Intramuros

Two weekends ago, we spent Saturday with the McCunes, fellow TEAM missionaries here in Manila. They are very cool people, and we are thrilled to be their neighbors! 

On this day, the four of us went to Intramuros, the old walled city that used to be the whole of Manila. It is an important historical site, though most of what you can SEE of the history has been rebuilt. The whole area was leveled during the liberation of Manila from Japanese occupation at the end of World War II. (Yes, you read that right; it was the liberation that was most devastating to the buildings.) However, much has been rebuilt, and it was a fascinating area to visit. We visited Fort Santiago, Casa Manila (a home recreated to show life as a wealthy Manila aristocrat), and 2 churches. We finished the day in Rizal Park, very near Manila Bay, but our camera had run out of batteries by then, so we have no pictures.

The rebuilt walls and defenses of Fort Santiago. This looks over the ocean- the main enemy at that time was pirates.

Chatting on a bridge over the moat, with many water lilies. Evidently Manila is named for these flowers. Unfortunately, none were blooming while we visited.

The recreated, decorated gate into the fort.

A pretty Manila flower I found, that had fallen off its tree. The umbrella is for the sun. I have used my umbrella more often here as sun protection than rain protection, and that seems to be common, even during rainy season. Grace and I had our umbrellas up a lot that day.

A statue of Jose Rizal, a vastly important Filipino hero and liberation symbol. This area of the fort is where he was imprisoned before being executed by the Spanish. Just in front of the gate, you can see the bronze footprints that mark his last steps.

Costumes in Fort Santiago of wealthy dress from several centuries ago.

The McCunes at the Casa Manila

The only building left standing after the liberation, the church of San Agustin. It used to have two towers, but an earthquake took one. We visited the church and the accompanying museum of Filipino religious history. Interesting stuff.