Domestic Tourist

Seriously, I haven't been to most of the 16 cities in Metro Manila lately. In some occasions, my parents and I would go through the thoroughfares interconnecting some cities or municipalities for a road trip or when we purposely need to visit a specialist. 

With the changing times, advancement in technology, and the construction of newer streets, it is best to travel using a web mapping app especially if you don't frequent the area. The newer vehicles these days have a GPS or Global Positioning System installed. It is a helpful device to reach to one's destination through a road map with concise directions and an estimate time. 

Correctly following the instructions given is for a different blog post because we have gotten lost a few times. And I gently explain to my mom that it is part and parcel of traversing a new place. She gets anxious and chatters nervously while my father maintains his cool. Yes, quite contradicting reactions - so just imagine how I would feel. Hihi.

When my aunt and I visited my cousin who stayed in Conrad Manila last month, the route we followed was what she knew. I still turned on the GPS anyway. I remembered too in the past, rather ages ago, that we went through a different path going to a nearby place in the same area.

I was surprised to discover a number of things:

1. Once we reached EDSA (from Bonny Serrano Avenue), continue driving along its long stretch. The reclamation area, where Conrad Manila is situated is at the end of the street. 

2. There will be forks along the way. Make sure to stay on the right lane and to listen attentively for directions given by the app to avoid getting lost.

3. The distance from our residence to Conrad Manila is only 23 kilometers! We were on the road for a little more than 1.5 hours because of the traffic congestion, similar to Indonesia and Thailand according to my cousin.

4. Modern and new buildings caught my attention while leisurely driving the reclamation site (yes, I can multi-task now but very cautiously). 

5. There were few vehicles within the district that I almost forgot I was in Manila.

6. I need to work on my patience; a gentle reminder from my aunt.

As a newbie driver and a domestic tourist, I was glad to have decided to visit Laura despite the number of hours we were on the street. She flew thousands of kilometers to spend time with us to begin with. Driving through different types of avenues and streets as well as being exposed to the many types of drivers were a great experience. 

When was your last day trip?