One came by within 10 minutes. Happy happy happy!

Took a short nap at Elaine’s, and left at 2:30am. Drove to Rockwell to Cecilia, and Leonie’s (both from France) condo, then we took the taxi to Cubao, and rode on the 4am Victory Liner bus to Baguio. It was an incredibly long ride, 8 hours! There was of course 2 stopovers along the way, but it was only supposed to be 6 or 7 at the most, there was no traffic either, and the driver was stopping for no reason! I couldn’t get any sleep, and I was sick of sitting down.

By the time we finally got to Baguio it was almost lunch time, and us girls were famished! Ok so not exactly famished, but hungry enough to eat buffet the whole time we were there. Hehehe. We stayed at the Baguio Country Club, which was just great! The rooms were spacious, food was good, bakery was YUM, and large areas to walk around. So much greenery, pine trees, and was a lot cooler than in Manila, and might I mention fresh air too?

After lunch, and walking around the club, we decided to head into the city. Walked around Burnham Park, here you can hire all sorts of bikes, there’s a large man-made lake where you can hire boats too. So many people! I don’t ever remember it being this busy. Walked to the markets, (where we all fell in love with 2 gorgeous puppies being sold) and looked around before heading back. We were supposed to play cards, but ended up just eating dinner. Stayed here for another 2 hours, we probably should have slept here, because the next morning we were up early and back at the restaurant.

Today was a nice lazy day. We walked to Camp John Hay, just 5 minutes up the road. Stayed here for majority of the morning, checked out the horses and was about to go to the butterfly farm when we were told that most died during the typhoon. So if you go in, you’ll only see caterpillars!

We took a taxi to a spa which was in the middle of I don’t know where, but it was definitely passed the city. This place was AWESOME! It had a great ambiance, and most importantly it was cheap! Only AUD$24 for a package which includes 1 hour of foot scrub/spa, 1 hr body massage, and 30 minutes of facial. It was the best way to spend the afternoon. Afterwards I felt like I could do just about anything! So you know what we did when we got back to the club? But of course we ate! It was Mongolian buffet. This turned out to be an eating weekend. Such good food though, even for a buffet.

The next morning, after breakfast (we decided to eat at the bakery instead) we left for the bus station and made our way back to Manila. Also bought some freshly made bread and cookies. This ride was much quicker and I went crazy taking pictures of the mountain sides, and rice terraces. It was a beautiful sunny day, what a great way to end our eating fest weekend. Plus I made sure the next morning to jog it all off!

A week later, another great weekend was about to start! Out to paint the town red with the Noel cousins – Ina, Tanya, Mari, Tin, and JR. Also met another uncle...oh I mean cousin (hehehe) – Jon from USA, and a few of his friends – Josh, Richie, and Ross. Tonight, we headed out to Bonifacio High Street, started at the Road House Grill for drinks, then to Ascend and danced DANCED the night away. So much laughter going on, these guys are crazy! We ended the night, or should I say morning with a snack at North Park Noodles where I had their absolutely yummy fresh mango tapioca, mmm!

And that brings me to the end of the month. I’ve now been able to finish booking all of Europe, arranged to change the flights across USA, and even booked hostels from New York to Sacramento. It feels good to know the planning is almost over; and I can finally fully relax and enjoy this vacation of mine.

Cairns - Manila

26^th September – 31^st October, 2009

Though I was SEMI-excited to leave, I wasn’t ready, in fact nowhere near it. I started packing only the night before, and finished just as everyone was ready to leave. Karla on the other hand, had everything planned and ready for days.

Within 5 minutes into the car ride to the airport, I was already pinching myself for forgetting to pack my European Phrasebook – something of a must for me besides my 2006 edition of “Let’s Go: Europe on a Budget”. We could have turned around, but realised I won’t need it while I’m in the Philippines anyway. Plus, it’s something Joel can bring over with him when he arrives in December. Still, it didn’t stop my mind from going on overload trying to figure out what else I forgot.

