Arriving in Manila!

(written: 6/15/2011)

We are freakin’ here! WOOO!  Sorry. I’m ready to be off the plane. I love planes!  I have no qualms about flying. A little nervous when there is turbulence, as anyone would be.  But 12 ½ hours straight with a few sleeping hours, ya, not my favorite. We are here safe and sound.

We had to prepare mentally with all the tips and instructions mom and dad gave us before our trip. Most importantly, be polite when you say no to all the people that will be coming up to you asking to assist you.  Then we have to go thru customs and immigration.  And watch the kids. And keep an eye on your bags. Aye… Lots to remember. Here we go...

There weren’t many people asking us for help. At least from the back of our pack of 7 people where I was there weren’t many. The big boys must have “politely” told them no thank you. Our luggage was where it should have been. All 4 pieces of it. One of ours was actually the last one off the plane. How could we know that? There was a piece of paper taped to it with a hand written message saying “Last One”. 

Still looks like an airport. No difference here. Kids don’t really feel like we are anywhere different either.  We take a few minutes to look for mom and dad. We have given Ritche the responsibility of leading us through the airport and reading the signs. He also has a working cell phone with mom and dad’s numbers in it. As we go through the final doors of the airport we can feel the humidity greet us with a sweaty embrace.  And rain… lots of rain… It’s ok. I can handle rain. It keeps the mosquitoes away.  Mom and Dad pulled up with the 2 vans and Auntie Naty. Yay! I really am so excited to see them. They have been away for almost 4 weeks. No family dinners.  L We are sooo ready for some serious family time!

My wishes for the kids to get a feel for the difference of the two worlds, US and PI, were put on hold a bit as we were picked up at the airport by 2 drivers who would accompany us throughout our trip. We met chauffeurs Nimrod and Danny.  They get our bags for us.  They walk us across the street holding an umbrella for us. They go outside of the restaurant and buy the kids these adorable marionettes as requested by Mom and Dad. A huge difference between an American driver and Mr. Rod and Mr. Danny is that these new people who have just entered our lives are now new friends.  They joined us for lunch. They will also stay with us in the same resorts when we travel to other cities too.