Manila, Philippines

We made it to Manila where communication is easier as the signs are all in English and we hear Spanish words in conversation.  The city is huge and malls seem to be what people want to find when here.  However, we've been here about 24 hours and seen only one group of 3 foreign travelers.  The rest must be out on one of the other 7105 islands having fun.

Jeepneys are the motor scooters of The Philippines.  Manila's streets are alive with them.  I had never heard of these public transit vehicles originally made from American Jeeps left at the end of the war that have become national icons. Over the years they have evolved into a much longer vehicle, often made of stainless steel, which is much cheaper to work with over here.  Each jeepney is indiviually and elaborately decorated by the owner/driver.  I saw one with "Miranda" elegantly scripted over the windshield yesterday.  The route is painted on the side and appears on the windshield with so many other stickers, that it's hard to believe that the driver can see anything.  The passengers sit on 2 long benches with the fare passed from hand to hand up to the trusting driver.

trisikads are also plentiful on the streets of Manila.  They are bike pedicabs suitable for only one person driven by kids as young as 12 , it seems.  These vehicles are also highly personalized and we often see the driver having a nap inside while waiting on a fare.

And then there are the faster, noisier, roomier, tricycles--motorcycle taxis.  Add in the cars, buses, armored hummers, and let's just say we look both ways before crossing the street.  Actually we try to just wait for a local to go and tag along beside.