Raise your hand if you're surprised that I've been slacking on my blog.  Right.

On Sunday, February 13th, a group of us visited Intramuros, the old walled part of the city on a walking tour led by Carlos Celdran.  The tour was a great way to learn the history of the Philippines & Manila - lots of history and some pretty good jokes.  Here are some pictures from our tour:









Someone left their hotwheel on the curb...


Looking like a total tourist...







Freebs, listening intently to Carlos


Faces of all the Philippines Presidents

MacAuthur Statue

The tour was great - I would definitely recommend it for any visitor, especially a history buff.  It was really interesting to hear the Filipino point of view on the history lessons that I've only read from the US perspective.

The tour wrapped up at Saint Augustin's in the center of Intramuros.  My experience there was very special - I'll share in a later post.

Intramuros (AKA - Stuff that happened 10 days ago)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Raise your hand if you're surprised that I've been slacking on my blog.  Right.

On Sunday, February 13th, a group of us visited Intramuros, the old walled part of the city on a walking tour led by Carlos Celdran.  The tour was a great way to learn the history of the Philippines & Manila - lots of history and some pretty good jokes.  Here are some pictures from our tour:









Someone left their hotwheel on the curb...


Looking like a total tourist...







Freebs, listening intently to Carlos


Faces of all the Philippines Presidents

MacAuthur Statue

The tour was great - I would definitely recommend it for any visitor, especially a history buff.  It was really interesting to hear the Filipino point of view on the history lessons that I've only read from the US perspective.

The tour wrapped up at Saint Augustin's in the center of Intramuros.  My experience there was very special - I'll share in a later post.
Haha - I'm kind of surprised that I'm writing about Valentine's Day here.  As a single female traveler, you shouldn't be surprised that romance wasn't in my plans for the day.  While Prince Charming didn't surprise me at my apartment door, it was a wonderful day.

My Valentine's Day started about 14 hours before yours, and I took advantage of the daylight.  See, working the night shift means that I sleep through most of the days during the week, and then I abuse my body through sleep deprivation so that I can get out and about on the weekends.  This means I sleep "normal" hours Saturday and Sunday nights, and then wake up 10 hours before my shift begins Monday night.  Naps are a good thing :).

Around noon on Monday, I decided to venture out on my own.  This was my first trip away from the apartment building on my own - all other previous excursions were with a group of 4 or more.  I had a rough idea of where I wanted to go, and left message with a couple of people who look out for me and then was on my way.

I ate lunch at Pho24, a Vietnamese restaurant along Ayala Triangle Gardens.  After a delicious meal of Pho Chin, I walked over to Greenbelt Mall and window shopped before stopping by Landmark.  Landmark is kind of a Walmart, but with better stuff.  And WAY better service.  I found two cute black dresses that were under $35 each and when I couldn't decide between the two... I ended up with both.

With arms full of groceries, I used the convenient shuttle service for a free ride back to the apartment.  After a quick nap, it was time for the first day of training!  Our Team Leads set up a Valentine's Note Exchange and we had cupcakes and candy.  Here are some of the sweet notes I received. 




By the time my shift ended at 6am on the 15th, I was pretty well spent.  I called the car service to come collect me and I was long asleep before my bedtime.

Next post?  Pictures from Intramuros!

Valentine's Day in The PHP

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Haha - I'm kind of surprised that I'm writing about Valentine's Day here.  As a single female traveler, you shouldn't be surprised that romance wasn't in my plans for the day.  While Prince Charming didn't surprise me at my apartment door, it was a wonderful day.

My Valentine's Day started about 14 hours before yours, and I took advantage of the daylight.  See, working the night shift means that I sleep through most of the days during the week, and then I abuse my body through sleep deprivation so that I can get out and about on the weekends.  This means I sleep "normal" hours Saturday and Sunday nights, and then wake up 10 hours before my shift begins Monday night.  Naps are a good thing :).

