Manila

via National Geographic

I have never really explored Manila as an adult.  The last time I was in the city was for one night in 2009, en route between Hong Kong and Mindanoa province.  It was a blur of a night.  I remember only concrete and more concrete, and a long taxi ride amongst humidity.

I was fairly closed off to the idea of visiting it, having remembered the ubiquitous car culture and endless concrete, but Eunice reminded me that I should give this megacity a fair chance.

That's what I intend to do.  I am in Manila all week for work!

Celebrations: Cupid v. Tiger

source: ??? (not me)

This year, Valentine's Day and the Chinese/Lunar New Year (marking the year of the Tiger) both fall on the same day. To celebrate, I am having afternoon tea with the girls, baking Valentine Day treats a la 5th grade, watching a flick at the Portland International Film Festival (yay), and having other Chinese edibles with friends ... all within the course of the weekend.

Below, a few shots from Hong Kong taken during last year's Lunar New Year celebrations. I didn't plan on being in HK for that reason. It was a wonderful coincidence. The firework display was like nothing I have ever seen! After a few days there, I think I developed a crush.