Once more unto the breach dear friends. Fortunately literally.
After 18 months I was to return to AC, but this time the trip was to take in Singapore rather than an insect plagued dustbowl in NE Thailand. My trip report for Issan and AC still lurks here somewhere if anyone has the time or inclination to check it out.
For various reasons, but principally because I did not take notes or that many photos, this report is going to be based more on my impressions of the trip rather than being a day to day record. While time in Singapore bookended AC I will concentrate first on the Philippines leg of the trip first as I guess that will be of more interest.
Since my October 2012 visit I had managed to get engaged only for the relationship to descend into Thai nuttiness, which came to a head on a trip at New Year to Hua Hin. As I thought that was it (although as it happens it wasn't quite - that has now been sorted now she has worked out I wasn't spending time with my parents), best to take a holiday for myself. I had some business to take care of in Singapore with a couple of good friends and clients so I thought I would go there but was not sure if I fancied more than a weekend in the Stepford City State. One of my Singaporean friends told me that it didn't cost much to get an add on from Singaporean Airlines and so it proved: only an additional £40 to get to Manila and back. I could hardly turn it down.
Travel
All of the flights I took were pretty busy. On the red eye from London I had bought extra leg room which turned out to be a good idea. I always like flying Singapore. Up to date planes, decent food and enough attractive stewardesses to keep oneself from staring into space.
Changi has to be one of the wonders of the modern world. Super efficient when arriving and plenty to do when departing (shame about the beer prices though). Just like Heathrow (or may be not).
Ninoy Aquino IA may be one of the wonders of the prehistoric world. Walking out of it I felt like I was in a sixties movie when a secret agent arrived at an airport in some exotic part of the world - except in those films there never seemed to be many people around. Manila was teeming.
I had forgotten on both legs about certain bureaucratic nonsenses. Coming into Manila I saw on the customs form that I could only bring in 10,000 pesos. I had changed my sterling into a lot more than that so decided that discretion was probably the better part of valour. All round it turned out not to be a good idea as I got a much better rate in the hotel than in Singapore.
On the way back I forgot about the departure tax. I had left just over 600 pesos for a meal, but with the charge of 550 pesos this was turned into just a can of coke. The terminal was apparently being renovated, which may bring it into 1973. It is a desolate place and I will go through Clark later in the year when I return from Bangkok.
There was no problem finding the hotel taxi driver, although I was not sure how he would get the taxi out of the car park, as there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to how cars were parked. He did and then it took an hour (top speed: 10mph) to get to the toll road to AC. I did get to see more of Manila as I arrived mid afternoon rather than in the evening. Couldn't quite grasp how it is set out. I cannot think of anywhere I would wish to drive less (apart from perhaps Kent) so kudos to the drivers for getting through without one prang. No kudos for inflicting me with a soft rock radio station though. It is difficult to tolerate more than a minute of Foreigner or Boston.
Once on the toll road the speed quickened but it also took an hour. I was interested to see the multiple posters erected by the road campaigning against the RH bill. It was a relief after a door to door journey of nine hours to arrive though.
Hotel
I stayed again at The Orchid Inn Resort. I really like this place. I had a King Deluxe Room. The bed was comfy, plenty of channels on the TV and the chambermaid kept it clean (and was a lovely person). All of the staff were pleasant and helpful. I did my usual by locking the safe and then finding I had not learnt how to unlock it properly. Quickly resolved although while I was at reception asking for it to be sorted the aircon broke down. I was quickly moved to another room without any fuss or bother. I was also provided with an adaptor when I asked at reception where I could buy one, as none of mine were suitable, which I thought was cool.
One of the things on my wishlist from the last time was to go swimming more this time. I failed. I managed it only once albeit I was accompanied by a delightful young lady in a bikini which I had bought for her. So in the end that was an improvement.
One of the highlights of the trip, however, was sitting by the pool watching the Bulldogs Roosters and Broncos Eels matches while being served ice cold beers by the waitresses who were dressed in NRL gear. My idea of paradise. The hot dogs and raffle were a nice touch too. I enjoyed the company of the Aussie boys there although I was appalled that no one recognised the London Skolars shirt I was resplendent in.
Next up: food, bars and girls