marvaninmanila: Sunday party!

Our first Sunday here and we are preparing to host some afternoon drinks! We have met 2 Australian couples at Frazer's Place with children and decided to get together - with the husbands. Both of them have come over to work in Manila. Yoko and Nick are staying for 1 year and Sonja and Mark are staying for 2 or maybe more.

It seems like the thing to do over here. We went to the Sunday markets -but it is very hot and muggy outside and the city is really very ugly!! They have great shopping malls - with all sorts of amazing shops - which I am looking forward to exploring once the boys are at school - but apart from shopping and swimming in the hotel pool - there doesn't seem to be much else to do other than socialise!

We have found a fantastic apartment to move in to in mid August - it is huge like a penthouse - really well renovated with great views and a resort like pool and tennis courts. The only thing is that they normally want 12 months leases - they said they will give us a 6 month lease - but we haven't seen the documentation yet. I think everything is at a slower pace over here!

We are also looking for a driver and a ya ya (maid). It is turning out not to be that easy. Apparrently we should get a recommendation from past expats - that is why I am joining two groups ANZA (Australian and New Zealand Association) and MADS (Mothers and Darlings). There are a couple of afternoon teas next week - have to see what eventuates!