Day started out as a huge bummer. Took until late afternoon to shake off the bad mood and to take a deep breath. Started the day off fresh once I reminded myself I am in a tropical paradise! (Chris: RING OF FIIIIIIRE!!!!!!!) And I'm here with awesome family and the bestest guy a girl could ever ask for. :)
We had a late lunch at the Town Centre by my uncle's place. Another really cool outdoor-style mall. Did more shopping. Poor Chris. The guy is so shopped out... haha or rather, Malled out, since we don't always buy things anyway.
Got a few things ready for our trip to another paradise: Boracay Island, with it's clear water and white, powdery sand. A trip within a trip... a vacation within our vacation. :)
It was a lazy day, of course filled with more delicious food. Why is everything so delicious here?!?! And why do we feel the need to take a nap after every meal?!?! Why do we ever have to go back?!?! I like paradise. :)
Prepped all night for Boracay with our flight leaving at 7am Thursday morning.
Details of our Boracay trip to follow... :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, Feb 15: Greenhills
My cousins took a day off work to take Chris and I to Greenhills, which is like a flea market of sorts with all new goods.
It was CRAZY.
In a good way! :)
The first rule before going to Greenhills to make sure you know how to haggle.
The second rule is not to be too interested in the item you actually are interested in.
The third rule is not to let me try to do either of those above rules because I FAILED!!
Okay, okay. Things got better but Chris was definitely the better haggler between the two of us. I walked over with a huge smile on my face when I saw something I wanted. I also can never remember the conversion rate from PHP to CAD so it takes me forever to figure out if I am getting a good deal. And when I want something.... I usually don't care how much it costs, which defeats the purpose of going to a place like Greenhills.
And the place is HUGE! And PACKED! And has EVERYTHING! There are quite a few sections that have knock-off items that we stayed away from... mostly because we didn't really know what the real ones looked like and I would probably walk off with a Parda purse ;b
By the end of our afternoon I was tired from all the walking and no-smiling haggling. I could also tell Chris had enough of like our fifth day of "shopping". Nonetheless, we had a fantastic time with my cousins and I swear I got better at not getting ripped off! haha!
That evening they had arranged a at-home masseuse to give us massages. HEAVEN. And it's cheaper to have them come to the house rather than go to a spa! The masseuse was AMAZING and I absolutely floated down the stairs and could not put together a coherent sentence for about twenty minutes afterwards. Chris had his first professional massage and I think he's hooked. SO GOOD.
That night Carla started going through some old photo albums of their trips to Canada... oh boy, was that a night!! We got the giggles and laughed so hard we weren't even making noise and had tears streaming down our faces. Couldn't breathe!!! I've got to thank my parents for purchasing me that bright pink Barbie track suit and the rest of the family for not telling me how absolutely blinding and embarasssing it would be in fifteen years.... HAHAHAHAHA GOD, I am dying thinking about it right now!!!! LOL And there are SO MANY MORE... we need to get the cousins together and go through it... just too funny... and why were my awkward years so long?? haha
Love my family!!! They are hilarious and the best! Also even if they didn't teach me about eyebrow plucking until it was way too late. :P
It was CRAZY.
In a good way! :)
The first rule before going to Greenhills to make sure you know how to haggle.
The second rule is not to be too interested in the item you actually are interested in.
The third rule is not to let me try to do either of those above rules because I FAILED!!
Okay, okay. Things got better but Chris was definitely the better haggler between the two of us. I walked over with a huge smile on my face when I saw something I wanted. I also can never remember the conversion rate from PHP to CAD so it takes me forever to figure out if I am getting a good deal. And when I want something.... I usually don't care how much it costs, which defeats the purpose of going to a place like Greenhills.
And the place is HUGE! And PACKED! And has EVERYTHING! There are quite a few sections that have knock-off items that we stayed away from... mostly because we didn't really know what the real ones looked like and I would probably walk off with a Parda purse ;b
By the end of our afternoon I was tired from all the walking and no-smiling haggling. I could also tell Chris had enough of like our fifth day of "shopping". Nonetheless, we had a fantastic time with my cousins and I swear I got better at not getting ripped off! haha!
