Makati gold and a tour

After another nice brekkie I decided to walk into Makati and visit the National Museum. I left early as it could have been a hot walk. It was heating up but mostly foot paths and somewhat shady. A pleasant stroll as the museum opened at 10am. Makati itself has a population of 5.3 million (!) and is itself only one of the many boroughs of greater Manila. The city is a lot cleaner than I imagined and street sweepers everywhere. It is also not noticeably smoggy or smelly. The people are very laid back and pleasant. I decided to be a senior to get in - half price is worth the effort of getting to my age! Skipped lunch because the street food tour started at 3pm and had a lazy couple of hours pool time. Arrived at the meeting point just in time for the tour intro. He said we would be able to enjoy it with the early start rather than later as we would see how busy it could have been when we were finished. The tour was truly in a neighborhood with locals - not a tourist (other than us) to be seen. It truly was street food and my photos are light on because most places were literally standing on the footpath. We had 18 different tastes - ranging from safe to difficult, savoury to sweet. He was extremely informative and a heap of fun. I paced myself and only had a taste of each rather than hoeing in and suffering after. IT.WAS.AMAZING! Kerry will remember the Filipino market in Kota Kinabalu - the grilled sticks were a highlight - 2 types of lumpia (one with plantain that took me back to Africa). Cassava coconut jelly with cheese on top (works!) - quail eggs in batter and it went on. All heart attack material but very interesting and some very good. The stories behind pulled it all together. We then went to a bar for the last 'pub' meal of fried pork and tofu with battered chillies. He put on two icon street beers and then because we were all getting on - threw in a third! He also sent us home with an ice cream and local pastry. A great food tour and the best I have been on - throw in the ride in both a tuk tuk and a Jeepney.... The drive home was through a heaving mass of good natured neighborhood existence as predicted. A great way to end my visit. An early start tomorrow as I want to make sure I get past the morning traffic and security in time to enjoy some Cathay Pacific lounge time.Read more