Checking out for several days - Off to CocoBeach

We're leaving at 0600 hours in the morning (Monday, July 30) for CocoBeach near Puerto Galero. Apparently we should expect no cell phone reception (Mei-Chiang came here not so long ago loaded up with Blackberry and laptop and had to endure a forced withdrawal period from connectivity). Soooo,,,, the phone numbers on the itinerary still stand for emergencies.

Check out the location --> http://www.cocobeach.com/web/index.htm

Will try to send sign of life in the 24 hrs that we are back in Manila before embarking on the long journey home on Friday.
Ciao for now! The Krausteads

p.s. entering week 3 now and beginning to think that we could really get used to this lifestyle.

This crew is ready for a few more days at the beach, don't you think?

Exploring the Old Walled Town in Manila

Went out this afternoon with Hendra, the real photographer amongst us, to explore the old town. (Take a look at Hendra's website, and you'll see what I mean - can't wait to see what he posts from our outing today --> www.hendralauw.com)
With no Starbucks in sight, and the heat rising in non-air conditioned cathedrals and museums, the kids chose to reveal the less graceful side of of their personalities. Haven't seen much of that in a long time, but somehow can remember giving my parents similar grief many years ago. I guess that's what they call "grandparent's revenge".

Purses, Pearls and Shoes in the land of Imelda Marcos

We have truly fulfilled our Asian shopping obligations the past 24 hrs. Bought pearls, handbags, shoes, and even some books that we wouldn't find at our local Borders at home (e.g., Rboert Goddard, a British author). Good thing we are constrained by the size of our luggage, or you could lose your grip on your wallet here. Great quality for amazing prices.

Hanging out with the Cool Crowd at "Fort Boniface" on a Sat night

Enjoyed delicious Vietnamese food and soaked up the "Fort Boniface" scene with Mei-Chiang, Hendra (another colleague from Sea-Stripes days now on the Chevron-Texaco project here too), Rina and their daughter Nina.
Very lively atmosphere, very warm, cozy and friendly feeling. Pinch me,,, are we really half-way around the world, or just down in Mexico for a quick weekend trip. Sure hard to tell the difference some of the time.
Heidi and Daniel are getting a bit weary of all this grown-up talk and socializing. "Can we please go back to Mei-Chiang's and watch the $3 DVDs we picked up at the market"