The Peninsula - Redux

We really felt privileged (in both senses of the word) to be able to visit Tia's family, and to have had a glimpse into the poverty in which most of the world lives.  We're grateful for the real life perspective our trip gave us.  And we know that the poverty we witnessed in Tia's neighbours was still nothing compared to the way that millions live in other parts of Asia, India, Africa and Latin America.  It was a trip of a lifetime as I kept saying.  And so invaluable and worthwhile.

But it was also exhausting and uncomfortable and hot and stressful.

So we were newly appreciative of the comforts of the Peninsula Hotel when we returned to Manila.  I had stayed there 15 years ago during my TVSN days, when it was a little more rundown, and a poor alternative to the Shangri-La, where I usually stayed.  Now it has been totally redone and is beautiful, even exceeding our expectations.

Mama's dream bathroom is modelled on the one at the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo.  I call it my chocolate bathroom because you feel like you are in a chocolate box.  Well, the Peninsula would be the caramel version!

At 5, Katy is quite partial to beautiful hotels too...

We made her a little bed out of the armchair and ottoman and, amazingly, she stayed in there the whole night.  It was like a little cocoon and she loved it.
 
The next morning, Mama and Katy again set off early to explore.  Katy is really an early bird, no matter what late hour she gets to sleep.  The lobby of the Peninsula is a vast palm-filled atrium.

 We loved the artwork - there were beautiful huge tapestries of Filipino life hanging in the lobby.

 We loved the decor - beautiful etched glass mirrors...

 ..gorgeous carriage lights and indoor palm gardens.  Very inspiring!

While I spoke with the Concierge about boring adult stuff, Katy kept herself amused with the little strips of rainbows running over her shoes.

Then it was time for a quick swim before breakfast.  The pool at the Peninsula is beautifully landscaped, but totally devoid of shade.  Katy's favourite pool game was to slide down the rails.

Then we treated ourselves to a huge breakfast.  Katy loves dipping her toast soldiers into her semi cooked eggs. 

 But really, the only way I could drag her out of the pool and go get breakfast was to promise her ice cream for breakfast!













 After breakfast, Katy and Dada jumped into the pool again. 

Dada is trying to get her more comfortable with being a rocket launched into space rather than having to throw her up in the air doing fei fei fei as it's easier on his arms and back!  She really gets quite a bit of air when she's launched and she gets a little scared!

 So her favourite is still fei fei fei.

 But she'll take a ride from Dada any way she can!