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So we left the boys with some brave friends and flew to Manila.
The temple was beautiful. and peaceful. and so powerful. We spent an entire day there.
We stayed in the temple housing. hostel style. One small room with 4 bunk beds for the women and another for the men. Fish and rice for breakfast. or BBQ flavored spaghetti. Bring your own bottled water. Definitely an experience. But what a great spirit was there. The housing was full of Filippino people there to attend the temple. Arriving bus by bus. It was fun to talk to them and their cute kids.
The next day we hired a driver to see a few sites in the morning before we headed to the airport to go home. It was interesting to see the Spanish and American influence on this Asian country.
5 things we saw on our Morning in Manila
#5 Traffic.
Jeepneys - the public transportation in Manila. decorations and stereo system included.
Pedicabs - motorcycles or bikes
On our way into the city our driver got hit by a jeep. He stopped in the middle of the street and backed up traffic to negotiate a price to fix it. No police report or insurance claim. The driver of the jeep just gave him cash.
#4 Poverty
Heartbreaking.
#3 Fort Santiago
We visited Fort Santiago and learned more about the Spanish conquistadors who ruled the Philippines for a long time and the Spanish-American war. We also learned about the filippino hero, Jose Rizal. inspiring.
#2 The Manila Cathedral
We visited the Manila cathedral to admire the architecture and the stained glass windows. and the pretty purple bridesmaid dresses of a filippino wedding in progress.
#1 Politics
On our way to the cathedral we had to zig and zag through a politcal parade in the middle of the street. "Hello my blue eyes!" the teenagers shouted as we passed. The Liberal Party leaders were filing their candidacy for the upcoming election. There were all sorts of people there in bright yellow tshirts. Even a huge fillippino celebrity - Dingdong Dantes - I'm sure you've heard of him? me either. And us poor gringos just wanted to be tourists.
This video is a crowd of screaming teenagers surrounding Mr. Dantes
We heart Pinoy.
5 comments:
What an amazing experience. The temple alone would have been overpowering, but to have packed in all of that in one weekend - awesome. We love you guys.
I am so glad you are taking advantage of all the experiences you can while overseas! Who would have thought even just a year ago that you would be in Manila, Singapore, Borneo, etc...taking pictures, video, walking and talking with humanity from around the world! Good for you for being so brave and willing to go where led! Love you!
Looks cool you guys. You know you're lucky to get to experience all of these different places!
My husband is soooo jealous right now! He went there on his mission and would love to go back. Did you enjoy it? Recommend it to others?
Just awesome. How'd the boys fare? Just fine I'm sure. How far is Manila from Singapore?
I opened my Christmas decorations box and found your stuff that I couldn't bear to let Good Will throw out last summer. We've got all sorts of Wagner decorations on the tree. Love those silver stars and long sliver icicle style ornaments. Do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore with indoor trees??
XOXO
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