I’m still not convinced that Japan is a real place. I have been here now for three days, but it really feels like I have landed on another world.
Narita Express took me early Saturday morning to Shinjuku Station. It was a rainy and gloomy day, but I enjoyed the view from the train.
1.5h train ride from Narita to Shinjuku
Google Maps works really well for navigating the streets and public transport. I found my hotel and explored my immediate surroundings for an hour. I got snacks from 7-Eleven and Family Mart and basically called it a day.
Everything is photogenic
I am still recovering from my second cold in a month, so I went to bed early(let’s not go for the triple, please). Missing not much because of the rain. The next day I awoke to the perfect weather: blue skies and sunny 28 degrees. Perfect day to explore Shinjuku.
Godzilla!
I did the usual tourist stuff in Kabukicho when I stumbled upon a small market in front of the Hanazono Shrine.
Movie Posters
After delicious Gyumeshi at Matsuya for lunch, I went for a long walk in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden before exploring Shinjukus stores for a while.
The security queue in Manila was not only an inconvenience for my self, but in the end our flight was delayed because we had to wait for passengers traversing said obstacle. We arrived in Narita Airport with about an hour of delay, which made it impossible to get my booked connecting train. Feeling pretty tired, I decided to get a room close-by the airport and take the train first thing in the morning.
The Zipair flight was very pleasant and not at all what we would call budget in Europe(looking at your Ryanair).
I am scared to admit: It feels good being back in a first world country. Clean hotel rooms, no black mold, safe food/water and functioning infrastructure. I am happy to be here for sure.
The weather in Manila changed in the last week. Summer has come and gone. Now humidity is a lot higher and a lot more clouds appeared. I am getting ready to leave Manila after being in the Philippines since mid-March.
NAIA Terminal 1 bade me farewell in the form of a horrible security queue which took about 2 hours to traverse and was uncomfortably crowded. Elated by finally seeing the 787-8 from a window I headed to Gate 2. Sitting here and munching on Piaya I reminisce about the awesome time I had here in the Philippines and all the nice people I met here. Next stop: Tokyo.
I came back to Manila Metro from Iloilo a couple of days ago. I am staying in Makati this time and enjoy it’s 70s charm. The nights are incredibly hot, but I enjoy walking around and explore the endless Malls and Parks here. I am also using this time here in Makati to prepare for my next destination.
I have been struggling with a cold for the last two weeks. I decided to extend here in Iloilo until I am recovered. This gave me the opportunity to do some reading. I sold my Kindle back in Malaysia because I wasn’t using it at all. Not hauling around unused gear is freeing. When I read ebooks it’s usually on my phone during takeoff and landing.
Stacks of James Patterson books in a used bookstore in Iloilo
The great thing about the Philippines is that there is a ton of English literature available. I ventured out to find a great selection of books. I have been reading a lot these last days. I will leave them behind though. Might be hard to finish them before I leave but happy about these being available.
Used fantasy books in a book store in Cebu City earlier this year
One of the drivers suggested that I check out the Jaro Market and Plaza. So one sunny morning with about 42 Degree Celsius I made my way to this Part of Iloilo.
Jaro Belfry and Plaza
I rushed from shadow to shadow. There is a local market nearby with fresh fish laying in the sun and meat being butchered in front of your eyes. My mind was set on finding a coffee. Well, I went early so most coffee shops were closed.
Coffeeshop in Jaro
Getting a bit peckish I found a supermarket where they sold deep-fried dough with jackfruit inside called turon langka. It is surprisingly hearty and less sweet than you might think. It was huge and I had trouble finishing it.
1.5h train ride from Narita to Shinjuku
Everything is photogenic
Godzilla!
Movie Posters
Sunday vibes in the Garden
Mural on toilet in Legazpi Park, Makati
Fountain inside the park
219 Salcedo, Legazpi Village, Makati
View from KL Tower in Makati Manila
Stacks of James Patterson books in a used bookstore in Iloilo
Used fantasy books in a book store in Cebu City earlier this year
Jaro Belfry and Plaza
Coffeeshop in Jaro
Turon with Jackfruit
Megaworld Mall
KTown
Iloilo Business Park