lazyg4nb, yeah, my perception of Metro Manila is a place of extremes--big gaps between the rich and the poor, tall and modern buildings against squalor of slums--but in between is the typical.* I just don't know how big the in-between is.* I imagine that the bigger cities there are modern but have the usual problems with transport, traffic, congestion, water supply, garbage collection/disposal.* Environmental protections are also not as strong there as they are here in the US.* I always knew I was close to home when I could smell the river.
cube_rat, the resort is probably Boracay.* Have not been there but it's famous for its white-sand beaches.* I wish I knew how to scuba-dive because there are apparently lots of places to go scuba-diving in the Philippines.*
OAP, the coolest months are the same as here--November-February.* It is very hot and humid in the summer, which starts around Holy Week/Easter.
KB, astromeria, my mom got a new lease on life when she discovered new friends and ballroom dancing about 5 years ago.* She did not care much about clothes and make-up until then.*
* Since then, when I'd call her, she'd talk about dancing and clothes, just like a young woman.* Makes me think of that Don Henley song "All She Wants To Do Is Dance."* Sometimes, I think of petitioning her to come over here, so I can spend time with her and care for her as she gets even older but I think it will be very sad for her to be uprooted from her friends.* I also worry about how I would get her medical care and health insurance here.
bearkeley, the river is near my mom's house, where I grew up.* It's probably a very bad example--there are cleaner rivers out in the provinces.* Yes, I have been to Antipolo; one of my good friends live there--it is nice and up high on hills, so it's cooler.* The Bed and Breakfast is Sonya's Secret Garden(s) and is located in Tagaytay.* Here is the website link
http://sonyasgarden.com/
2soon, I have not been to the American Cemetery.* My mom seldom tells stories about the war because it was a hard time, but occasionally, she would reminisce with other older family members and I loved to listen.
Thanks to all for looking at the pics.* Digital technology is great for sharing.
Edited to clarify my perception of extremes in Metro Manila