Saturday, September 4, 2010

Manila

Wow I have already been in the Philippines for one week and have been able to imerse myself into so much cultural experience!
I have experience washing myself with a bucket using cold water and even having to get into the habit of putting toilet paper in the bin not in the toilet!
I have had a taste of crickets, duck embroyos, deep fried rose petals and banana heart as well as eatting rice for pretty much every meal including breakfast and of course the two snacks they have on top of main meals. I'm hoping I won't put on weight here but wow I've eatten way to much in one week!
I have seen many 'big' things - a snail where its shell was as big as my fist, big cenetepids and big worms.
I've been attacked by mosquitos and have heat rush!
I have attempted to learn tagalog even though Cebuana is the language I'll be using!
Seeing my birthday in on the 31st was an entertainining experience with a bright and tight party, a australian pinoy styled BBQ, a cake at midnight, a big group hug with all the volunteers and of course a game of crazy water polo with a balloon in the pool in the wee hours of the morning (and yes I have got the brusies to prove it!)
I came second in the amazing race and experience videoke (karoake) where I sang my little heart out for many hours!
I've seen poverty and homelessness in the streets of Manila including seeing some slums. It makes me realise how important it is the work that I'll be doing in Cebu City, it also makes me appreciate the things we take for granted back home.
I am looking forward to visiting my work place on Monday and settling into my new place (still searching for somewhere!).
Hope everyone is well back at home - I think about everyone all the time, wandering what you are all doing at the moment!
Please keep in touch!
Love Zoe


Sunset from Singapore to Manila


City view of Manile from our resort


Crickets & duck embroyo


Intake 28's tight and bright!


For more photos please go to http://www.facebook.com/zoe.batten

No comments:

Post a Comment