That evening they had arranged a at-home masseuse to give us massages. HEAVEN. And it's cheaper to have them come to the house rather than go to a spa! The masseuse was AMAZING and I absolutely floated down the stairs and could not put together a coherent sentence for about twenty minutes afterwards. Chris had his first professional massage and I think he's hooked. SO GOOD.
That night Carla started going through some old photo albums of their trips to Canada... oh boy, was that a night!! We got the giggles and laughed so hard we weren't even making noise and had tears streaming down our faces. Couldn't breathe!!! I've got to thank my parents for purchasing me that bright pink Barbie track suit and the rest of the family for not telling me how absolutely blinding and embarasssing it would be in fifteen years.... HAHAHAHAHA GOD, I am dying thinking about it right now!!!! LOL And there are SO MANY MORE... we need to get the cousins together and go through it... just too funny... and why were my awkward years so long?? haha
Love my family!!! They are hilarious and the best! Also even if they didn't teach me about eyebrow plucking until it was way too late. :P
Monday Feb 14: "If These Walls Could Talk" Tour by Carlos Celdran
Valentine's Day in the Philippines is apparently A Big Deal. In the world of Chris and Michelle, it is So NOT a big deal! But my Tito and Tita wanted to treat us out for VDay and sent us off on a walking tour my cousin had been on: "If These Walls Could Talk" featuring tour guide Carlos Celdran.
We'd heard the guy was hilarious but nothing prepared us for this tour. We LOVED it!!!
The tour was about the history of the Philippines back in the day when it was just us Filipino folks ;) and went through the history and influence of other cultures like Spain, Japan and America (oh, and their various invasions and ruling of our country...) We walked through the original Walled City of Manila (Intramuros) and various historical places around the city. They even managed to get me on a trike!!! (terrifying "bike sidecars" - I could not see a thing and just had Chris peering on the side and scaring the bejesus out of me with screams of "OHMYGOD there is a HUGE TRUCK COMING!!!")
We learned so much about the Filipino culture and what the Filipino people have gone through. We had not realized what a golden and flourishing city Manila used to be - a leader in arts, culture and technology. All that changed after the war... and city seems to still be rebuilding itself. Carlos' intent with his tour is to show people how rich we are in culture and how we should work on bringing it back proudly. He is such an inspiration aside from his comedic side, and we reco the tour to anyone going to Manila, Filipino native or tourist! (Chris: People should visit Manila just for the tour!)
Since it was Valentine's Day (insert barfy noises here), a local travel agency sponsered a special treat for the tour. We had a delicious Filipino treat called "halo-halo" (translated: "mix-mix", as it is a sweet combo of milk, crushed ice, candied fruits and beans and of course SUGAR!). The halo-halo was also significant of the tour as Carlos described Filipinos as "halo-halo" since we are such a blend of cultures and beliefs. :)
We then were invited to merienda (light meal usually between lunch and dinner) featuring Filipino dishes. We sat with a few of the other tourists and made some friends :)
And there was a raffle! I totally won dinner at a local Italian restaurant! Score! We actually just treated the family for dinner there tonight to thank them for their hospitality and generosity (they have not let us pay for a thing!!!) So delicious!!!
ALSO!!!! Celia was reading the free local paper and told us today that CHRIS AND I ARE IN IT!!! There was a huge feature on Carlos Celdran and his tour of Intramuros, and on the day we went there were some people from the media (Chris: I just thought they were tourists with really awesome cameras). We are in the photo printed in the paper!!! I'd like to now say we are local celebrities!! Awesome souvenir! :) Even if the article wasn't edited properly and it's not like we were mentioned in it... but our pictures are in the paper! Booyah!
So when you visit Manila, be sure to take "If These Walls Could Talk", the walking tour by Carlos Celdran. You won't regret it!
We'd heard the guy was hilarious but nothing prepared us for this tour. We LOVED it!!!
The tour was about the history of the Philippines back in the day when it was just us Filipino folks ;) and went through the history and influence of other cultures like Spain, Japan and America (oh, and their various invasions and ruling of our country...) We walked through the original Walled City of Manila (Intramuros) and various historical places around the city. They even managed to get me on a trike!!! (terrifying "bike sidecars" - I could not see a thing and just had Chris peering on the side and scaring the bejesus out of me with screams of "OHMYGOD there is a HUGE TRUCK COMING!!!")
