Manila
Hard lessons learnt already
16.01.2011 - 16.01.2011
28 °C
After our first night in Manila we had a bit of cabin fever and needed to get out of the room. We managed to see a cock fight and put on a bet. It was a mad spectacle. Probably wouldn't go again but good to see all the same. We had a couple of horse drawn buggy's called Kalesa's that took us all around. Man some people are poor. It was incredible to see tiny kids literally playing in the Manila traffic. the drivers took us to a shooting range where we all had a go at some pistols and the boys had a crack at an Uzi. Again probably never do it again but the smile on Matt's face was priceless. This is where we got ripped off the first time, at 50 pesos a round they reckon we used 280 because of the Uzi's which was bullshit but you don't want to argue with a gun shop owner in a foreign city. Call me a a big girl but we paid the money and got the f#ck out of Dodge. Something told me it was not up for negotiation. The second time we got hit was by the drivers, slammed us again. I was that pissed off with myself that I vowed it wouldn't happen again. The problems here are many and most operators will take advantage of tourists if you are not strong with them. Our problem is we are naive and not used to negotiating or bartering a price. I say it because it is our problem. Had I been a bit stronger and aggressive I would be a fair bit richer now. Anyway lessons learnt the hard way, blew our weeks budget in a day. Just about had enough of Manila, doesn't seem to be an awful lot to see except the hustle and bustle and it being so different to home. The people here have been very friendly. They seem to be very quick to smile and are very polite. One more day and we're off to Palawan, the reason why we came. Definately need to see some sand and coral.
Posted by mike1967 16.01.2011 02:45 Archived in Philippines Tagged people
