From a lot of clothes to almost no clothes: Incheon to Manila

      A friend of mine (Hi Ogie!), who lives in the Philippines, who I've known for about ten years, found round trip airline tickets, Incheon to Manila, for less than $200.  He offered to buy them and make the reservations for my trip to his home for my winter vacation.  I accepted (and reimbursed him after I got there).  The catch was that I could have no check in luggage and was limited to about 10 kg or so of weight for my carry on bag.  Really that wasn't a big problem. Who needs a lot of clothes in the Philippines?  More space in my bag was taken up by my winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf than all the other stuff I would need.  Still, I had room for some clothing items I hoped to buy while there.


     Getting to Incheon was a piece of cake.  One option was to ride a bus-limo directly to Incheon from Dongdaegu.  Another was to ride a train to Seoul Station and then ride on a subway. A third option was to ride a bus to Express Terminal in Gangnam (Seoul), ride a subway to Seoul Station, then ride a subway to Incheon.  The last option was cheaper, so... and I wanted to experience the new subway from Seoul Station to Incheon.

     I noticed that there was an immigrations desk at the beginning of the subway line from Seoul Station.  But, I didn't check it out, to see if I could go ahead and check in.  Next time, I'll do that!

     Once I got to the airport, I knew knew KNEW that I'd better sheds some clothes.  Hot Manila is only 4 hours away.  But, I also knew that buses in the Philippines were often very well air conditioned, and I would be riding one for about five hours getting to my friend's house, so I kept a flannel shirt (so gay!) handy.

     I had enjoyed time at my friend's house before, but this was the first time I would go there alone.  His directions were perfect.  Once I gave them to the bus attendant and driver, they knew exactly what to do.  Within minutes after my arrival, I stripped some more.

      This feathered friend had been getting bullied in the big bird cage outside, so he was brought inside to recoop.  Cute, huh!

     Like I said, who needs clothes in the Philippines?  Just kidding!  But, seriously, it does remain hot, year round, in some places.  These almost naked brown guys performed some traditional dances at a dinner we went to in Baguio.  

 Look what I won from a raffle ticket drawing!

     

      That is some kind of Chinese lattern.  Make a wish and let it soar into the New Year's sky!

      OMG!  Needs more beauty sleep!

     Don't cry because it's time to move on.  Smile because you enjoyed the ride and can ride some more!