We learned so much about the Filipino culture and what the Filipino people have gone through. We had not realized what a golden and flourishing city Manila used to be - a leader in arts, culture and technology. All that changed after the war... and city seems to still be rebuilding itself. Carlos' intent with his tour is to show people how rich we are in culture and how we should work on bringing it back proudly. He is such an inspiration aside from his comedic side, and we reco the tour to anyone going to Manila, Filipino native or tourist! (Chris: People should visit Manila just for the tour!)
Since it was Valentine's Day (insert barfy noises here), a local travel agency sponsered a special treat for the tour. We had a delicious Filipino treat called "halo-halo" (translated: "mix-mix", as it is a sweet combo of milk, crushed ice, candied fruits and beans and of course SUGAR!). The halo-halo was also significant of the tour as Carlos described Filipinos as "halo-halo" since we are such a blend of cultures and beliefs. :)
We then were invited to merienda (light meal usually between lunch and dinner) featuring Filipino dishes. We sat with a few of the other tourists and made some friends :)
And there was a raffle! I totally won dinner at a local Italian restaurant! Score! We actually just treated the family for dinner there tonight to thank them for their hospitality and generosity (they have not let us pay for a thing!!!) So delicious!!!
ALSO!!!! Celia was reading the free local paper and told us today that CHRIS AND I ARE IN IT!!! There was a huge feature on Carlos Celdran and his tour of Intramuros, and on the day we went there were some people from the media (Chris: I just thought they were tourists with really awesome cameras). We are in the photo printed in the paper!!! I'd like to now say we are local celebrities!! Awesome souvenir! :) Even if the article wasn't edited properly and it's not like we were mentioned in it... but our pictures are in the paper! Booyah!
So when you visit Manila, be sure to take "If These Walls Could Talk", the walking tour by Carlos Celdran. You won't regret it!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, Feb 13: Greenbelt and Mall of Asia
Where to begin...
No trip to the Philippines is complete without shopping adventures. Ours began on Greenbelt 5. This mall is half-indoors, half-outdoors and totally gorgeous. I shopped at Topshop for the first time!!! There are tons of stores, some basic ones and others like Gucci and Rolex. And TONS of jewellery stores... lots of gorgeous pearls to die for! There are restaurants along the outer edge of the mall so almost every place has al fresco dining.
We ate at Mia Vare (sp?), which served up some amazing Filipino food. Apparently every time my dad goes to that restaurant he always eats the same thing - arrozcaldo (it's like a filipino style congee and it is delicious)! I also tried a new flavour of San Miguel beer - green apple. I wish we were able to get the full line of San Miguel beers in Canada!
We walked around the mall for a bit before moving on to the epic Mall of Asia. Friends, one cannot prepare for a trip to the Mall of Asia. There are a gazillion stores (seriously) and lots of great deals. My uncle, aunt and cousin graciously followed us around as we wandered through the mall. I cannot even explain how ginormous this place is... there are even carts that drive you from area to area. And there's an indoor skating rink. And a giant bouncy castle-land that is the size of a high school gymnasium. And every kind of food you could eat. And a fantastic view of the Manila Bay with ziplining across the fountain. And there is a movie theatre with IMAX. AND, people, there is just no justice in this post to the Mall of Asia. It's like the third largest mall in the world! 'nuff said. (source: chris rawlings. but who knows how current that is, haha)
It was a bit overwhelming but we got some great pasalubong and prep for more days of shopping ahead (poor Chris, haha).
No trip to the Philippines is complete without shopping adventures. Ours began on Greenbelt 5. This mall is half-indoors, half-outdoors and totally gorgeous. I shopped at Topshop for the first time!!! There are tons of stores, some basic ones and others like Gucci and Rolex. And TONS of jewellery stores... lots of gorgeous pearls to die for! There are restaurants along the outer edge of the mall so almost every place has al fresco dining.
We ate at Mia Vare (sp?), which served up some amazing Filipino food. Apparently every time my dad goes to that restaurant he always eats the same thing - arrozcaldo (it's like a filipino style congee and it is delicious)! I also tried a new flavour of San Miguel beer - green apple. I wish we were able to get the full line of San Miguel beers in Canada!
