Hot, sweaty, humid, polluted...wait didn't I just from a city with that description? Manila, is the bustling metropolis of the Philippines. The streets are riddled with jeepney's, cars, buses, motorbikes, tricycles, children, chickens, dogs, cats, etc. Everywhere you look is an obstacle you have to avoid. It's a fast paced city, thats notorious for petty crime, tourist kidnappings, and the occasional stabbing. But that doesn't phase me. Apart from the terrible reputation this city has, its has character, grit, persona. The type of city you first hate, but through time might begin to like, if not love. The city overwhelms the senses. The smell of diesel mixed with the heavy humid air makes it at first difficult to breathe. The site of what seems an endless cloud of smog hovering over the city. The continuous sounds of horns, barking dogs, people yelling, chickens clucking, kids crying, deafens the ears, only noticed once entering a quite room and all you hear is ringing. But I wouldn't trade this wonderful mess of an experience for anything.
Fortunately enough I was lucky enough to have been picked up at the airport by family. The stress of arranging for accommodations and transportation was non existent. Having family or people you know at a place makes travel stress free. It's about using the resources you have, and family fortunately for me is my resource.
After taking a quick morning nap we departed the motel for lunch. We started off with an appetizer called 'pulpog'. It's a dish consisting of tiny slices of pig ear, nose and cheek, mixed with onions, ginger, and vinegar. Its crunchy, and soft at the same time. Absolutely delicious! Following the appetizer was bbq duck, bbq pork, and some vegetables. Food once again was simply amazing. Lunch was then followed by an afternoon nap also known as 'itis'.
Manila was shortened due to family obligations. But I will be back to experience the wonderful chaos they call Manila.
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