--- First Impressions Philippines ---

Wow! I had so many new impressions in the last week, like never before. First of all, I am proud that I made it to the Philippines at all, as it is not easy to find your way around the giant airports. After a 13-hour flight with a layover, I arrived safely in Manila, the capital city. Then came the shocking news: Scotti's flight from Australia to Manila was canceled. Okay, in that case, I had to find my way around on my own for the first two days. When I arrived at the airport, I exchanged a few euros for Philippine pesos to pay for the taxi to the hostel. However, finding a taxi was not easy because I didn't have a SIM card for international calls yet. So I asked a few people who eventually called a taxi for me. We drove to the Makati district and the first impression was terrible, as the traffic in the Philippines is indescribable. There are no rules, not many right-of-way signs, and no one cares about other drivers. So I was really relieved when I arrived at the hostel in one piece after 45 minutes of sweating due to fear.

At first, I honestly felt very lost because I had to find my way around on my own, and that's not easy in a foreign country with a foreign language, foreign currency, and foreign people. But ultimately, those are the challenges that make us grow.

On the first evening, however, I found connection and ended my first day on the rooftop terrace of the hostel. The sound of the live band, the warm evening breeze, and the view of the capital city at night gave me my first goosebumps moment, and I would almost say that it was the most beautiful moment of my trip so far.

The next goosebumps moment followed the next day, but in a negative way, as the conditions in the Philippines are very poor. Especially in big cities, the gap between the rich and the poor is very large and clearly visible. One moment you walk past modern houses and skyscrapers, and in the next side street, families lie on the street with all their belongings because they have no home. Therefore, we should consider ourselves lucky every day to have a roof over our heads and to have food every day.

Now Scotti, who has also arrived safely, and I are on our first island, Boracay, and the journey can really begin now. Apart from the "White Sand beach" and turquoise blue water, the island, which is only 7km long, doesn't have much to offer, but that's exactly what we need right now, and we are enjoying it to the fullest. Even though the weather is not cooperating at all right now, we didn't miss the opportunity to jump into the sea last night with three friends from Germany, whom we met here. And what can I say: the journey can now begin! The initial uncertainties and discomfort have completely disappeared, and I am extremely excited about all the other impressions that await me in the next days, weeks, and months.

Hostels in Boracay:

- Chill Out Lounge

- The legendary Mad Monkey