38,000 people per square mile

 Many of the crew members are Filipino.  Junar, who makes my latte every morning, is one of those.  A few weeks back, he made a sad face in my foamed milk. 

Koala

Mosque

 

Christmas ornament

In addition to Viking changing the schedule from two nights in Manila to one night in Manila, they told the crew that, for security reasons, they couldn’t have their families on board.  Junar, and probably others, had already arranged for their families to travel to Manila so they could spend their few hours off with them.  Something happened and the powers that be at Viking changed their minds, so back were the smiling faces in my coffee.  Maybe some sympathetic passengers made a stink.  I wouldn’t be surprised.  It was heartwarming to see families touring the ship with the crew members, who they probably hadn’t seen for months.

Masses of people.  It’s Sunday and we’re in Manila, in the Philippines, a predominately Catholic (with a capital “C”) country.  It’s a panoramic bus trip around the city and it’s HOT.  Not so panoramic when the bus windows are dirty.  Probably doesn’t pay to wash the windows.  The air quality isn’t good.  Lots of people with masks.  On the way to the first stop I try to take photos of street scenes, but we have a police escort again and aren’t going slow enough to capture the best shots. 

We pass a lot of Jeepnees. 

Jeepnee

These are customized stretch vehicles that act as a kind of cross between a taxi and a bus.  Junar made a picture of one in my morning late.  These unique vehicles originated after WWII as converted Jeeps.  These are privately owned and each one follows a prescribed route that is identified on its colorful signage.  People hop in through the back door and sit knee to knee along two bench seats.  They pass the fare from one hand to the next and up to the driver, on the honor system.

First stop is the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.  The Black Nazarene is a dark-skinned wood statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross on the way to his crucifixion.   Touching the statue is believed to cure disease. 

The basilica is packed full of people, spilling out the sides.  Outside vendors are selling rosaries, miniature Black Nazarenes and other religious paraphernalia.  We’re crushed by the crowds as the guide leads us past the statute.  I think we have the inside track here too, because we make our own line and file past without a wait.

I’m anxious to get back on the bus.  The battery on my listening device is dead and I can’t keep track of the guide in these crowds. Moving on to another church, and another church, I stay on the bus.

Then on to the Intramuros, the old walled city that was built by the Spanish in the 16^th century. 

Fort Santiago is where the national hero Dr. Rizal was held after his writings incited a revolution against Spanish rule.  Footprints in the cobblestone walk mark the path he walked on the way to his execution.  Monuments are erected in his honor here and all over the Philippines.  

 Also within the walls is a government shop selling souvenirs made in Manila, supposedly discounted.  I pick up a couple of items and Bob grabs a cold Filipino beer.  I have to follow a little woman around to five different stations in order pay.  She has my credit card and I don’t want to let her out of my sight.  Back on the ship, I have buyer’s remorse about the purchases.  I probably could have gotten the same thing at the dollar store.  Made my choices too fast, too much pressure.  So, if you’re expecting any presents, don’t get your hopes up.

Grabbed a quick lunch back at the ship and struck out for the Mall of Asia. 

Bob is looking for electronics.  I’m looking for bargains.  Tried to follow the digital map and got lost at least three times before giving up on the Cyberzone.  I found a shirt for Bob at Columbia. 2XL in Asian sizing fits, but is a little short.  I know we didn’t see half of this place, but the crowds have gotten to me and it’s minimally air conditioned.  Back to our cocoon. 

As I write this we are on the way to Shanghai.  It’s raining and cold, in the 40’s I’m guessing. 

Tomorrow at Shanghai we have a tour in the morning, then some free time, and then get ready for the shindig, the christening of the Viking Sun.  We’ll be all dressed up in our finery and in our fleece.