Mabuhay Manila!

Arrival in NAIA

October 12, 2006 (From left to right: Veerle, Danny, Papa Vic, Nico, Neri and Mama Lisette) <br/>

During the few free days we had before the wedding, we made a tour around Manila and Makati, just to give them a glimpse of what Philippines is. Mama Lisette, Papa Vic, Nonkel Staf, Tante Mireille, Danny, Veerle and Lukasz were part of the group. Tatay, Nanay, Daniel, Geli, Joy and JM were our hosts. And not forgetting our ever entertaining Lola! The first itinerary was trip to Intramuros. We had such a funny guide explaining to us everything from the burning bamboo tree - the footsteps engraved on the walkway - why he doesnt understand the game golf - to the dungeon where Rizal was imprisoned. After Intramuros, we also had a small-heart attack-trip with a horse carriage by the Extramuros. From the stadion where Pope John Paul II celebrated World Youth day - Rizal Park - until the busy street of the university belt in Manila (crossing the red light with our fast- as-lightning horse!). The famous Chinese Cemetery was also on the list. We visited this cemetery (weird you think? hehe it was a little bit interesting) where the living offers and supplies the dead with their favorites here on earth. From food, to drinks to money! But the weather was not on our side, drizzle here, drizzle there and quite a lot of mosquitos cut our cemetery visit short...although I can say, "Rich is rich, dead or alive!" After that breath-holding trip with the caruaje (horse carriage), the mosquito battle at the Chinese cemetery, and the trip to the Lechunan, we went to Makati for dinner. We ate at "The Kitchen"...and this time Lukasz was able to join. Nico picked him up at the airport after the Intra-Extramuros trip. Tatay also joined us for dinner. We ate the night away! Fun talk and loooots of stories were shared that night. Its nice to see everyone come together, as a family.

Mama Lisette and Papa Vic

with the carabao in Makati