Around noon on Monday, I decided to venture out on my own.  This was my first trip away from the apartment building on my own - all other previous excursions were with a group of 4 or more.  I had a rough idea of where I wanted to go, and left message with a couple of people who look out for me and then was on my way.

I ate lunch at Pho24, a Vietnamese restaurant along Ayala Triangle Gardens.  After a delicious meal of Pho Chin, I walked over to Greenbelt Mall and window shopped before stopping by Landmark.  Landmark is kind of a Walmart, but with better stuff.  And WAY better service.  I found two cute black dresses that were under $35 each and when I couldn't decide between the two... I ended up with both.

With arms full of groceries, I used the convenient shuttle service for a free ride back to the apartment.  After a quick nap, it was time for the first day of training!  Our Team Leads set up a Valentine's Note Exchange and we had cupcakes and candy.  Here are some of the sweet notes I received. 




By the time my shift ended at 6am on the 15th, I was pretty well spent.  I called the car service to come collect me and I was long asleep before my bedtime.

Next post?  Pictures from Intramuros!


Wow - once again I have let the week slip by without a post!  This week went by pretty quickly.  I've got a pretty solid routine for before and after work, just trying to hit my stride with a sleep pattern that will provide me with enough energy to train all day, and still let me enjoy the city some.

I was feeling under the weather on Wednesday, and decided to stay at the apartment.  With training starting on the 14th, I can't afford to miss any time so it was important for me to kick this bug before the week was done.  Luckily, I was ready to go Thursday for our Team Effectiveness Training.

So far, the food has been great - but I haven't had much Filippino food.  Breakfast food is exactly what you'd expect - eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc.  The only odd thing is I eat breakfast when I get home from work around 8am before going to bed.  Lunch and dinner (right before work starts) has been all over the place.  I've had some Asian food, Italian food and even KFC one night with the Team Leads.

In a few hours a group of us are heading over to Shangri-la Hotel for their breakfast buffet.  It is absolutely amazing - this will be my 2nd trip.  My favorite item - Pork Bacon!

Week 1 - Flew by!

Friday, February 11, 2011



Wow - once again I have let the week slip by without a post!  This week went by pretty quickly.  I've got a pretty solid routine for before and after work, just trying to hit my stride with a sleep pattern that will provide me with enough energy to train all day, and still let me enjoy the city some.

I was feeling under the weather on Wednesday, and decided to stay at the apartment.  With training starting on the 14th, I can't afford to miss any time so it was important for me to kick this bug before the week was done.  Luckily, I was ready to go Thursday for our Team Effectiveness Training.

So far, the food has been great - but I haven't had much Filippino food.  Breakfast food is exactly what you'd expect - eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc.  The only odd thing is I eat breakfast when I get home from work around 8am before going to bed.  Lunch and dinner (right before work starts) has been all over the place.  I've had some Asian food, Italian food and even KFC one night with the Team Leads.

In a few hours a group of us are heading over to Shangri-la Hotel for their breakfast buffet.  It is absolutely amazing - this will be my 2nd trip.  My favorite item - Pork Bacon!
 It is a little after noon Monday here and we just returned from watching the Super Bowl at a local sports bar.  The broadcast was live, and I think it started around 7am - we left the apartments at 5:30am so we'd be sure to get good seats.


I found a local beer that is surprising like one of my favorites at Hessen Haus - Stiegl.  Here is a picture of Freebs enjoying the beer.

Now I'm back home, ready for a few hours of sleep before going into the office.  But I knew if I didn't write this post now...I probably never would!

Yesterday I visited the Mall of Asia and got a pedicure (about $6 USD) and made a few purchases.


The day before a group of us walked to breakfast and picked up groceries.  I unpacked the food I brought, but without much available storage space in the kitchen, I'm using some of the counter to store food.


Sorry this post is a bunch of random stuff from my weekend - I'm looking forward to figuring out my routine this week; you can expect to hear from me more often. :)

First weekend recap

Sunday, February 6, 2011

 It is a little after noon Monday here and we just returned from watching the Super Bowl at a local sports bar.  The broadcast was live, and I think it started around 7am - we left the apartments at 5:30am so we'd be sure to get good seats.


