Manila

Hey all,

I just got to manila and it has been pretty rough so far.

It started off badly when right after getting off the plane I lost my Lonely Planet book, which was my only information about the country. So after figuring out how to get to Manila I asked a couple of people who looked foreign if they were going to a hostel and they said they were and showed me on a map where they were goign and offered a seat in their taxi, so that helped a lot. Their hostel was more of a hotel but they pointed me in the direction of the other hostels, so I wandered off. I found a place that had rooms that locked for about 6 bucks american (300 pesos) so I got it. After getting offered "a pretty young girl" numerous times I left to explore. I asked a couple of folks where the nearest internet cafe was, but most didnt know what internet or computers were. Finally after asking about 10 people I foundmyself in this creepy mall that had almost all of its lights turned off. The internet place was closed, so I went to the bookstore, and they didnt have lonely planet so I just grabbed a map of the city. Then I went to get something to eat, then back to my dark room (no power at the hostel). Also one of the worst things is having little kids barefoot in the rain begging for money, and sometimes following you.

Lay in the rock hard bed for a long time thinking about what I need to do and what I left behnd, mostly the latter. I think I just need time to adjust, but I think Im going to limit this trip to a few weeks, then go back to Singapore and head off for China.

Until then I am going to look for a new hostel, because I remember reading that some had working internet inside them as well as running water. The power turned on last night, so it helped calm my nerves a bit, although it meant lots of shouting and radio and light coming over the wall into my room. Then I think I will work on finding the bus station that can take me to benaue, because I dont think I like Manila a whole lot.

Anyways Im sure it well get better, just gotta adjust, and get out of the city.

Oh yeah and sorry if the spelling isnt the best, I have to slam on some of the keys on this keyboard.

Hope all is well,
George