Well even though life isn’t tough … One always can use a holiday. So what why not, but where too this time? I’m in search of the elusive Lumpia! So My search has taken me to the Philippines.

Manila happens to be the first stop. What can be said about Manila …. I have trouble finding the words to describe it. I’ll say one thing, It’s not one I would stay in for an extended period of time. It’s not all bad, just not my thing.

Lets start with things I love and travel for, Food. Food out here is very ummm … Fried. Fast food is the lifeline it seems to be. I also have found more places that remind me of home than any other place I’ve visited. Example? Goldilocks, Pho Hoa, Krispy Kreme, then all the typical Fast food joints. I’ve enjoyed some new ones as well, Max’s, Aristocrats, Burrio Fiesta. More importantly though I’ve found my lumpia! Both fresh and fried they are still little bundles of joy that I must have every day. Another place I’ve been lucky to try is a place called Sushi Yum. Why so special? Because Cuzin-in-law owns it! I would say if your in the chinatown area of Manila Drop on by. Good food, Good service!

Now to the rest of it all….Malls malls malls. I have just lived in malls which there are plenty of. Traffic is mental in this city. Small streets and too many cars. Though certain modes of “publicish” transit look neat, Jeepneys, Old WW2 Jeeps converted into hop-on-hop off buses. They even Pimp their Firetrucks, look like hotwheels!

The next downside is the Prostitution. It very much reminds me of certain parts of Thailand where old foreigners are frequently seen with young locals. Hookers and “gogo bars” are everywhere, and the solicitation of sex is ramped. It’s hard to take a walk without being hassled.

This is all just a bit of a culture shock form my little island away from civilization. Don’t worry I’ll be off to an island soon. Until then I’ll fill up on my Starbucks and Lumpia. This stock must last me the next three months. Sorry health …. taste buds win.