Part 42: Getting stronger..... My shoulder injury was still causing me grief and although slightly improving, it was still to early to do the boot camp. I could easily suffer a recurrence, or much worse, that would be the last thing I wanted, to risk cutting my trip short, so all I could do was watch for now. Hoping to join in further down the line, I was at least keen to keep up some level of fitness. Weights or anything to strenuous on my shoulder was not a...

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...