Day 9

Hi everyone! Tonight, we have Jetson, Jess, and Annabelle writing the blog after a long day of adventures.

So this morning the disgruntled travellers were woken up by Mr Beacham at 4:45am. We wolfed down a breakfast of scrambled eggs and banana bread, and then set off on a two and a half hour bus ride. We arrived at a ferry dock in Manila, boarded our vessel and an hour later we were at the island of Corregidor. We spent the day taking a tour of the island, learning about the Japanese invasion of the island, the island’s eventual surrender and then re-taking by the Americans. We learnt about the role these events played not only in world war two, but also in the protection of Australia. We toured Malinta Tunnel, the old hospital site, the war museum, the war memorials, the coast line and the light house. Then, after we’d seen almost everything, we hopped back on our ferry and headed back to Manila.

Once in Manila, we took a short bus ride, and ended up at the Mall of Asia, the second largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. We went to Gerry’s Grill where we enjoyed some traditional Filipino cuisine, which included rice, vegetables and pork. After dinner, we found out that one of the pork dishes was pig face and brains mashed up with onion, much to everyone’s disgust. However, Jetson found this hilarious. Ha, ha, carnivores! We then enjoyed a Filipino desert called Halo Halo  or Mix Mix which was composed of ice cream, coconut cream, ice shards, jellies, and pieces of fruit. You mix it all up in a giant cup and it results in an odd purple concoction. And it was pretty yummy. (Or not, I’m told. I thought it was good.)

After dinner, we went ice skating in an ice rink that was inside the mall. We endured a few tumbles and sore feet, but enjoyed ourselves. It even ‘snowed’, and by snow we mean bubbles fell from the roof. It wasn’t really snow, but it was pretty sweet.

From the ice rink, we had some fun at Time Zone. We raced motorcycles, cars, played DDR, and had some attempts at the claw(s).    

After all that, it was time to head home, so we jumped back on the bus, headed home through the crazy traffic, and now we’re back, all tired out and ready for bed. So.... goodnight!

Oh wait, no, we need to say some things first:

Jetson: Thanks for the messages Mum, Dad, Al, and family. I’m missing you all loads, and can’t wait to see you. ^_^

Annabelle: Hi Mum, Dad and Alex, missing you guys heaps and will see you all soon. Lots of love, Annabelle.

Jessie: Hello to Ma, Pa, Mags and everyone else! Having an awesome time J hope everything is well and see you bright and early Sunday morning :D lots and lots of love xxx. P.s. for Dad- You totes owe me $100 J have a safe trip home tomorrow x.

 Ok, goodnight everyone. :D