Ok, ok, it isn't dangerous. But it is kinda like a movie.
December 7-14
Batangas City, Philippines
This has been a relatively long week away from home, and is the “work” part of our travel before the fun part starts: 11 days in Japan, fly tomorrow. I am crazy excited about that.
Since this is my second long haul trip, I am more used to how sick I get from jet lag (more than I’ll admit) and how long the gosh darn plane ride is (but thank you Singapore Air biz class). We flew Houston--->San Fran--->Hong Kong--->Manila. Then drive a couple hours south to Batangas City. It is a small city on the water with an industrial/shipping economic base (thus the trip here for D’s biz).
I was, not, at all, prepared for the pollution here. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Bangkok in July is pristine comparatively! Jeepney’s and sidecar moto-bike taxis clog the air with leaded particulate. And the traffic is unreal. The city has a Mad Max-Mos Eisley-Year of Living Dangerously feel. Dear Corrupt Philippine Government, Please take care of your wonderful people and beautiful islands. Thanks, Fussy American.
We ventured up the nearby low mountain area to see the Taal Volcano. It is a tiny volcano in large Lake Taal - a crater within a crater. Very cool. Very beautiful. The ride was lovely - cows and goats everywhere, farms, and FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR!
