the month is now july and i am enjoying the summer in u.k. but, back in may i was in the Philippines for my 2nd visit of the year. i was at my property in Angono Rizal and at my beach place in Quezon province. i also managed a walking tour in Manila.
i made my way to Cubao. from there i boarded the lrt2 and travelled down to Recto station. then i wandered through the crowded streets of Quiapo. there was the usual markets but also a busy time because the Quiapo church had some special celebration for the "Black cross". i then made my way across china town and up towards Recto avenue and eventually to Tutaban. the mall was crowded but at least a bit of air-con cools me down a bit. then i emerged at the other end of the mall and went across to Tutaban railway station. But this is now a museum and the boarding point for trains to the south go from the next station.
so, i went back up along side the mall and back to Recto. i turned right and walked along Recto until it came back to the exit of the Pasig River. this area was pretty rough and the people gave a surprised look on seeing this mad foreigner strolling amongst them!! i walked ahead with purpose and pretended i knew where i was heading. a few "hej Joe"'s but no other interest.
i eventually crossed the M.Roxas bridge and turned left into Intramuros. a pleasant stroll down the main street of Intramuros and then i crossed the park to Ermita. time for a few beers in the bars before walking up to Taft and the Lrt to EDSA and then the MRT to Shaw and then an FX to Angono and a tricycle home.
the trip cost very little. my feet were a little sore. but i enjoyed people watching the whole way, getting all sorts of reactions from the people i encountered. mostly friendly. some a little bemused. most ignored me. just the way i like it.
p.s. one guy, sitting with his mates, shouted: "hej Joe". i walked over and said "hello Frank". he looked confused and said "my name is not Frank". i said "my name is not Joe". i then turned and walked away. 1-0 to me, i think...............................................