Manilla, Philippines

Manilla was nice, but to be honest, it was not one of my favorite travel destinations.  As with most places and sights I have traveled, first impressions are the most important, and the first impression you receive of Manila is the humidity and traffic !  I thought India was bad with population and traffic jams, Manilla is just as bad.

The reason why I feel differently about India with its’ humidity, traffic jams and population, is because it is a different experience in India, a cultural experience.  I fell in love with India because I fell in love with the culture and everything about India, it was so different, yet despite the similarities of the Philippines.  It did not have that feel or culture like India, and definitely not the hospitality either. 

Stepping out off the plane at the Nino Aquino International Airport you are hit by the thick dense air, the humidity is stifling.  Make sure you travel in light clothes or change at the airport with the benefit of the air conditioning prior to exposing yourself to the humidity.

Once you have dealt with humidity, next is the mass of people.  This should not really be a surprise considering Manila is one of the most populated cities in the world.  I most say on a positive note, that most of the people were very friendly and courteous.

Manila has a lot to offer the tourist, some Manila attractions you really should not miss are:

~  Intramuros

~  Fort Santiago.

~  National Museum of the Philippines

~  Binondo/Chinatown

~  Manila Baywalk

~  Manila Bay Sunset

~  Shopping in Manila

~  Malate Church

~  Manila Cathedral

~  San Agustin Church

~  San Agustin Museum

~  Greenbelt Park

~  Manila Zoo

~  Cultural Center of the Philippines

If you are staying in Manila for any length of time then find some time to fly to one of the 7,000 enchanting islands.