Day 1 Technical issues resolved...?! Time to travel!

So here we are in the amazing country that is the Philippines. There is SO much to post on the blog but Wong to some technical issues all of which goes way over my small simple brain, we have managed to go a week without any outpourings of what we have been up to!

So as the first blog by a nervous and novice 'blogger' here goes...

So there was an idea of a Rotary group study exchange between the UK and the Philippines. Some how a crack team of professionals were assembled and the. I tagged along for good measure!

The trip for me started with a frantic drive to Manchester airport after my work colleagues shut the M56 due to an accident. This left me slightly late for arrival but at least I arrived at the checkin desk to meet the team that would be my family for the next four weeks. Kate, amy and Natalie met me and after saying goodbyes to our families we passed through to the departure gates. Strangely Richard the final member of the team was no where to be seen but I was assured he had checked in online and so began the game of 'where's Richard?' Little did I know that this would become the theme of the trip but more of that to come...

Flight to Dubai went smoothly and after landing we finally met Richard and got together, well for a few minutes anyway as we all went to stretch our legs and look around and I didn't see Richard until we landed in Manila! (I have later found out he is a seasoned traveller so not to worry!)

The greeting at Manila by the rotary district of Quezon City was top notch. Dan the man met me after my visa check and introduced me to Jun who was stood beside a banner with all our photographs. It looked like a 'Philippines most wanted' and immediately assumed secret agent status with Kate as a Bond villain, Natalie as an assassin, Amy as an explosives expert and I believe I was more Basildon Bond than anything!

A quick walk and the heat of Manila hit us. Quite the shock to the system as it was in the high 30's and as humid as a sauna! A welcome change from the cold of the UK.

A night drive though the city which wet out appetite with glimpses of an amazing cityscape that begged further exploration and our first taste of Metro Manila driving. Essentially every road is about 12 lanes wide, full of cars jeepneys, busses and bikes all doing their own thing. Forget all the rules of driving you've ever know. Here it is a case of just going for it!

Finally hit the hotel and after 22hours of travel, sleep came quickly!

Mission started, heart pounding with anticipation and the promise of all the best that the Philippines can offer.