I triple and even quadruple checked that my passport and travel documents were in my back pack. I tried visualizing what I had packed into my check-in luggage, and made sure I had all cameras with me. Now also worried that my bag was overweight, it looked full and was certainly heavy. It seems that every time I travel, Qantas lowers their weight limit.

As we get closer to the airport and seeing the planes take-off, I start to get a bit more excited. I loved airports so long as I’m the one leaving.

Karla’s school group arrived shortly after we did. I had transferred some of my check-in items into Karla’s luggage earlier on, knowing that her bag was definitely lighter than mine. We were able to get a seat together, but she gave me a death stare when she found out it wasn’t a window seat.

We boarded the Qantas flight around lunch time. We couldn’t watch the movies being shown because it was just the screen at the front row, and the seats were on the way. Shortly after take-off – which by the way is my favourite part of the plane ride – we were served lunch. I had the stir-fried fish with chilli and ginger sauce. It was good, and even Karla enjoyed her chicken meal she wished it came in a larger portion.

Approximately 4 hours in the flight, Karla pointed out at the screen that the plane was flying back towards Australia. We laughed about it until the captain made an announcement that because of a typhoon in the Philippines, we have to turn back. The runways were flooded, and of course all flights were cancelled.

Another announcement by the captain came through that we were headed to Cairns, just over an hour away. All accommodation, transfers, and meals will be provided. That kind of got everyone excited, except for a Filipino guy, who I overheard commenting to his friend that his lechon was already cooked! I guess he was really looking forward to that meal.

As soon as we arrived in Cairns, I messaged my mum to find out what was going on in Manila. She rang back to say that the flooding is so bad that cars are being submerged underwater, and streets have turned into raging rivers.

It was a long process getting out of the airport and being transported to our hotel – “Cairns Colonial Club Resort”. We were finally able to eat dinner around 9pm, and making the most of our stay, we went swimming in one of their 3 pools. It was very cold, but quite refreshing.

The next day after our buffet breakfast, we were brought back to the airport. Another very long line, however we were lucky enough to be one of the first groups to arrive.

We departed Cairns at 10am. Karla and I were able to watch a movie, “Angels and Demons”. I was practically sitting on my feet on the chair, and having to constantly change my neck angle. At the end of the movie, I seriously needed to get up and walk around, my neck was so sore.

We were served a light snack of rigatoni pasta with arrabiata sauce, before starting our final descend into Manila. During the whole flight, including yesterday’s, they seemed to be feeding us constantly – hot chocolate, ice cream, pretzels, cookies – it was good though, no complaints!

Getting closer to the runway, you could clearly see the devastation around. It was almost as if the airport was right next to a lake, with small houses scattered around. However, looking out the other side of the plane, it was the normal scene I was used to.

When we finally arrived , it was such a relief. It felt like we were travelling forever! The only THING that bothered me was Karla’s school group was slow at getting their acts together. Actually, that’s not fair to the majority of the group, it was just one particular girl that absolutely irritated the heck out of me. I swear, her head is just filled with air and the loose screws were just floating around. Think I’m being harsh? Yeah, well you haven’t met her – and that’s all I’m going to say about that.

I wanted to leave the airport already, I’m not used to waiting around. So I left, went ahead to the baggage carousel only to realise that I had Karla’s bag ticket stub, which she will need to get out of the airport. So...again I waited around.

Finally we were outside. Well, that wasn’t the end of it, their pick-up wasn’t even there yet. We probably waited an hour for that stupid transportation. After numerous calls to the company, who kept insisting to keep an eye out for their sign because they were there already (supposedly), they finally arrived and I too was able to leave. Thank goodness!

The next day, I went with my uncle Matt to help clean-up at my uncle Paul’s house. Cars ruined, the water was up to their chests, my grandma’s room ruined, the fridge lay on its back – you get the idea. There was still muddy water in some parts of the house. It took so long to mop out the water from my grandma’s room, because for some reason it was not levelled with the living room, or the bathroom. I went out to the back porch to help tita Lynne with scrubbing the chairs, table, and some plastic drawers. By the time I got back home, grandma’s pictures were all over the counter, and tables drying. She had to throw away a large amount also, ones that were stuck together.