We walked around the mall for a bit before moving on to the epic Mall of Asia. Friends, one cannot prepare for a trip to the Mall of Asia. There are a gazillion stores (seriously) and lots of great deals. My uncle, aunt and cousin graciously followed us around as we wandered through the mall. I cannot even explain how ginormous this place is... there are even carts that drive you from area to area. And there's an indoor skating rink. And a giant bouncy castle-land that is the size of a high school gymnasium. And every kind of food you could eat. And a fantastic view of the Manila Bay with ziplining across the fountain. And there is a movie theatre with IMAX. AND, people, there is just no justice in this post to the Mall of Asia. It's like the third largest mall in the world! 'nuff said. (source: chris rawlings. but who knows how current that is, haha)
It was a bit overwhelming but we got some great pasalubong and prep for more days of shopping ahead (poor Chris, haha).
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tagaytay
On Saturday the family took us to visit Tagaytay Highlands. From the Taygaytay Ridge, you can see the Taal Volcano, which is a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Pretty darn crazy!
We drove up the ridge, and boy was that a ride! The streets going up are a lot narrower and on the weekends there is so much traffic (from tourists like us, haha!)
One thing we're starting to get accustomed to is the driving standards in the Philippines. They are crazy compared to North Americans because it seems that lanes and right of way are just suggestions, but since everyone drives that way things still move pretty smoothly and there doesn't seem to be any road rage, haha.
There is A LOT of honking, but it's mostly to say "Hey! Watch out!" instead of "%$*()#@@!!!!!!"
The view from the Tagaytay highlands is amazing. Lush green trees (palm trees!!!!) and lots of pineapple fields. (side note: the two of us learned that day that pineapples grow in the ground... not on trees... WHAT! lol) Gorgeous view of the Taal lake against the blue sky and green rolling hills... just breathtaking!
We drove up and checked out one of the restaurants along the ridge. The steakhouse is a log cabin built out of Canadian cedar. The smell of the cedar and the delicious steaks grilling was just amazing. By the back of the log cabin (or rather, log-mansion) there is fantastic view of the Taal lake and volcano. You could also see the beautiful golf course that winds up and down the ridge.
We then drove to one of the country clubs and along the way my Tito pointed out various condos and hotels that were built along the ridge. There is one hotel where the elevator does not go up and down but SIDEWAYS because the hotel is built on the slope! Crazy!
We got more fantastic photos (upload soon!) of the scenery. It was incredibly windy and a chilly 25 degrees (hahaha) but the sun was shining and our surroundings just kept us in awe.
We finally drove up to our destination: lunch at another club! More amazing food while being entertained by kiddos Rocco and Santi. What a pair! Tito says Rocco is Santi's guinea pig: he lets Rocco try things first to see how they go.
While Chris and I lounged in the pool, the kids visited the animal farm. Rocco was thrilled to ride a horse while Santi said it was stinky....
"What's stinky? The horse?" they asked.
"No! The guy is stinky!!" Santi answered.
Hilarious!! love those kids!!! :)
That night we were pretty pooped from the jetlag and all the fresh air and "swimming". My cousin ordered Yellow Cab pizza which was a whole new pizza eating experience for me, haha. They have this "Dear Darla" pizza, which is a thin crust pizza cut into rectangles. You take a rectangle, put arugula and alfalfa sprouts and chili on it, then roll up the rectangle and enjoy! I am so making this at home.
Anyway, I gotta go.... the maid just called us down for breakfast and we can hear her stirring up our favourite: freshly squeezed calamansi juice. OMG, guys.... I think we're in heaven....
We drove up the ridge, and boy was that a ride! The streets going up are a lot narrower and on the weekends there is so much traffic (from tourists like us, haha!)
One thing we're starting to get accustomed to is the driving standards in the Philippines. They are crazy compared to North Americans because it seems that lanes and right of way are just suggestions, but since everyone drives that way things still move pretty smoothly and there doesn't seem to be any road rage, haha.
There is A LOT of honking, but it's mostly to say "Hey! Watch out!" instead of "%$*()#@@!!!!!!"
