October 24th

Oct 24th
Woke up at 5am, as we had to pack and check-in at the airport at 6.00. Breakfast today was Nasai Lemak which is a traditional Malaysian breakfast, consisting of boiled eggs, rice, curry and crispy anchovies topped off with peanuts. Most of the food, regardless of what meal it is tends to be spicy food and rice. Caught flight to Clark AFB, Philippines at 7.20am, flight took 4hrs, then we took a bus to Manila, approx 2hrs. Couldn't see any signs of the massive flooding they experienced on 10/4. Staying at Friendlies Guesthouse in Malate. Arrived in Manila at 2.30pm, sunny and breezy. Bedrooms are small, with just enough room for a bed-as you can see from the photo , but they have a lovely large lounge room, and tonight is Cheese and wine party !! Walked around the town, and guy with horse and cart offered ride for 50-- took him up on it , and toured the waterfront, lovely ride and the drive was very informative. When we got off, he said the ride was $50- We told him , he said 50 meaning 50 peso's (1.00). I thought that was a bit cheap , even for here, as the ride was about 1/2hr. He said because we didn't want to pay, he would accept $25-!! yeah , right!!!!! Derek told him he'd give him 50 peso's ONLY!!! We were going to pay and walk away, but Derek only has a 1,000.00 note !!! I thought we were going to be here for a long time!!!! Eventually, we decided to get change in the burger place, pay them 50 and run!!!!!!
Not a good first experience in this place. We then walked along the beach front, which was absolutely filthy with trash, but despite this, kids were playing on the beach and people were swimming in the water!!!!!! It looked like the city rubbish dump!!!!!!!!! As we were walking back we saw the local Jeepneys- which are what the philippines use as their bus system. They are all individually decorated and crammed with as many people as possible! We took this Jeepnies last year, and they are hot and cramped, but we had to do it !! We walked back to the guesthouse, and joined in the wine and cheese night, which turned out to be great. The wine was flowing until everyone had their fill, and plenty of food was provided. This place definately has it's bonus points!!!!!! Maybe we won't even notice how small the rooms are, or maybe that's their plan!!!!!! Good way to socialize ! The manager attended Portland State and lived
in the next city to ours-- small world!! The lounge area in this place is great, with free Wi-Fi, dvd's, kitchen, books and it's all on the 5th floor ( great views of Manila) very friendly staff. Definately would come here again. Not catching a flight till tomorrow afternoon, so looking forward to a nice lay-in. Actually, the quality of the wine is very good, they're not serving cheap table wine !! Enjoying this evening very much! Hic..... Hic.... excuse me!! Nightie night....................