Today was a fabulous day. I have wanted to visit the Philippines for a long time and today was finally the day. I have met so many nice friends from the Philippines that I wanted a chance to see and experience their country. As I mentioned yesterday, I decided to go on a ship’s tour. We were a little delayed getting away this morning but around 0930 we were off. Our first stop was Rizal Park. Here Dr José Rizal, who was the Philippines equivalent to Ghandi in standing up against Spanish rule, is honored. The monument and park are lovely. One of the things that really caught my eye here were the Jeepneys. Their origins come from modified WWII U.S. Army jeeps. Boy are these babys colorful. Even our Executive Chef, Bernie Ruiz, has one. Notice the Holland America theme on his. Next stop was Fort Santiago in Intramuros. It took quite a beating during WWII but is still impressive. Our next stop was Casa Manila a reconstruction guided by Imelda Marcos to depict life during the Spanish period. Along the way I also got a chance to see San Augustin church and the Manila Cathedral, both impressive. We even went into some of the poorer sections including the markets under the Quiapo Bridge. After my tour I went out to the Mall of Asia, the largest in Southeast Asia. It is very, very large. I really enjoyed my day in the Philippines. The welcome they provided and the farewell prior to our departure was without a doubt the warmest we have had at any port, hands down. The people of the Philippines are a very warm, caring and genuine….. Great day!!!!
6 comments:
Jeff your a better man than I am. After 2 weeks aboard I am exhausted and not white by the way as you would know. Guess on a longer voyage you pace yourself. Can't figure out why ever ship I sail on runs out of Coor's Light though? Will take awhile to catch up on what I missed but thought I should let you know safe and sound back in this WHITE, COLD, SNOW, laden country. Yes snowing by the way.
Holly I think you posted that I don't take hardware on a cruise? You would not want me posting late at night. LMAO. Jeff would have his hands full editing.
Ok that does it. A ship that runs out of beer???? I'll never be able to go on a cruise that's for sure. It's one thing if Jeff can't get his Diet Coke, but me without beer for an extended period of time, that could be worse than PMS and no editing would replace the lost butt parts of a the crew member responsible. LOL!
So enjoying these amazing adventures with you... both Cor & I feel like we are travelling with you and Sas & Al .... happy sailing
The Lott Sisters
Holly thats 2 cruises in a row.
Sea Princess Last Year.
Emerald Princess This Year.
But did not bother me too much as took my coor's with me.
Thats will fix them!
The travel agent in me says maybe it's time to change cruise lines! I see a theme. Emerald Princess, Sea Princess... Maybe a Holland America should be in your future!
Sorry but GRAND Princess in 09 as amazing intinerary!
Just have to take a bigger cooler next year! LMAO
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