Our 18+ hour trip to Manila was made longer when we were stuck on the ground at the San Francisco Airport. Our United Airlines pilot had forgotten his passport, setting us back 90 minutes until a replacement pilot could be found. Despite the ridiculous delay, we made it to Tokyo Narita, Japan - just in time to scramble to our connecting flight to Manila.
We arrived at the Manila Airport, meeting our teammates for the first time at baggage claim. Besides everyone's personal luggage, we retrieved 19 huge ISM supply bags and 5 big cases of instruments and machines. It took all of us to grab and cart the gear through customs. We then had a 2-hour wait for our local contact, a truck and multiple vans, to show up to transport us from the airport to our lodging. After midnight we finally reached the Asian Mansion Condotel - our lodging for the next 2 nights.
The Asian Mansion Condotel is no mansion, but it was clean, convenient and in the heart of Makati City. We hit the sack immediately so that we could be reasonably rested for a free day in Manila before heading to our medical post.
Who is the grey haired guy in the oicture at the Airport????? Duane
ReplyDeleteSoooo much luggage! I'm glad it all made it to Manila with that close connection. Sounds like the adventure started the moment you left GEG!
ReplyDeleteThis is sounding more and more like a deployment with each post I read. What would international travel be without delays and baggage hassles? At least everything/everyone made it!
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