Flew on Cebu Pacific Air from Bangkok to Clark Base which was the old US airforce base before Mount Pinatubo blew up and covered it with ash. Flight left at midnight and arrived at 4 AM. Somehow managed to score 3 seats in an exit row despite the plane being 75% full. Nice to stretch out but the dents from the seat belt buckles will take a while to fade.
Plenty of taxis awaiting in arrivals, was quoted 500 pesos (AUD$12.30) but after telling the tout I only paid 300 pesos last time he agreed to this. (I have never been here before)
If you wonder what $22.00 buys you in accommodation, here is a picture of Daniella's place.
Plenty of taxis awaiting in arrivals, was quoted 500 pesos (AUD$12.30) but after telling the tout I only paid 300 pesos last time he agreed to this. (I have never been here before)
If you wonder what $22.00 buys you in accommodation, here is a picture of Daniella's place.
It is a very safe place to sleep, the receptionist sits in a caged office and an armed security guard patrols the lobby.....
Had breakfast a couple of blocks away at a coffee shop/minimart and it had an armed guard as well:
After having been here a day the major differences in comparasion to Thailand are
No language barrier, everyone speaks english
No motorbike taxis. 3 Wheeled motorbikes called Trikes charge 150 Pesos a ride (120 baht, AUD$3.70)
Huge restaurant portions, weetbix and fruit order had 6 weetbix pieces.
Fewer smiles. Although friendly once engaged, the instant smiles from Thailand are missing here.
Gun culture. Even small shops have a guard with a holstered pistol.
This was my ride from breakfast cafe to the bus station. Cost was 150 pesos 1 AUD$ = 40 Pesos) little boy came along as well. Tight squeeze in here, no room for your head. You have to either slide forward and recline or sit up with your chin on your knees. Not very comfortable.
Other alternative was a taxi at twice the price or a public jeepney which go along set routes.
These are styled on the WW2 jeeps and are ubiquitous on the Philippine roads.
Made a visit to a supermarket and found this guy handing out samples of a local brandy called Excelente.
95 Pesos a bottle (AUD$2.40, 80 baht) or if you like vodka,
Only 79 pesos (AUD$2.00, 60 baht) for 700ml.
Off to Baguio in the highlands tomorrow, might be interesting, the rainy season is in full swing and they say a typhoon is expected.......
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