|
Chinese cemetery |
|
Jose Rizal Memorial |
Low 30s, humid, breezy
It was a full day excursion for us
today in Manila. The first stop was Manila’s Chinese cemetery. Getting to the
cemetery was more interesting than the cemetery itself. The story of the
cemetery is interesting…Chinese weren’t allowed to be buried
in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial time, but there wasn't much to
see there. There were a few giant mausoleums, some even with running water and
kitchens, but for the most part it wasn’t overly
|
Filipino wedding selfie |
interesting.
|
lecion |
Next
was another cemetery – the American Cemetery and Memorial for American soldiers
who died in the Philippines and other surrounding countries during World War II.
This place was somber, quiet and still. It was also very manicured. I’ve seen
row upon row of crosses in cemeteries like this but never in person. I found it
very moving. It was also very well done…that is except for the
‘facilities’…they were NOT manicured.
The place selected by the tour
for lunch was described as the best, biggest Filipino buffet…well…it certainly
seemed like it could have been the biggest. Although I have NOTHING to compare
it to, it was HUGE! It wasn’t a great idea that a bunch of tour buses descended
upon this place at once. It was a mad-house. There were people everywhere, not
at all pushing or shoving, but just going for food. Finally I figured ‘when in
Rome’ and just got a bit of everything I could see and went back to the
security of my own seat. Then the question was drinks…as it turned out ALL
drinks (even boozy ones) were self-serve and included. Once we got a bit of
food and realized the beer was on a self-serve tap we were fine. I tried the
famous Lechon – the whole pig on a spit. It was really quite good…very crispy
skin, moist flesh.
|
American cemetery |
After lunch was a visit to the old of
city, with its cathedral, fort and famous execution and burial ground of Jose
Rizal - a Manila hero.
1 comment:
Still no hammer pants?? lol!
Post a Comment