Back to my uncle’s house the next day, and this time helped in cleaning the kitchen. The utensil drawers were filled with water, the plates, and bowls in the cupboards were covered with a layer of smelly muddy water. Emptying out the Tupperware and water bottles, the water smelt of vomit, really disgusting and was glad to know they were all going to be thrown out. I also tried removing water from Melany’s room.

In the following weeks, I hardly left the house. We played some board games with my grandma, and cousins, since school was suspended for a week. One of those mornings was spent at the grocery, stocking up on the essentials in anticipation of another typhoon about to hit.

That typhoon however didn’t hit Manila, but instead up the northern regions devastating homes, lands, and families. Some towns were inaccessible due to landslides.

On Sunday, my grandma and I took a taxi to Malate Parish to meet up with Karla. Their school group was performing in 3 of the masses during that day. In the afternoon during their free time, we went to a mall nearby, and instead of shopping we just listened to Karla talk and talk and TALK. We ended up just sitting at McDonalds listening to her, since I couldn’t concentrate on window shopping, let alone actually shopping!

My birthday was on a Wednesday, and was glad that their group had free time for the day, and that she would be able to stay overnight at home. Natasha (her best friend) came over early in the morning, and we made our way to Malate to go out shopping with the group.

First stop was the markets at Greenhills. I hate that place so much! During the times I have come here, you just can’t seem to shop peacefully – bags ma’am? bracelets ma’am? shoes ma’am? Yes well duhh, I’m looking at a bag, and YES I KNOW it’s a freaking bag! I hardly buy stuff from places like these, I just walk away. You’ll have to go there for yourself to know what I mean. It is definitely cheaper there, but I don’t like being hassled when I shop. HOWEVER today was the best day to go, ALL the stalls (98% of them anyway) were empty! They were doing their once a year cleaning, and re-registration. I was quite happy with this. We split up from the group and went to the mall next door instead.

Stayed for a couple of hours only, but was surprised how much the other students AND teachers were able to buy. The next place for shopping was at “Market Market”. It was a good thing we were able to hire a van to take us around for the day. We walked around until we ran out of places to see. When the group had to meet up again, they protested that they weren’t finished shopping yet. But Karla, Natasha, and I were over it, and so we decided to go ahead and leave already.

The next day, I had to take Karla back to Malate since they were leaving for Australia that evening. Of course a free day for them was going to include some last minute shopping! And that’s what we did for the rest of the afternoon.

On Sunday at home, friends and cousins came over for a pizza party. We ordered White Cheese from “Brooklyn Pizza” and it was absolutely huge! We played cards and mucked around up at the roof deck.

The next couple of weeks flew by fast. I had bought four Nicholas Sparks novels – “The Choice”, “The Lucky One”, “Dear John”, and “At First Sight”. I’ve read the first 3, and all were as good as the others I have read. Besides the reading, I’ve been finding myself taking small naps throughout the day. Also have gotten into the routine of getting up at 5am every day to go for a jog, just so it balances out with my laziness (that’s my theory anyway).

On the last day of October, another typhoon came through Manila, though not as bad as last month’s. I was awoken at 2:30am by the strong howling wind, and rain outside. Then electricity went out. I wasn’t able to get back to sleep, instead I just lay in bed listening. It was still quite dark when I got up at around 7am, and the winds continued on for another 3 hours.

We didn’t end up going to uncle Paul’s for Halloween; instead I went out bar hopping with Ryan – a childhood friend. Went to a Halloween event in Makati (where the proceeds went to typhoon victims), then over to The Fort for some dancing, then back to Makati. I didn’t get home until 4am the next day.

It’s now been over a month since I arrived, and I’ve been able to book accommodations for the rest of Asia, first part of Europe, and Egypt, as well as extra flights needed. Before I know it, the next month will also be over, and I’d be counting down the days until I leave for Indonesia.