Manila

After having recovered a few hours in a hotel room after my 8 hour busride to Manila I ventured out in to the capital. 

I met up with Gerald and he was kind enough to show me around one of the main attractions in Manila, the gated spanish city of Intramuros. Especially the fort that held the national hero José Rizal imprisoned before his execution by the spanians for infusing rebellion and unrest. 

 

After this we went across the city to the higest point of Manila that houses a resort/restaurant called Cloud Nine. This was also home to a friend of Gerald, an artist named Otto. Otto had his studio at the top floor of a tower accessible by two hangbridges. Stepping inside his studio it was a bit like entering a wizards tower, with skulls and other items decorating the walls. 

Despite having an adress and interior of a mad sorcerer Otto was a really nice guy, with a lot of interesting pieces of art. Most of his stuff is actually scattered across the world but you can see some of it here www.facebook.com/othoniel.neri

Otto was even nice enough to sketch me while I was there. 

 

Then it was up onto the roof to watch the lights of Manila, before going down the top hangbridge, which was a lot steeper and shaky than the lower one..

 

Coming back towards the city center we met up with the girls and went out for a nice seafood dinner that left me exhausted.. 

We stayed out late untill heading to the airport for my 5.15 am flight to Singapore. Then it was time for a last goodbye.. My plan was never to visit Manila but circumstances made it so and I couldn't have asked for a better 24 hours there. 

Since I first landed in Cebu airport a month ago everyone I met have welcomed me with open arms and hearts.. You all made this visit so much more than I expected and I'm you forever thankful!