Manila

I had a good trip to Manila on Tuesday and Wednesday.  It was a quick trip and was all business but proved to be productive.  As you probably know by now, I will typically add at least a day onto most trips and especially if I haven't been to the country/city before.  This obviously wasn't the case in Manila.  If you aren't aware, it is not a place where many Americans will do touring mainly because of safety concerns.  We are not alone in this as there are usually similar warnings for Aussies and Brits.

I was certainly safe during my trip.  Our local office made sure I had appropriate transportation and a reservation at a reputable and safe hotel.  While I was at the hotel and office I certainly didn't have any doubts, however, I didn't feel safe wandering outside of my hotel on my own...which is truly a shame. 

Manila is a large and sprawling city and from what I saw on the flight in and drive from the airport it made me want to see more.  It felt less Asian to me and far more South American...which I guess makes sense given the strong Spanish influence.  I was a bit surprised that the city wasn't taller.  I had expected a lot of tall buildings in the city like almost every other Asian city I have been to.  Instead, there were a handful but a lot of the buildings were likely ten floors or less.  There were also neighborhoods with bungalow style homes mixed in the city which is a rarity here in Asia.

Some of my co-workers took me out to lunch before I had to head back to the airport.  We went to a great local place and I tried the traditional Filipino dish of adobo.  It is different than the Spanish or Mexican version of adobo.  This is chicken and pork that is slowly cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.  The end result is very tender meat in a very thick, deep brown sauce.  The sauce is quite flavorful with a tinge of sweetness to it.  The dish is served with white rice which is the perfect item to soak up the remnants of sauce left on your plate.  Mmm...yummy goodness.

On my ride to the airport we drove down quite a few local streets.  I enjoyed seeing the local culture even if it was from inside the car.  All over the roads are these vehicles that made me think of the Indiana Jones movies...not sure why...

They are called jeepneys and are a cross between a bus and a taxi.  I asked my driver about them and he thought I wanted to go for a ride in one.  He told me I really shouldn't and should stick to taxis.  When I asked him why he said that I wouldn't be able to tell if there "holder-uppers" or "snatchers" on board.  He was dead serious and I will heed his warning and stick to the cars that the office arranges for me.  Again, such a shame because those things look so cool.

Manila was one of the first places that I've traveled to where I felt a little on edge.  Outwardly it looked no different from most cities I've been to but when people in the country even warn you about safety you know that there is definitely truth to it.  I suspect I will have to head back again at some point for work and I will do continue to be safe and keep a low profile.  I just hope that someday things turn around because it really looks like a great place to explore...and I really want a ride in a jeepney.