Day 4. Old Manila and occupied forts

Day 3 and after a welcome lie in an 8am start saw is in old Manila town. This is also known as Intermauras (check spelling) and is the fort and walled city of Manila with a rich history stretching back over 300 years. The fort was originally built by the Spaniards due to its strategic location overlooking the river mouth and served as a military staging post for conquest of the Philippines and to offer protection to Manila. Originally the walls were built to keep the locals out but as time progressed the Spanish and local population became one. It is clear that the period if Spanish rule had a massive influence on the Philippines. The fort was attacked many times during its history and after the people's revolution that saw off the Spaniards, the Americans used the fort as a munitions base until WWII and Japanese occupation. At its centre Natalie and I came across a memorial cross to those that perished during this time and our thoughts turned to the trip to Corrigador island in the coming weeks but more of that later. The fort was almost completely destroyed by the intensity of the fighting to push out the Japanese and the remaining walls carry scars and bullet holes as a permanent reminder of all those that made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. This was echoed by the visit we made to the prison where Jose Rizal was held and executed. He was accused of stirring up revolutionary ideas amongst the Philippine people during the Spanish people during the Spanish occupation but was in reality a writer and talented artist that believed in the right of freedom and expression. A touching and poignant memorial to a key figure in Philippine history.

Flourish of timid flower

"Look up with a tranquil face, Philippine youth on this day and shine, manifesting the grace and gallantry of your line fair hope of this land of mine."

A thought provoking and inspirational visit with some randomness throw in with photographs amongst the monks.

Then it was a quick ride into Makarti and the seafront as we were taken to see the Coconut palace which is the official offices of the Vice President of the Ph. On the way we passed the US embassy which we were tempted to photograph but were to frightened given it had a very heavy contingent of armed guards! A surprise then when we arrived at the Coconut palace which has a single guard on the door who in the absence of actually knowing his name I shall call Bert. He issued us with some VIP guest stickers and so began the tour of the palace that is made almost entirely of coconuts. Amy will disagree with me and give clearer statistics about what percentage is made of coconut but I have a head like a sieve so if you want facts google it... Or read Amy's blog! The palace is a spectacular house on two levels that was built for the pope to stay in during an official cost ( although he actually didn't) and has since been used to host various famous dignitaries such as Brook Shields and others. All the rooms are sumptuous and house amazing ornate gifts from various places and people to the Philippines. The views and pool were amazing and dispute much trickery and cajoling I couldn't convince or trick Natalie to fall or get into the pool. Then Richard astounding us all with a tale of epic proportions when he was nearly stranded in the DMZ after having a staring competition with the North Koreans and some story about photographing a Mayer bear! Read his blog to find out more as I'm laughing to hard thinking about it to write. This is a common occurrence with Richard who is one of the funniest and most interesting people I have met. That is if you can find him and keep him in one place long enough to chat!

After the Coconut palace Amy and I set about admiring the architecture on Makarti as we were transferred to a lovely restaurant for more Philippine cuisine with the GSE team from 3780, our opposites that had visited the UK. A lovely meal passed with much laughter and at around midnight it was time to grab some sleep.