Thank you to those who have written words of encouragement, it is nice to know that it is not just Shirley and I accessing this thread. I started this 'story' in order perhaps to explain my experiences out in the Philippines during my first visit, just to give a 'bare-bones' account and so pass on what knowledge I had garnered, to help other first time visitors. But I am writing more than I intended.

I was surprised how jetlagged I was, for the first few days I felt quite tired. And yet when I flew back I was fine after a nights sleep. But, no matter, I took in the sights during the first few days. The Mabuhay Manor Hotel is only a short distance from the Mall of Asia, and that is where we headed on Day 3. At 17 pesos for the two of us the cost of a jeepney was very reasonable. In fact there appears to be only 2 prices for a ride on one: 8 1/2 pesos for a short journey, and 17 pesos for a long journey. Bargain! Mind you, the taxi fare back cost us 90 pesos!

The Mall of Asia was interesting, not that I am much of a shopper, but because it was in a foreign country. In appearance it is a vivid contrast to the small shops found around the area we were staying, which were definitely third world. Whereas the Mall could have been located anywhere in the world, judging by it's appearance. At the far end one has views of Manila Bay, and there are restaurants located there with good sea views. And on the ground floor is a full size ice rink. Interesting.

I enjoyed the Mall, maybe because I had a beautiful gf with me, maybe because I had a beautiful gf with me who didn't want me to spend my money buying her things. What a girl!! Everywhere there is security. Shops outside the Mall proper all have security guards, and bags are checked and bodies frisked upon entry to the huge Mall. (3rd largest in the world)

Further along the bay is the Oceanarium, which we paid a visit to. Not very large, but worth a visit. We took the easy option and the hotel taxi took us, cost about £2.50. A local taxi back - less than a pound. And this highlights one observation of the Philippines that struck me as so different to the UK. And that is the number of people doing whatever they can to earn some money. At the taxi area near the Oceanarium a youth ran around until he could flag a taxi for us, that was his living. I got used to carrying small change/notes with me for tips, usually 20 pesos plus, depending on the service provided.

If in doubt I always gave a small tip for any help. There are armies of people just looking to make a little money, and in England we just don't have that. I suppose the welfare society has put paid to that. But in the Philippines labour is obviously so cheap and there are so many people looking to earn just enough to feed themselves for another day. I had bought some seriously uncool shorts with me, and when I bought some at a shop in the Mall the level of attention given by the attractive young shop assistant was remarkable. She didn't quite follow me into the changing booth to help me try them on, but she was waiting outside for my opinion. What a contrast to British shop service.

I had earned myself some brownie points by insisting I wanted to see Shirley's family as soon as I could, so the next day we journeyed out to see them ........ next post to follow soon.