March 31, 2004
Manila, Philippines - Day 1
Breakfast at 20 floors above the rest of the world. I am staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, here in the Malate District of Manila. Hospitality is like no other place I've been to, but the area around it is a whole other world, too. Danger? Not this month, but elections are next month, and during last years election, I thnk the President was arrested by the army in a power struggle I think.. It is the poverty that is pretty prevailing here. Little shirtless kids know to hang off visiting American-looking tourists for money. Luckily I look like a real cheapskate, so I do not get the hangers on, like the English-looking man who followed me out of the hotel last night.
Interestingly, things are so cheap here, i've hired a driver for the week I am here. It sounds luxurious, but it is actually just some guy in a beat up camry/corrolla taxi. Until the next time I log on! Cheers
Posted by Jimmy at March 31, 2004 11:16 PM