More Manila Rain & other bits & pieces.

So the rain here is totally insane!! These pics show you the view we normally have out of our bedroom window. And then how the buildings in the view disappear as the rain moves in!?! Totally insane!

Ok, so puddleduck below, is for you dad. This is not at a petting ground or anything. This duck just lives in the garden in the shopping centre nearby. I don't think he eats the koi...lol. I had a good lurk with him during one of my shopping expeditions. I think he thought I had food, because I had a bag with the kettle I had hunted up. He kept trying to look in the bag.

They start here super early with Christmas shopping. I'm already hearing Christmas carols in the stores and below is a picture of one of the stores setting up for Christmas shopping. It was like walking into a wonderland. The picture totally doesn't do it justice!

Opening bank accounts was an experience in itself. We opened accounts at Citibank. This TV with CNN showing, was in the waiting area, when you're wanting to have a meeting with a bank manager. Pretty cool. We were treated with such respect and so much care was taken when we were opening our bank accounts. It was a totally new experience for us at the bank. 

The traffic is a little crazy. This is a pic of our taxi driver trying to squeeze through a tiny gap between two busses much bigger than us!?! 

A couple of weekends back we went to the oldest hotel in Manila. It's just a touristy thing to do. We were desperate for something to eat and found out they had burgers...with a difference. Chips were served in the tall twister. Very different but very enjoyable. It was like stepping into another world. It was so classically grand with wood inlaid ceilings. It seemed to be the spot for brides to get ready too, because while we were there, about 3 or 4 brides must have come through, with other wedding parties entering the hotel to get ready. Was very interesting! But more about churches and weddings in another blog I hope.