...for some reason many people don`t like it and consider it merely a necesary & unavoidable stopover to get further to dreamy tropical beaches.... they describe Manila as too crazy, too dirty, too dangerous..
Ok, you do see lots of guns in Manila..all shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, banks, etc have armed security stuff which is kinda spooky at the beginning, but it also gives a sense of security!
All that said... Manila is groovy! :) It`s as colourful, as unpredictable and as friendly as its Jeepneys! !!!
After Chinese cities with it`s crowds and millions of people Manila felt real relaxed with its unique "fiesta" character and virtually no tourists!
...lovely Old town INTRAMUROS...
...crazy non-stop colourful Jeepney "carnival"...
...funny pedicabs...
...wide seaside boulevard for sunsets...
...sophisticated new town Makati...
A great place to spend at least a couple of days!
Jeepney is the most popular mean of public transportation in The Philippines. Hop on...squeeze....get lost...hop off... as much as you like :) Jeepneys where originally made from US military Jeeps left over from World War II...they are like a never-ending colourful drag-queen parade in the streets of Manila praising God and delivering other important messages on their "bodies"!
Now riding a Pedicab reminds childhood when driving those toy cars in the amusement park...most of the time you feel like it was a near miss ;)
Now let`s take a walk in INTRAMUROS - the Old town of Manila!
Spanish-like patios...evidence of important Spanish heritage!
Relaxed streets!
Colours..colours...colours!!!
Churches! I have never seen as many churches in one country as I saw in The Philippines!
Lush parks!
Lots of stories and long history behind the rocks and old houses...
And one impressive city wall...you can walk on it...and apparently do many other things on it :)
And for amazing culinary experience (if you`re a fan of Asian & Mediterranean cuisines) head to Ziggurat restaurant in Makati! It will be hard to chose!
We stayed in Manila twice: on arrival we stayed in Malate/Ermita area (backpacker`s choice) and before returning to China we opted for a fancier feel of the city in Makati. Both highly recommended ;)
Next: off to the ISLAND !!!
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