The Philippines.  

How do I begin to explain the culture shock that has just slapped me in the face. 

The flight from Kota Kinabalu was great, incredible views of Palawan Island, beautiful bays fringed with coral and wrecks.  Then landing in Clark (ex) air force base and catching the bus to Manila. 

The simplest way to describe the craziness of this place is to say that Manila at rush hour makes Bangkok look like Wootton Bassett high street!  Its completely and utterly jaw droppingly insane. We have been sheltered in Malaysia from all the `issues` that are so obvious here.  It was also really strange to use a taxi to get to our accommodation, but that was the safest and least crowded option.

Our backpackers lodge sits on the 4th floor above the hustle and bustle of a main nightlife street.  Amazingly the quietest time of day is around 2pm.  At 2am `quiet` hides in the shadows, too scared to come out.  Gogo bars, restaurants and beggars all want a slice of the greenback.  Going out into the street is an adventure in itself.  Albeit travelers we have met along the way who have been here all said that the Philippines  has been one of their highlights.  Its a crazy place, Manila, with a real edge that leaves you bewildered by its friendliness, fearful of its darker side but somehow always keeps a smile on my face ........... especially as the beer is plentiful and only 25p a bottle. 

Anyway tonight is Malaria pill day so we are both looking forward to some vivid dreams and restless sleep, tomorrow we get the 27hour ferry to Puerto (I keep telling myself that were going on a cruise as its full board and air conditioned) Princesa.  Hopefully we will get to see some real Philippino culture away from the bright neon lights and smogged out streets of the capital city.  We are both really excited by the real challenge this country is proving to be, and it seems like this will be the toughest leg of our journey.

Oh well, bring it on.  Face the fear and do it anyway, twice..................maybe?