Manila, Philippines - Saturday February 22

Today was such a fun and interesting day.  We sailed into Manila Bay this morning under a beautiful sunny sky and perfect temperatures, probably low to mid eighties  We understand it is quite an improvement from last year when it was pouring buckets and it was also quite hot and humid.  We continue to be blessed with good weather.  Very exciting port today because it is home to the majority of our ship's crew.  There were arrangements for the crew's families to be able to come aboard for a short time while we're here so everyone was absolutely ecstatic to be coming into port.  As we neared the dock we saw that it was filled with families waiting impatiently to spend at least a little time with their loved ones.  There were mommies carrying babies, little kids jumping up and down with excitement, and older folks waiting to give their son, daughter or grandchild a big hug.  The crew was racing through their chores on board, still extremely helpful, polite and accommodating to all requests, but obviously eager to be reunited with their families after being separated from them for periods of up to eight months.  As passengers, we were thrilled for them and tried to stay out of their way so they could complete their tasks as quickly as possible.  There was an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement throughout the ship.

As we neared the dock we saw school children, as well as adults, dressed in intricate and brightly colored costumes, singing, playing instruments, and dancing as we arrived.  Families were waving wildly, and crew who were available were leaning over the outside rails, straining to see their relatives.  It was a heartwarming and beautiful sight.  Once we docked they continued to entertain us as crew readied our ship for disembarkation (which they did at warp speed)!!

Bob and I hurried off the ship to our awaiting tour bus.  We ha decided we would visit Corregidor Island for the day, which acquired immense significance in World War II as the last bastion to fall to the invading Japanese in 1942.  Filipino and American defenders fought valiantly, determined to preserve their Island, and Corregidor stands as a tribute to their efforts.  Although my dad was not on this particular Island at the time of this final battle he spent his wartime years all around the area.  I felt I wanted to spend today learning a little bit more about some of the events that took place in this area.  We tool a ferry 27 miles across the bay of Manila to reach the Island.

We arrived at Corregidor and transferred to an open air trolley, which was similar to the cable cars in San Francisco.  Our tour guide began to tell us about current life on the Island and immediately identified the wildlife they have here.  Lots of snakes....including pythons and cobras.  Well, that nearly threw me into shock and I made sure I was sitting on the middle of the bench as we drove along!!!  I'm afraid to say it took away some part of the enjoyment of the beautiful forest through which we were driving.  I kept checking the sides of the roads, making sure nothing was slithering nearby!!!  Every time I got off of the trolley I looked around with an eagle eye to make sure the area was "safe."  Most people were warned to stay on the path due to the possibility of unexploded ammunition in the area.  I stayed on the path because I didn't want to come face to fangs with any crawly creatures!!!!

The destructiveness of war really came alive on this Island.  We passed many desolate ruins of barracks and buildings which serve as stark reminders of the ugliness of war.  We saw 12" cannons which could fire on a target as far away as 17 miles!  There was a shell casing that weighed 800 pounds.  We walked through the famous Malinta Tunnel, which was the site of General MacArthur's headquarters.   The tour took us through the tunnel where we observed part of the mile-long barracks, gun batteries, a ruined hospital and a small museum.  Also, there were photographs of Corregidor as it was before World War II.  Before their surrender to the Japanese, the American and Filipino troops retreated to this tunnel, holding off the invaders as long as possible.  Finally, a lack of food, water, medicine, and ammunition left them with little choice but to surrender on May 6, 1942.  It was amazing to think of this tunnel accommodating up to 1500 troops with very poor ventilation and no natural light.  It must have been absolutely stifling.  Although it is an enormous series of tunnels, it was still a bit claustrophobic with just a few of us in there.

Today was definitely a different type of tour.  We learned a lot about the war and have a much greater appreciation of some of the struggles our men and women endured during this difficult time.  It certainly makes me appreciate the freedoms we have today and our troops' tremendous efforts and sacrifices to preserve it.  I wish I would have been a more active listener as my dad told, and retold, his war stories. 

Finally we returned to the ship just a few minutes before all aboard was announced.  As we returned to the port we saw that once again, it was filled with groups of high school and junior high band students, song girls, flag twirlers, and majorettes playing, dancing, and twirling their hearts out.  There were lots of kiosks giving us a last minute chance to spend more money before we boarded the ship.  Some of the crew's families continued to wait on the dock as we prepared to sail.  They were hoping for one last look or wave from their loved one before we sailed.  There were lots of tears from both families and crew members.  Even though our departure was delayed another 45 minutes or so, due to the late return of passengers on one of the ships' excursions, the families remained and the bands played on.  They continued to play and wave until we were completely out of the port.  It was both joyous and sad.  It was nice to be warmly welcomed as Americans, since we are not so appreciated in many parts of the world.  I now have a much better understanding of why the Filipino people and Americans have such a strong and enduring bond.  That's one of the best parts of this trip - having an opportunity to view different cultures from a broader perspective.  Now, we're on our way to Hong Kong for a three-day stay.