Well we've finally settled into Manila - the house is pretty much unpacked and decorated, and we are starting to explore our new home town. Rick has been traveling a lot lately (now there's a shocker!) but we have had Bec here for a few days so we've taken some time to look around town and see what Manila has to offer.

Our first exploration was Intramuros, the oldest part of Manila. Built during the 15/16th centuries, it's full of Spanish architecture and old forts and canons. Buildings are pocked with bullet holes from past battles and stray cats wander around looking for a feed.

The Pinoys hold their heros is the highest regard, and you can see many of them in statues around the city. There is a large population of the very poor, which is hard to look away from, but everyone tries here to find a way out of their poverty and they have a work ethic here that blows the mind! There's also lots of opportunities to assist here, so I will look into what I can do to help soon.

We are off to Subic Bay tomorrow to show Bec some of the beachy areas that are only a stones throw from town - you just have to get through the traffic! More to come soon!