I found a local beer that is surprising like one of my favorites at Hessen Haus - Stiegl.  Here is a picture of Freebs enjoying the beer.

Now I'm back home, ready for a few hours of sleep before going into the office.  But I knew if I didn't write this post now...I probably never would!

Yesterday I visited the Mall of Asia and got a pedicure (about $6 USD) and made a few purchases.


The day before a group of us walked to breakfast and picked up groceries.  I unpacked the food I brought, but without much available storage space in the kitchen, I'm using some of the counter to store food.


Sorry this post is a bunch of random stuff from my weekend - I'm looking forward to figuring out my routine this week; you can expect to hear from me more often. :)


I shot this video within about 30 minutes of arriving at my apartment after a long day of travel.  Hope you enjoy! :)

Video tour of my apartment

Saturday, February 5, 2011



I shot this video within about 30 minutes of arriving at my apartment after a long day of travel.  Hope you enjoy! :)




Sorry I didn't post something sooner - after 25 hours of travel, I was a little tired when I finally got to my apartment.

Thursday morning, my dad drove me to the airport.  We hit traffic at 63rd and Railroad and I was super nervous that I was going to be late.  Who would have guessed that I would cut it close getting to the airport?  Ha!  Some creative driving by my dad and some major stressing - I made it to the airport without a minute to spare.

My flight from Des Moines to Detroit was easy, and I sat next to a guy from Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of Madagascar.  He just graduated from ISU (the drive from the DSM airport to Ames when he first moved here was the longest drive he's ever been on!) and was heading to an interview in Indianapolis.

When I got to Detroit, I was bummed to see that the Detroit Motor store that I had visited on my way home from Europe in 2007 was now a Motown store.  Nothing against Motown, but it was a sign of the times in Detroit.

I had a decent layover that gave me enough time to grab a steak sandwich and say one last "goodbye" to a few friends via text.  Our original plane had some mechanical issues, so we moved to a different gate and left about an hour later than scheduled.  The flight to Nagoya, Japan wasn't too bad.  At 13 hours, it is the longest flight I've ever been on.  The gentleman next to me was very sweet, his daughters are around my age; if I was asleep when they came by for snacks or drinks, he'd order for me. 

When we arrived in Nagoya, we deplaned and went through security.  I grabbed Starbucks and it was time to re-board.  It was the same plane, but about 10% of the passengers stayed in Nagoya, including my seat mate.  The flight from Nagoya to Manila was around 4 hours.

Immigration and customs were easy, and Greg and Roxy were able to come into the airport to greet me!  It took a while to get all of my luggage then we made our way to the van for the Apartment/hotel.  We drove for about 2 minutes, then I was surprised by the Team Leads holding this sign!






And the back was signed from the entire team

The drive to the apartment was nice - the traffic is crazy by US standards, but not as bad as India.  When I got to my apartment, I quickly booted up my computer to let people know that I made it here, and then shot a quick video that I will upload tomorrow.

More soon, I promise! :)

Greetings from Manila!




Sorry I didn't post something sooner - after 25 hours of travel, I was a little tired when I finally got to my apartment.

Thursday morning, my dad drove me to the airport.  We hit traffic at 63rd and Railroad and I was super nervous that I was going to be late.  Who would have guessed that I would cut it close getting to the airport?  Ha!  Some creative driving by my dad and some major stressing - I made it to the airport without a minute to spare.

My flight from Des Moines to Detroit was easy, and I sat next to a guy from Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of Madagascar.  He just graduated from ISU (the drive from the DSM airport to Ames when he first moved here was the longest drive he's ever been on!) and was heading to an interview in Indianapolis.

When I got to Detroit, I was bummed to see that the Detroit Motor store that I had visited on my way home from Europe in 2007 was now a Motown store.  Nothing against Motown, but it was a sign of the times in Detroit.

