Sunday

Today is most people's day off so it's a pity I chose today to go to the historic area of Intramuros. Eena had booked me on a tour with a very theatrical guide called Carlos who acted out the history of Manila using hats and music as props. He was a fund of amazing knowledge. (He is mentioned in the lonely planet). He has some very rebellious ideas including likening the theocracy of the Spanish priests to the taliban. Probably accurate but a bit challenging to some of the audience I'm sure.
Poor Philippines, occupied by the Catholic Church for 400 years then sold off to the Americans. When Mcarthur (I shall return)did leave the comfort of Townsville he disobeyed orders to not go near Manila and precipitated a slaughter by the Japanese. He then bombed the city, second only to Warsaw ( Dresden must feature somewhere) in the destruction. The Americans rebuilt the city public buildings in the image of Washington.
The Museum of the Philippine People is in the Rizol Park too. I had some interesting stuff but the Museum at Ayola was better.
The national hero of the people is a Jose Rizol who was a doctor/author/ nationalist. He was executed here in 1896 by the Spanish but is seen as focusng the opposition to Spain. Unfortunately that was just as the Americans took over!!
Most unattractive here and soulless. That explains why Manila is a pretty unattractive place. Tomorrow is my last day. I have an appointment at 1 to fit my teeth. Fingers crossed all is well with them. Actually you won't see much different, I just won't have broken teeth cutting my tongue etc. See you all soon.