Part 17: Station of the cross.... The reason why I chose Manila as the base of my travels, and why I spent so much time here, was in part due to how some of the wonderful people in this beautiful, understated country of 94million endeared them selves to me. I've talked several times in my blog about the politeness, the smiles and the hospitality they have shown me. I have done my best to immerse myself fully in their culture, embrace the traditions, meet the p...

Part 16: Holy week.... For the first time since I arrived in Asia I had no plans for a few days, especially after the ordeal at the airport, all I wanted to do was relax. It was good to be back in my apartment over looking Manila because this was really starting to feel like home now. It was the week before Easter and the Filipinos make a huge deal out of the celebrations here, on 'Holy week' I learned that everything quite literally shuts down for a few day...

Part 15: Drama at Hong Kong International..... The next day it was time to head to the Airport to catch my early evening flight back to Manila. I arrived at Hong Kong international airport a little later than I would have liked, but with just about an hour and a half till my 19.15 flight, I thought it would just about be enough time. It was a huge airport and all the check in desks were in alphabetical order in one freakishly long row. When I found the the Ce...

Part 14: Macau China.... Up to now most of my explorations have been alone. I've enjoyed travelling at my pace, doing my own thing, taking notes for my blog, people watching and going exactly where I wanted to go. You learn a lot about your self in these situations. I've learned, much to my own surprise, that I am resourceful and adaptable and no where near as socially awkward as I first thought I was at the beginning of my travels. But today for my Trip to t...

Part 13: Lantau Island... Finally, I managed an early start for my search of the giant Buddha statue. There were several points of interest to see on the island and a long day beckoned so I took the hour long metro to Tung Chung on Lantau island which was linked via an under sea tunnel from Hong Kong island. It was a bit of a welcome breather from the relentlessness of the city as it can become relentless. Here it was green, lush, much less populated and air...