I had a decent layover that gave me enough time to grab a steak sandwich and say one last "goodbye" to a few friends via text.  Our original plane had some mechanical issues, so we moved to a different gate and left about an hour later than scheduled.  The flight to Nagoya, Japan wasn't too bad.  At 13 hours, it is the longest flight I've ever been on.  The gentleman next to me was very sweet, his daughters are around my age; if I was asleep when they came by for snacks or drinks, he'd order for me. 

When we arrived in Nagoya, we deplaned and went through security.  I grabbed Starbucks and it was time to re-board.  It was the same plane, but about 10% of the passengers stayed in Nagoya, including my seat mate.  The flight from Nagoya to Manila was around 4 hours.

Immigration and customs were easy, and Greg and Roxy were able to come into the airport to greet me!  It took a while to get all of my luggage then we made our way to the van for the Apartment/hotel.  We drove for about 2 minutes, then I was surprised by the Team Leads holding this sign!






And the back was signed from the entire team

The drive to the apartment was nice - the traffic is crazy by US standards, but not as bad as India.  When I got to my apartment, I quickly booted up my computer to let people know that I made it here, and then shot a quick video that I will upload tomorrow.

More soon, I promise! :)


Its a bit late, or early, depending how you look at it.  Today, err...yesterday was a great day.  I woke up, chatted with a friend, got some work done and spent the afternoon wrapping up the last of my errands with a friend plus a little lunch.  Around 3pm, I returned home to pack.  With the help of my mom and sister, I was about 70% packed before I left for dinner and karaoke with friends.  "I'll be home by 10" I told myself...famous last words.

My sister and I returned home hoarse around 12:30 where I zipped up 3 of my 4 suitcases and have a small pile to pack in the morning.  As I type this, I'm procrastinating packing my carry on bag.

After I get my carry on squared away, I'll catch a few hours of sleep before breakfast with my family then off to the airport.

As I set off on this journey, I want to thank you guys for tagging along.  Look for a post Friday afternoon that I've arrived in Manila!

1:57 am...

Thursday, February 3, 2011



Its a bit late, or early, depending how you look at it.  Today, err...yesterday was a great day.  I woke up, chatted with a friend, got some work done and spent the afternoon wrapping up the last of my errands with a friend plus a little lunch.  Around 3pm, I returned home to pack.  With the help of my mom and sister, I was about 70% packed before I left for dinner and karaoke with friends.  "I'll be home by 10" I told myself...famous last words.

My sister and I returned home hoarse around 12:30 where I zipped up 3 of my 4 suitcases and have a small pile to pack in the morning.  As I type this, I'm procrastinating packing my carry on bag.

After I get my carry on squared away, I'll catch a few hours of sleep before breakfast with my family then off to the airport.

As I set off on this journey, I want to thank you guys for tagging along.  Look for a post Friday afternoon that I've arrived in Manila!
With only 48 hours before I leave for Manila, a snowstorm is exactly what I needed.  I mean that with 100% honesty.  I've been so busy getting ready for this trip - I keep forgetting that I will soon be somewhere tropical!


The giant snow storm that is currently affecting most of the country 
Alright - I'll admit it.  There are about 30 things left on my to-do list and the snow is making it difficult to run errands, but I'm feeling pretty lucky.  I saw the ordeal my friends Joey & Melissa went through returning to Washington DC days after Christmas and a DAY before they moved to Nigeria, and this is no where near as bad.

Now I've got a good reason to stay home, do some laundry and keep packing!

Ah yes...snow is exactly what I need

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

With only 48 hours before I leave for Manila, a snowstorm is exactly what I needed.  I mean that with 100% honesty.  I've been so busy getting ready for this trip - I keep forgetting that I will soon be somewhere tropical!


The giant snow storm that is currently affecting most of the country 
Alright - I'll admit it.  There are about 30 things left on my to-do list and the snow is making it difficult to run errands, but I'm feeling pretty lucky.  I saw the ordeal my friends Joey & Melissa went through returning to Washington DC days after Christmas and a DAY before they moved to Nigeria, and this is no where near as bad.

Now I've got a good reason to stay home, do some laundry and keep packing!

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