Whew... What a week!!
First of all, I apologize.. if no one else but myself for not being regular on my blog. I believe its been close to 3 years since I came here. But as they say, better late than never.
A lot has happened obviously in the past three years. I got married, changed jobs and cities and finally took the first step towards my infant dream... to travel the world! Its been a week since I came to sunny (sometimes, actually mostly rainy) Manila in beautiful Philippines. I understand there are tons of blogs on expats travelling, working and staying in the Philippines. However, since this is my blog, here is my two cents- a week by week account of all that I experience (good and bad) from the perspective of an average Indian traveller.
My flight was on the 28th of July late in the night with the intention of landing in Manila on Sunday morning. I took a Cathay Pacific, given that Malaysian Airlines kind of botched their reputation with the MH 370 debacle. As I bid an emotional goodbye to my wife and sister, I was probably 80% nervous and 20% excited. The ratio changed quickly though with the experience being one-of-its kind. Starting from the check-in, immigration and security check, it took all of 30 minutes to reach the boarding gate.
Also had an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with my pilot (British guy named Tim) on topics ranging from football to his experience in the Far East. The in-flight experience was good, though for some reason, the cabin crew came off as curt. I worked with the hospitality sector and know a plastic smile when I see one. Anyway, the in-flight entertainment and meals took the edge off. We were to land in Hong Kong at 6 in the morning for a transit flight. The experience was, in a word, horrid. Thankfully, I met another Indian at the airport who frequently travels to Manila. Godsent, I tell you. I would have almost missed my flight otherwise.
So I peer out the window and there it is... the Philippines archipelago.
I had never seen water so blue and landscapes so beautiful before (then again, it was my first trip abroad). So I land at 9.45 a.m. at the NIA airport in Manila, all excited and raring to go. The immigration process was peaceful here as well, though the lady in question looked quite sullen. I guess its a part of their job. Anyway, so we head out and behold... It was like India!! Taxi drivers running after you asking whether you wanted a ride. Like literally, they charge you 2000 pesos. Thankfully, I was given a heads-up on this and took a yellow cab. Cost me around 300 pesos only!
The drive was peaceful, had my first view of the local mode of transportation (Jeepneys) on the road!!
First of all, I apologize.. if no one else but myself for not being regular on my blog. I believe its been close to 3 years since I came here. But as they say, better late than never.
A lot has happened obviously in the past three years. I got married, changed jobs and cities and finally took the first step towards my infant dream... to travel the world! Its been a week since I came to sunny (sometimes, actually mostly rainy) Manila in beautiful Philippines. I understand there are tons of blogs on expats travelling, working and staying in the Philippines. However, since this is my blog, here is my two cents- a week by week account of all that I experience (good and bad) from the perspective of an average Indian traveller.
My flight was on the 28th of July late in the night with the intention of landing in Manila on Sunday morning. I took a Cathay Pacific, given that Malaysian Airlines kind of botched their reputation with the MH 370 debacle. As I bid an emotional goodbye to my wife and sister, I was probably 80% nervous and 20% excited. The ratio changed quickly though with the experience being one-of-its kind. Starting from the check-in, immigration and security check, it took all of 30 minutes to reach the boarding gate.
Also had an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with my pilot (British guy named Tim) on topics ranging from football to his experience in the Far East. The in-flight experience was good, though for some reason, the cabin crew came off as curt. I worked with the hospitality sector and know a plastic smile when I see one. Anyway, the in-flight entertainment and meals took the edge off. We were to land in Hong Kong at 6 in the morning for a transit flight. The experience was, in a word, horrid. Thankfully, I met another Indian at the airport who frequently travels to Manila. Godsent, I tell you. I would have almost missed my flight otherwise.
So I peer out the window and there it is... the Philippines archipelago.
The drive was peaceful, had my first view of the local mode of transportation (Jeepneys) on the road!!
They are as unique to the Philippines as the tuk tuk is to Thailand. Quite a solution to the supposed traffic snarls in an around the metro area!
I reached my hotel (City Garden) in an hour and checked into a superior room. Spacious, though without a view. Nice amenities, decent food and ever-smiling staff (plastic ones here as well though). The gym and pool is really nice and the city looks beautiful from the 20th floor. Had a quick brunch, showered and slept off the day. Woke up late in the evening for a quick walk in the neighbourhood. That is when I realized the hotel is next to well an exotic area in Makati. Lots of middle aged European men with their Filipino girlfriends went in and out of the avenue. (ahem!) Anyway, went to a 7/11 for toiletries and a travel charger (please buy one in advance in case you travel to Manila).
Day One at work was interesting. Met the team, really close knit and on their feet. Had a chat with the local leadership and basically spent the entire day figuring out my co-ordinates. Had a look at the entire facility. Basically, my office is next to the SM Mall of Asia, one of the landmarks in Manila and right by the bay area.
In the evening, I finally had a chance to go to the Mall and realized it was bigger than it looked! My team tells me if you plan on visiting every shop for say 5 mins, it would take you 1.5 years to cover the entire mall! Don't want to validate that one!! :)
So I usually come back late.. quite late actually. The drive back to the hotel is peaceful and quick. My usual routine is to log in for a video chat with my wife and folks before I hit the hay. The hotel's wi-fi is pretty good considering the usage. Pretty soon I was upgraded to an executive suite with a panoramic view of the city. Check out this one...
Now thats what I'm talking about!! Its even more beautiful in the night if you ask me..
This weekend I planned to explore two landmark tourist spots- the Manila Ocean Park and Intramuros. Come Saturday and I packed up my camera and headed out to the harbour area. The Ocean Park is located bang next to it and boy is it interesting!!! My first encounter with marine life of all sorts was one-of-its kind. Check out the pics below..
Starting from the jellyfish, to the Amazon with their catfish and eels to cute penguins to sharks!! The highlight was an underwater tunnel with rays, sharks and groupers swimming elegantly over the top of your head. Made the ride worthwhile. Trust me, this is one place you definitely want to visit!! Oh by the way, I just found Nemo.. :)
Sunday was reserved for a quieter escape.. So i headed out to the Spanish part of Manila called Intramuros (Latin for "within the walls") Its the oldest part of modern day Manila, part of the Spanish legacy when Philippines was a colony. Beautiful landscape, awe inspiring views and vintage delight is how I would sum up my day. All in all a very productive outing, I must say!
So that sums up my first week in Philippines. Still lots more to come and definitely a lot more to look forward to. Stay tuned in folks, hopefully I will do justice to the warm and hospitable land of a thousand islands!! Peace...
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