Friday

Today was a big day finishing all the work for my crowns. Lots of drilling of the top teeth and getting impressions and bite moulds etc. The worst is over now. Just 6 amalgams to be removed and refilled with composite and fitting the new teeth.  Hilarious process if you think of it but a bit ordinary sitting in the chair for 4 hours.  I'm putting off the fillings till after my holiday so I have another day off tomorrow.
This afternoon I went back to Manila Bay for the spectacular sunset...through the smog. There's a lovely little park with rides and food...fancy a 1 day old chick deep fried? I went on the ferris wheel which gave me a nice view through the smog of Manila and the sunset. I also tackled the Mall of Asia. That is so big, its amazing.

Yum..Eggs and 1 day old chicks!

The crowds enjoying the sunset over Manila Bay

My taxi driver on the way back Jordan was telling me about more malls that I hadn't heard of. Jordan who speaks good English, is picking me up tomorrow to take me around  Greenhill market, like the chaotic Shanghai market I gather with great pearls. Anyone want pearls? They have amazing gold ones, black and white. I have too many pearls already so I can shop for you if you like!!!  Earings, daughters?
Cheap bags and tshirts...you know the stuff. I don't want anything except some shirts for Ian.
Then we are touring the American war cemetery and what ever the Lonely Planet says. There is also an outlet centre recommended by Eena too so we may go there. Jordan is available for 6 hours for $50 and pleased to get the work. He will accompany me shopping so I don't get chased by touts.

It is interesting that the people are so proud of their democracy. Aquino the President, is the son of Corison Aquino who they call the mother of democracy. The past president is under arrest. There is a big case against a High Court Judge about corruption which seems to be going well.
There was an attempted coup only 7 years ago.
Lots of positive nation building going on, posters and signs about doing the right thing, paying taxes etc. The poor don't have much hope though. Typical of the poorer Asian countries with some mega rich, a few middle class and lots of very poor.

Mall of Asia