Manila

Arrived in Manila at about 6:10. Customs was a breeze - the most questions I got was from a man who had gone to school for accounting and noticed I was employed in accounting. Grabbed a taxi and headed straight for the Kingdom Hall from there. Google said 30 minutes because of Friday night traffic it actually took 2 HOURS! Needless to say I was late for the meeting. In fact made it in time just to sing the final song. Was also surprised to see the English congregation actually meets at the Branch! Still I was so happy Id gone and connected with the local congregation - I was able to learn when they met for field service the next day and met a number of lovely friends who let me know they had their zone meeting on Sunday so it was doubly good Id come on Friday because otherwise Id have been the only person there for the English Sunday meeting. They were so immensely helpful, they let me know the Tagalog would meet there on Sunday, saw to it I had a group to meet with Saturday and even drove me to my hotel and picked me up this morning! Cannot say enough about how fantastic the Manila English congregation is!
On the way to the hotel we stopped for dinner, an unusual fair to be sure - Burger King chicken tenders :)
This morning did field service, it wasnt too bad heat wise, though I was glad when Jem shared the shade from her umbrella with me as the sun is incredibly bright. We tried at first to go to a Subdivision, but were unfortunately not allowed to enter. So from there we asked ones if there were any foreigners in the area. A fun morning andwe found a few - Jem said it was nice to have a foreigner with her as people were so helpful then.
We tried a return visit then but had to do a bit of walking as areas were closed for a movie shoot - Bourne Legacy apparently. The film crew was then American and we hence got the very typical American response.
A wordon the driving: CRAZY. Doug, a brother originally from Virginia, but who had lived in New York for 25 years said he took a year just to figure out the mentality behind it. Pretty much any road can be made into three or four lane if they wish and there were no stop signs and few lights - which according to Ephraim were also sometimes viewed as optional.
All in all having a good time though my body isnt sure when to be hungry or tired just yet :) but my hotel is nice and Ive had just a wonderful time out with the friends - though now at 3 in the afternoon Im heading to my room for a nap :)