Philippines

Just had a very interesting trip to the Philippines.  Was there for over 2 weeks working from sun up to past sun down.  I was able to break away from the job at times and tour around Manila;

Below are some shots from a seafood market not far from the hotel I stayed at.  I think I ate more seafood in the 2 ½ weeks I was there then all of 2010 (or since living out in the great northwest).

 Assorted sea creatures. 

 Very tasty squid!

How's this for a colorful lobster :-)  

I also visited Corregidor Island, a World Word II memorial.  It's hard to describe the amount of destruction and drama and the role this little island played during WWII.  All I could say is it was very humbling.

Of course, I was there in the middle of the day with the sun blazing straight down.  I tried to make the best of the situation and look for contrasty settings.  This is a bombed out military barrack.  

Shrapnel damaged door that protected explosive storage room.   

 "We are not in Kansas anymore!"

More bombed out military barracks. 

I have been fortunate to be able to travel and I can say that Philippine people were some of the best hosts I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Coming home was probably the most interesting part of the whole trip.  I was supposed to route through Tokyo but because of their recent issues, I was routed through Hong Kong (great airport) to LA, then to Dulles.  17 hours in airports and 19 hours of flying made for a very long trip.  It was great to be home :-)