The view from the Tagaytay highlands is amazing. Lush green trees (palm trees!!!!) and lots of pineapple fields. (side note: the two of us learned that day that pineapples grow in the ground... not on trees... WHAT! lol) Gorgeous view of the Taal lake against the blue sky and green rolling hills... just breathtaking!
We drove up and checked out one of the restaurants along the ridge. The steakhouse is a log cabin built out of Canadian cedar. The smell of the cedar and the delicious steaks grilling was just amazing. By the back of the log cabin (or rather, log-mansion) there is fantastic view of the Taal lake and volcano. You could also see the beautiful golf course that winds up and down the ridge.
We then drove to one of the country clubs and along the way my Tito pointed out various condos and hotels that were built along the ridge. There is one hotel where the elevator does not go up and down but SIDEWAYS because the hotel is built on the slope! Crazy!
We got more fantastic photos (upload soon!) of the scenery. It was incredibly windy and a chilly 25 degrees (hahaha) but the sun was shining and our surroundings just kept us in awe.
We finally drove up to our destination: lunch at another club! More amazing food while being entertained by kiddos Rocco and Santi. What a pair! Tito says Rocco is Santi's guinea pig: he lets Rocco try things first to see how they go.
While Chris and I lounged in the pool, the kids visited the animal farm. Rocco was thrilled to ride a horse while Santi said it was stinky....
"What's stinky? The horse?" they asked.
"No! The guy is stinky!!" Santi answered.
Hilarious!! love those kids!!! :)
That night we were pretty pooped from the jetlag and all the fresh air and "swimming". My cousin ordered Yellow Cab pizza which was a whole new pizza eating experience for me, haha. They have this "Dear Darla" pizza, which is a thin crust pizza cut into rectangles. You take a rectangle, put arugula and alfalfa sprouts and chili on it, then roll up the rectangle and enjoy! I am so making this at home.
Anyway, I gotta go.... the maid just called us down for breakfast and we can hear her stirring up our favourite: freshly squeezed calamansi juice. OMG, guys.... I think we're in heaven....
quote
"I have never been a material girl. My father always told me to never love anything that cannot love you back."
- Imelda Marcos
We learned about that quote after some discussion regarding our meeting with Imelda the other day. My opinion stands, and take from that what you will!
- Imelda Marcos
We learned about that quote after some discussion regarding our meeting with Imelda the other day. My opinion stands, and take from that what you will!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Guess who we met today?!?!
Friends, I am exhausted. Just a quick one for now, although I'm itching to write more so each experience is intact. Today the family took us to visit Tagaytay (more on that later) but the highlight of our day was meeting Imelda Marcos!!!
For those not in the know, she is the wife of the 10th president of the Philippines. Ya'll probably know her by her obsession and her massive shoe collection. :P
But I'll take a photo-op when I can get it! Crazy, eh???
And now time for bed.... going cross-eyed and we still have more adventures awaiting!
xoxo
For those not in the know, she is the wife of the 10th president of the Philippines. Ya'll probably know her by her obsession and her massive shoe collection. :P
But I'll take a photo-op when I can get it! Crazy, eh???
And now time for bed.... going cross-eyed and we still have more adventures awaiting!
xoxo
Mabuhay!
Hello friends!
We are in the Philippines! Can you believe it?! It's a bit surreal at times, especially when we take into consideration that we've got three weeks of the heat and sun on our calendars. :)
It's been quite the homecoming for me so far. It's my first time back to "The Motherland" since my family immigrated in 1988. I was only three years old when we left and unfortunately never had the opportunity to visit with various family members over the years. There was always school exams or work or something else that prevented my trip.
When I met Chris, he truly was captured by the Filipino culture. For years now he has been researching the country and we decided a couple of years ago that we would make our way there together. He's been really excited for me to visit my roots and I'm glad I am able to share my family and the awesomeness that is the Philippines with him!
After months of planning and saving, we finally left for Manila on Wednesday, February 9th. It was a frigid day in Toronto and were glad (and nervous!) to be leaving for an 18-hour flight to Hong Kong, and then to Manila.
