Back to the Philippines, Sigh...

Our Jet-Star flight from Singapore to Manila was postponed for 4 hours, after we had rushed to get there in the morning and stood in line behind a group of about 10 Austrian young people whose luggage was way too heavy, whose tickets did not seem to be in the computer, and who generally had not prepared to fly that morning. When we were finally getting ready to board (free seating) several from this group ran to the front of the line and cut in front of those of us who had been waiting patiently. It was interesting to note that many of those travelling from Singapore to Manila held People's Republic of China passports.

Our arrival in Manila was uneventful and we got a Cebuano speaking taxi driver, which is always nice! We had decided that since we were coming off a nice trip, and it was Dad's birthday, we would stay in a hotel rather than Shalom guesthouse where we often stay. We had found The Hotel Kimberly online, and it looked very nice, and we were willing to pay a little more for a nicer stay this time. We had made our reservation for a non-smoking room with a double bed back in December, but when we arrived, the only room they could give us with a double bed was on the smoking floor. One wonders what exactly is the true meaning of the word "reservation?" They took us to a non-smoking room with twin beds and we decided to take it thinking we could change rooms the next day. Upon inspection of the room we found that the curtains didn't close all the way, the windows looked out onto a balcony accessible from someplace else, and our room could be easily entered by the window onto this balcony. And this room cost more than the LOVELY room we had in Thailand! Ack! So we asked to be moved to the room on the smoking floor. Then Dad was given the bill, to be paid for our three days in advance. The amount given originally was in dollars, but they asked for pesos, figured at the current exchange rate, which is now higher then when we made our reservation (for a room we were not able to get) in December. Dad said we would wait and talk to the manager in the morning...

The room had a bath tub, but only a flash water-heater, set on medium which could not be changed. It would be impossible to heat enough water to fill the tub. The shower attached to the wall at waist level. The fan in the bathroom and the air conditioner in the room were extremely loud and rattley... We couldn't wait to get out of there!

Dad talked to the manager (who is from CDO) the next morning. I avoided being in on the conversation, pretty much, since under such conditions, Dad is a lot more patient. We paid for the night, explained why we were disappointed (he really did want to know) and went down the street to Shalom guesthouse where we were quite comfortable for the next couple days.

We ate most of our meals in the mall right down the street, and were immediately brought back to the reality that the Philippines is a VERY noisy country. All the malls we went to in Thailand and Singapore were quiet, but here the noise is incredible! There is the loud mall music sound track, each store has its own sound track, and then there are the blasting sound system, electric piano and TV demos, and people talking loudly to be heard over it all. Yep, we are back in the Philippines.

We had good visits with Leah and the Ballentynes. It was great to hear all about Crystal's application to go to college at Ateneo and play basketball for them. Sounds like a win-win situation!