Philippines
So, in this visit we acquired about 30 new family members, of every decade from 0-10 through to 70-80, all very genuine in welcome and preparedness to show genuine affection. It was a very heart-warming experience. A pic of Lachie reading his birthday card from us in
Philippines
about three hours west of Manila is a very unusual and huge coast resort. In this area, a very big developer (who started work a as welder) has taken many Spanish Colonial historic houses from around the country and rebuilt them here (just like the open air museum at Singleton
Philippines
The Catholic church where this took place has a splendid interior. I had visions of a Coronation-like pageant with robed acolytes running hither and thither. But we were shunted off to a smaller side room and the priest alone introduced himself to us. He was a tall, impressive man
Philippines
We were taken on a walk around 'Intramuros', which, as the name suggests, is inside a defended wall built by the Spaniards a couple of centuries ago to protect them from assault. The internal area includes some large paved area, shops and gardens. Driving around Manila requires nerves
Philippines
After an overnight in a VERY Koren hotel, we travelled to Bataan-scene of the WWII battle USA vs Japan for control of the Philipinnes. We are staying on a huge site constructed over a century ago for holiday for the wealthy. they moved all the heritage buildings to this
Philippines
We left Sydney and travelled without hiccups or delays . In the duty free section there was a dire warning from Clarins about the dangers of using skin cream! At Manila Nimoy airport two large people-movers met us and the family greeters and took us to the Manila Hotel. There
Philippines
This hotel is spectacular. Opened in 1912 it has 550 rooms and is built in traditional Spanish style with rich dark tropical hardwoods. marble and now glass. The atrium is huge but doesn't look unwelcoming and is busy. The rooms are very well equipped with all modern conveniences