Arrived. Tired, sticky and ready to get out of these clothes. But pleased to be out of the airport system. Passing through Manila airport was an effort in itself. First the forms, then the queues and finally the tired looking men in suits with the stamps. Mum nearly forgot that she’s acting as guardian for 15 year old Saskia. She walked through immigration without her and had to turn back. Then we had to wait for the big games box we’d put in the hold. The bag carousel went round and round and although every other bag came out, this one was being kept back. Finally the men who were unloading the luggage climbed up the baggage ramp to hand out the vulnerable remains. A guitar, a DVD player, several strangely shaped boxes then finally ours.Out into the late night humidity of Manila. We’d set off on Tuesday evening but changing timezones meant Wednesday was a write off. There was half an hour left of it and still four hours left to drive.
In the car park, a surprise. She noticed me first. Rachel Hailes from school. I assumed she’d been on our flight but it turns out she works at the project where we’re going to be helping out. I hadn’t seen her for 10 years. It turns out she’s spent the whole of that time working out here. Her daughter Chloe-May was on her shoulder. A beautiful little girl who hardly made a sound on the journey. She played games on a mobile before cuddling up to mum and going to sleep. And we all slept. Despite the bumpy ride.
So now we’ve arrived and found our dormitories. The heat’s as bad as I remember - considering it’s 4.20am and the sun’s not up yet. I’m sharing a room with John. His bed’s got two huge pictures of Mickey Mouse above it and mine’s got one of Minnie. I think this is usually the girl’s block. They’ve been kicked out to make room for the visitors. I hope we’re not a disappointment.
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