Our route led past the Palace, but it wasn’t noteworthy and we proceeded to
Chinatown. At the pension, rumours were of an additional storm moving in. During
the previous storm, all ferries and boats were suspended.
Manila
We all waited for news regarding the new storm. Meanwhile, I took to the streets
and cycled around the city to locate a bike shop but couldn’t find the one I was
looking for. Being unimportant, I looked for a vantage point to take pictures of the
city skyline. Sadly, it started raining, and I returned to the guesthouse with
nothing to show for my efforts.
Manila
I braved the sea of Jeepneys and cycled (what felt like) straight into the lion’s den.
This time, a bike shop was located down a small residential lane, and while the
professionals did the work, I searched for more attractions. The street was blocked
off, as a TV crew arrived the next morning to record a programme. In the
meantime, a choreographer gathered the citizens and had them do a fantastic
routine in no time. Professionals could make anything look easy.
Once the bike was done, darkness had fallen and it was quite an experience
returning without lights and in hectic traffic. I felt it best to follow a bicycle
rickshaw (pedicab) as they didn’t have lights either and were pretty good at
weaving in and out of traffic. I was mighty pleased with myself for making it to my
digs unscathed.
Manila
At Robinson’s Mall, I found a ferry company selling tickets to Palawan. A ticket to
Puerto Princesa, situated on Palawan Island, was purchased. The weather forecast
indicated better weather by Friday, and all hoped the ferry wouldn’t be cancelled.