The plane ride was..... LONG. That really is the only way to describe it. Just LONG. Or, Incredibly Long. Let's just say I'm glad we still have a ways to go before we have to go through that again! (ps. airplane food SUCKS and I am bringing my own food on the return flight!!!)
We did manage to watch a few new movie releases that we never saw (mostly because the other person didn't want to see it, haha). I watched the Social Network (hate you, Shawn Parker!! Jerkatron!!) and Chris watched The Expendables. Then we bugged each other. Then we stared out the window (the route took us over the arctic and it was SO COOL to see the ice floes! insane!!!) and tried to nap. Luckily the third seat on our row was empty so we were able to stretch out our legs and attempt to sleep.
The airport in Hong Kong was pretty cool. It was huge and clean and had high-end boutiques like Hermes and Tiffany & Co (did not manage to convince Chris he should buy me diamonds. Oh well...) And of course I was most amused by the McDonald's regional menu that included fried chicken and an ebi (shrimp) burger!
My uncle and his driver picked us up at the Manila airport at midnight (Thursday, Feb 10th). It was so crazy to be there! Since we arrived Chris and I have just been exclaiming, "We're IN THE PHILIPPINES!!!" So fun!! :)
Our first day was relaxing, trying to adjust to the time and heat. Chris and I wandered around my uncle's gorgeous home... open windows, wood furnishings, marble floors... just beautiful. I've taken lots of pictures of the local flora as well.
We checked out my uncle's country club and had a fantastic lunch overlooking the grounds, featuring a delicious coconut drink - right out of a fresh coconut! I don't know how many times we've said it already, but we just can't believe we're here! In the Philippines! Breathing the Filipino air! And seeing the Filipino birds! And walking on the soil of my motherland!!! hahaha
Yesterday evening we visited my cousin Mia, her husband Bob and their two adorable little ones, Santi and Rocco. Another beautiful home and more delicious food! It was the first time I had met my cousin's husband and the kiddos. They were a bit shy but I know we'll be buddies soon! We have three weeks for me to work on that, hahaha!
So right now it's 8:41am on Saturday morning Manila time, which means it's 7:41pm Friday evening Toronto time. Chris and I are still adjusting but determined to win over the jetlag. Of course it's made us a both bit loopy (or, loopier) so that can explain the disjointed post here.
This morning we were both up ridiculously early and finally ventured down and had breakfast.
Breakfast. Ok, kids, this is amazing. So almost everyone in the Philippines has hired help. In my uncle's case, that's a driver and two maids. They are all the sweetest and although it's a bit weird for Chris and I to have them around, we understand it's part of the culture here. Anyway, for the second day in a row they've prepared breakfast for us while we sit outside in the warm Manila air and cool breeze.
And guys, you'd better believe every morning is heaven when you're being served warm pandesal (sweet bread) and fresh calamani juice (it's a Filipino citrus, like a lime). HEAVEN! I have only had bottled or powdered calamansi in Canada so to have someone juice it and make it fresh every morning.... they're going to have to drag me to the airport!
And that's just one of the things here that you should be jealous of (haha). The weather is amazing! Of course I am sweating like crazy as we're in the plus-30s again with the sun beating down. We've been lucky to have a breeze flowing through the open windows and the A/C helps us sleep at night.
Today the agenda is to visit Tagaytay. This area has the Taal volanco - which is a volacano in a lake in a volcano. Or something (maybe Chris can enlighten us; he's been researching forever!). Then there's shopping. And more eating - all the food here is delicious!!! I would be more worried except I'm probably just sweating everything out (how attractive, haha).
Anyway, gotta get ready for the day... the sunny and gorgeous day that awaits :)
We do miss our family and friends back in Canada and wish you were all here to enjoy this beautiful country with us!
Mabuhay!!
We are in the Philippines! Can you believe it?! It's a bit surreal at times, especially when we take into consideration that we've got three weeks of the heat and sun on our calendars. :)
It's been quite the homecoming for me so far. It's my first time back to "The Motherland" since my family immigrated in 1988. I was only three years old when we left and unfortunately never had the opportunity to visit with various family members over the years. There was always school exams or work or something else that prevented my trip.
