Exploring Intramuros Manila

Yesterday I finally had the opportunity to escape work for a few hours and explore the old walled city area of Manila, called Intramuros.  Very nice to relax a bit and see something outside a meeting room or my hotel room in Manila.

The Intramuros area is essentially where the Philippines was first colonized, with the first cathedral, a fort, several gardens, and is an area that is 65 hectares surrounded by an historic wall.  Today there are only a handful of the initial churches, but it has become a huge student area with several Universities.  There is also one excellent handicraft and artifact shop that is worth checking out, Silahis Arts & Artifacts (744 Gen. Luna St. Intramuros)

In getting around you can either walk or hire a bike or horse tour.  A friend had recommended the bike tour, and my taxi driver on the way recommended to walk it.  I walked the first bit, and then finally succumbed to the bike taxi.  I figured it was my way to support something in the economy aside from restaurants.  It was a whopping $5 with a generous tip, so I could swing it.  I also saw much more of the area than I would have by foot, as it was already getting later in the day.

After touring around I found a lovely place for a nice dinner.  The Ristorante Delle Mitre (470 Gen Luna St, Intramuros) even had the motto of “A place for dining and relaxation after a day’s toil.”  I finished off my latest book there and it was a tasty dinner.  I’ve been impressed with the great salads here, even better lettuce than you might get in the states.  They also make an excellent carrot cake!

Enjoy the pictures!

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Cheers,

Miel

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