We found ourselves in Manila at the start of our Coral Cay Expedition.
Manila is one BIG City. Manila proper has a population over 1.7 Million. These people are crammed into an area of 38.55 square kilometres, making Manila not only the most densely populated city in the Philippines but the most densely populated city in the world.The Manila metropolitan area is comprised of sixteen cities and is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world with a population of 20 million people.
Manila is the essence of discombobulation, a great big amorphous mass of humanity, but as we have found exploring Manila, each area has its own distinct feel and essence.
We have also discovered that driving in Manila is THRILLING! The rules of the road (and I use the term loosely) in this metropolis of 20 million people is a little different than what I am used to driving in Vancouver BC.
We knew we were in a new land once our cab from the Manila airport got rolling. Lanes are mere suggestions and the traffic pulses and surges and intertwines like a graceful ballet. Schools of motorcycles, weave through the traffic coming within inches of pedestrians, Pedi cabs and cars.
You have to be on your toes getting around in this town ~ getting around is about riding on the edge!
