Different

Well I arrived the Philippines Yesterday, all in one piece. It's hot and sunny and Manilla is dirty and crowded! I checked in to the hostel and after some frustrating reservation mix ups I got a bed. It was perhaps the smallest, darkest room I have ever seen, most of the rooms are pretty good but I ended up with a dud. I am moving into better space tonight and Amanda is arriving from Taipei.

Yesterday I went exploring to this very old part of the city and saw a church that is from the 16th century. It was neat and so old. The poverty in the neighbourhood was a little overwhelming. Children always have their hands out hoping a friendly face will give them something. It's a really different than Taipei.

I have all day today here and tomorrow I am heading to the beach, I can't wait. People told me not to stay in the city to long and now I understand why. Hopefully today will be okay and I won't fall into any puddles as I did last night in the dark, not to fun!