Banaue Rice Terraces

OK I'm at "Clark", that's Manilla's second airport. Yes Manila, its a "Ryanairport" which means its so far from Manila its takes two hours on the bus.

Public Transport in the Philippines is cheap. The price you pay for cheap is slightly unreliable. I have been told do not return to Manila the day before our flight out as frequently you may be a day late.

Why? Why Manila or why Clark? the answer to both is I am lost in Transit unwilling to go home, this may sound dreamy, its remarkably complicated. My Australian Visa is being processed, and no word yet on when or possibly even if that process with be over.  and  if  you stay more than 3 weeks in the Philippines you must extend your visa. Problem extension costs about £35 quid. Problem 2 Flight to Hong Kong * Exit Tax + bus < £35 Quid. So here's me at Clark Airport with a ticket on Tiger Airways (currently grounded by the Australian Aviation Authorities for safety concerns).

Why do I always try and Solve a problem with travel. Not sure what to do? Move on to the next place. Now the Philippines were a semi randomly chosen destination, I wasn't going to fly home to England till I hear from the Australians - too expensive. Other options included Ho Chi Min City. Formally know as Saigon, but you need a visa for that. Singapore, Malaysia and Bali. All of which I've been to before. Much as I like Malaysia - with out Mei or family as culinary guide it might end up being a disappointment after the last trip.

So Hong Kong it is, its going to me more expensive and the maths doesn't stack up in reality, but a return ticket for the price of 2 crates of XXXX Gold, return? Oh yes have further bureaucratic woes in the form of "You may not fly to the Philippines without proof of onward travel". Known better as the you must have a return ticket immigration rule. I should have thought of this before the check in desk, I've run foul of this rule before. I've waved various Grubby E-Mails at immigration officers with Yacht names on them in small island nations the world over. As  soon as you mention "Yacht" they usually give up and wave you though, unfortunately the canny buggers here have passed the responsibility to the air lines who made my buy a ticket despite me not knowing what date I was going to fly back.

Transport in the Philippenes

So the Philippines are behind my, but I'll be coming back.  Hopefully. Tonight Hong Kong. Internet was out in Manila this morning and though a briefly saw a working wifi signal in the lobby there's none here in departures, so no way of booking accommodation in Hong Kong, seems to be there are several backpackers I Kowloon, and have train instructions. Will see how it goes. Home less in Hong Kong. No worries. I assume its wet season there too and quiet. I hope.