When I met Chris, he truly was captured by the Filipino culture. For years now he has been researching the country and we decided a couple of years ago that we would make our way there together. He's been really excited for me to visit my roots and I'm glad I am able to share my family and the awesomeness that is the Philippines with him!
After months of planning and saving, we finally left for Manila on Wednesday, February 9th. It was a frigid day in Toronto and were glad (and nervous!) to be leaving for an 18-hour flight to Hong Kong, and then to Manila.
The plane ride was..... LONG. That really is the only way to describe it. Just LONG. Or, Incredibly Long. Let's just say I'm glad we still have a ways to go before we have to go through that again! (ps. airplane food SUCKS and I am bringing my own food on the return flight!!!)
We did manage to watch a few new movie releases that we never saw (mostly because the other person didn't want to see it, haha). I watched the Social Network (hate you, Shawn Parker!! Jerkatron!!) and Chris watched The Expendables. Then we bugged each other. Then we stared out the window (the route took us over the arctic and it was SO COOL to see the ice floes! insane!!!) and tried to nap. Luckily the third seat on our row was empty so we were able to stretch out our legs and attempt to sleep.
The airport in Hong Kong was pretty cool. It was huge and clean and had high-end boutiques like Hermes and Tiffany & Co (did not manage to convince Chris he should buy me diamonds. Oh well...) And of course I was most amused by the McDonald's regional menu that included fried chicken and an ebi (shrimp) burger!
My uncle and his driver picked us up at the Manila airport at midnight (Thursday, Feb 10th). It was so crazy to be there! Since we arrived Chris and I have just been exclaiming, "We're IN THE PHILIPPINES!!!" So fun!! :)
Our first day was relaxing, trying to adjust to the time and heat. Chris and I wandered around my uncle's gorgeous home... open windows, wood furnishings, marble floors... just beautiful. I've taken lots of pictures of the local flora as well.
We checked out my uncle's country club and had a fantastic lunch overlooking the grounds, featuring a delicious coconut drink - right out of a fresh coconut! I don't know how many times we've said it already, but we just can't believe we're here! In the Philippines! Breathing the Filipino air! And seeing the Filipino birds! And walking on the soil of my motherland!!! hahaha
Yesterday evening we visited my cousin Mia, her husband Bob and their two adorable little ones, Santi and Rocco. Another beautiful home and more delicious food! It was the first time I had met my cousin's husband and the kiddos. They were a bit shy but I know we'll be buddies soon! We have three weeks for me to work on that, hahaha!
So right now it's 8:41am on Saturday morning Manila time, which means it's 7:41pm Friday evening Toronto time. Chris and I are still adjusting but determined to win over the jetlag. Of course it's made us a both bit loopy (or, loopier) so that can explain the disjointed post here.
This morning we were both up ridiculously early and finally ventured down and had breakfast.
Breakfast. Ok, kids, this is amazing. So almost everyone in the Philippines has hired help. In my uncle's case, that's a driver and two maids. They are all the sweetest and although it's a bit weird for Chris and I to have them around, we understand it's part of the culture here. Anyway, for the second day in a row they've prepared breakfast for us while we sit outside in the warm Manila air and cool breeze.
And guys, you'd better believe every morning is heaven when you're being served warm pandesal (sweet bread) and fresh calamani juice (it's a Filipino citrus, like a lime). HEAVEN! I have only had bottled or powdered calamansi in Canada so to have someone juice it and make it fresh every morning.... they're going to have to drag me to the airport!
And that's just one of the things here that you should be jealous of (haha). The weather is amazing! Of course I am sweating like crazy as we're in the plus-30s again with the sun beating down. We've been lucky to have a breeze flowing through the open windows and the A/C helps us sleep at night.
Today the agenda is to visit Tagaytay. This area has the Taal volanco - which is a volacano in a lake in a volcano. Or something (maybe Chris can enlighten us; he's been researching forever!). Then there's shopping. And more eating - all the food here is delicious!!! I would be more worried except I'm probably just sweating everything out (how attractive, haha).
Anyway, gotta get ready for the day... the sunny and gorgeous day that awaits :)
We do miss our family and friends back in Canada and wish you were all here to enjoy this beautiful country with us!
Mabuhay!!
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