... but in a good way.
The flight from HK was superb - Cathay is an outstanding airline. I have to admire their audacity, offering 1961 bottles of Petrus in their Duty Free brochure at USD 39,000!
I leave the capital tomorrow for a couple of the 7000 islands. A nice lady - with the fabulous name of 'Princess' - is working on an itinerary. Am heading to Palawan, near Borneo, described by Lonely Planet as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt seascapes on earth.
Have enjoyed Manila so far, not that I've seen much of the 'real' city. Am staying in Makati, the central business area which is all glassy skyscrapers, clipped planting and shiny SUVs. Other than the heat (and boy, is it hot) it's pleasant, but it doesn't feel much like Asia. I could be downtown in a US city, except there are more luxury brands here.
Security everywhere is extraordinarily high - you're checked entering every building, including your hotel - and you can hardly breathe outside, which might explain why it's so mall-tastic. They love them and some are unexpectedly pleasant.
Manila is no beauty and there are few 'sights' per se: it's vast, was heavily bombed in WWII and a million and a half people live in its peripheral slums, but the people are kind, the food is good and IT'S NOT KATHMANDU!
Right, I'm off to see Imelda's 'Coconut Palace'...
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