Manila Areas

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:00:11 +0100

Back in Manila surrounding areas. From the fresh winds with soft sounds of serenity rolling water and visual delight of sand with palm trees, to the smell and sounds of jeepney motors and sights of tall buildings and rubbish on the dirty ground. It could be one mans comfort and another cringe to be submerged in either setting. I prefer the former setting.

The recent return from Puerto Galera involved a transport truck from the resort to the nearest port and then to Batangas by ferry. From there a bus going to Ortigas (Php.166) and then a taxi to the condo(Php.70).

Travel in the Manila areas always seem to involve at least 2 forms a day on a normal transit. I find it exhausting in its convenience only because; in the train it’s like being a french fry of a large order crammed into a small order container (plus waiting in a line that sometimes is more like a cattle herd for a ticket to ride), the jeepney ride is my funest way to commute and cheapest (php 8 each way short or long distance on route) but roadways are so full of vehicles with noise and polluted hot air, bus is sometimes crazy and they take your bags when no seats are available (without big bags it’s not too bad in aircon bus). Travel by meter cab,jeepney,bus,train...all super great deals in my opinion. After my experience in USA and Australia where a cab ride will cost a nights hotel stay, I am amazed at the low cost in Philippines cab fare (metered).

Walking is always an option, again, it will be thin, hot air and sometimes you need be at an expert level at playing the big hit 80’s game ‘Frogger’ when crossing roads. Many people wear the white nurse type masks on their face to filter the pollutants, or have a scarf/rag to breath through. With all the touching and handling on an average day, keeping some hand sanitizer is a normal and suggested item to carry in pocket/purse.

The pace is much faster and organized (in a spontanious way) - walking or driving - and a steady consideration of surroundings is normal. Many people that are providing something as a service weather its selling single cigarettes, peanuts, DvDs, or getting you a cab show a desire to earn money and be part of a system. Manila area is steady growing and over 20 cranes are seen from my condo, building more. It is getting taller and wider, full of malls and 7-Elevens everywhere.

Some peoples views are needing a serious update, please visit this posted link if terms like 3rd world are used to make reference to a country. http://americanexpatchiangmai.com/insulting-a-country-are-terms-like-third-world-and-undeveloped-just-stereotype-terms-that-are-derogatory-and-demeaning/

manila-areas

Manila Areas