Day 1 - Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Monday, Jan 26 2009

Once you've collected your luggage and gone through customs, you exit the airport building. The customs officer saw my occupation as being a teacher and told me that's a really good job to have.

As I said previously, people stand out more when traveling alone. Other people are likely to start talking to you. So as we disembarked the aircraft, one Filipino lady asked me if I was just on a visit ~ and then she asked if I'm single... and went on to say that she's sure I'll meet a nice Filipino boy!

When you exit the airport building, you have to turn either left or right - depending on the first letter of your last name. Since mine is "Makhan", I had to turn right... and that is where you meet whoever is picking you up. This is a pretty good system and eliminates a lot of unnecessary congestion in the airport building. I was suddenly very aware of the jacket I was wearing... it was so hot in Manila!

I was giddy with excitement when I saw my aunt!
FLTR: Tita Maria, her daughter Luriene, my aunt Aurora and her brother