{{ April 6th Manila and the Orchidarium Luneta Park plus Intramuros the Old Town

On my very last day of a trip lasting 91 days I planned a fairly ambitious day but had no idea what lay ahead. Manila holds many wonders. A whole area of old Manila called Intramuros is filled with adventure and classic old architecture and history. But first, the Orchidarium. I bet you thought there would be no more flower pictures...wrong!

The Philippines most famous hero Jose Rizal and martyr depicted in some spectacular sculptures 

Some of the other flowers...

Inside Intramuros...

A break for lunch of Tamarind Soup and Cebu Chicken Inasal and desert of Halo Halo which is a curious and unique concoction which tastes marvellous. Comprised of shaved ice, evaporated milk, various sweet boiled beans and various fruit, it tasted so good I forgot to take a picture of it.

{{ April 4th A follow up to my accommodation in Sabang Puerto Galera DREAM HILL CONDOS

It was booked last minute on a very busy Easter weekend but turned out wonderful. Dream Hill Condos is exactly that, a dream of Swedish ex-pat Alf. He always liked the Greek Islands and wanted to do a similar feel project and choose Puerto Galera in the Philippines as a diver first and Hotel/Condo developer later. Alf has been in the Philippines for 14 years. A work in progress, He rents out condos units on a regular basis. Some are long term and some short term. Providing all the amenities but more important...the million dollar view.

My unit was the middle one of the yellow fronted units.

In short, heartily recommended if you want a quiet area with spectacular views and a great host...Alf and Dream Hill Condos.

{{ April 6th Publishing Problems

Hello all. For several days now I am unable to publish the blog using photos. I have tried what I can think of so far to no avail. Text comes through I think so should be able to send this...

I will keep trying but in the meantime for those with Instagram I am on there as Pigseye27 and on Flickr website as jgriff27

.................. Google Blogger .......... Please take note! ...................

****** Just after I sent this the problems seem to be rectified... Go figure!

{{ April 3rd Puerto Galera and some great shots (photos not alcohol)

This was my last full day here so we investigated hiring a Tricycle and driver for several hours to tour. The rate was 800 pesos (C$22.26). Done! I managed 3 shots I really liked.

Black-naped Oriole 

White Beach from high above

Butterfly 

Our self guided tour took us to the Mangyan Village. A collective of indigenenous peoples it is very well laid out collection of houses, gardens, school, store and display areas where crafters can display and sell there wares.

The Mangyan people.

**The olders 

**The Youngers

Some of the crafters

And me...

And then lunch at Veronica's Restaurant and Talipanan Beach.

Finally our driver and Tricycle

{{ April 2nd White Beach Puerto Galera Philippines

Today it was White Beach. This is the biggest, most well known and arguably the most beautiful. Certainly there was lots to see and do.

We rode there in a tricycle, similar to the one pictured below. It is essentially a motorcycle with a sidecar which is customized elaborately with graphics, Chrome and colours.

Equally colourful Jeepney...

White Beach ....

One the more unusual confections sold at the beach..essentially cooked coconut with sugar and honey and wrapped with banana stem segments.

Some of the people...

And these ladies selling cigarettes with a free lighter

Of course I picked one of the busiest periods of the year. Thousands of people were there for Easter week...including a live concert

This interesting poster

A few of the birds I saw today

And finally a gorgeous sunset