Apr 13, 2005 - Manila, Philippines

I am curious in what the Philippines has to offer as a destination. I originally booked this destination as a wild card. All I knew of this place is that they used to have a huge American Air Base here, which was abandoned after the nearby Mount Pinatobo erupted, causing massive destruction. I also knew that there was supposed to be good diving here and that Manila was a vast, cosmopolitan city. I originally planned for a month here, which is what is really needed to get out to the Islands and explore the Philippines, but after seeing...

Feb 24, 2005 - Manila, Philippines

A beautiful country, but we did not see it! We could not go into Manila because they do not accept cruise ships, anymore. Our ship stopped in Subic Bay, Philippines because we had 140 crew members that were getting off the ship to be reunited with their families. It was heartwarming to witness these reunions. Some of these people had been away for 8 months. These gentle people are very warm and friendly. When our country abandoned the navy base in Subic Bay, we left 8 billion dollars worth of infrastructure behind. Today, all that is left...

Feb 7, 2005 - Manila

Fuer viele sind die Philippinen eine reine Badeferiendestination. Wir kombinierten den Badespass mit einer kleineren "Land, Leute und Kulturreise" in dem wir die Reisterassen im Norden der Insel Luzon besuchten. Wir sind ja nun erprobte Busfahrer, so dachten wir zumindest. Von Manila aus gings mit einer Lotterkiste ueber Nacht nach Banaue. Die Strassen waren ganz in Ordnung, nur leider sehr kurvenreich, aeusserst kurvenreich (so etwa wie Ilanz - Obersaxen und das 6 Stunden lang). Die Busfahrer kommen dadurch recht in Schwitzen, vielleicht...