The Philippines. First impressions. We flew here straight from Japan, so the culture shock began immediately after getting off the plane and using the restroom. Gone are the babbling streams and the endless options. There may be nowhere to buy water at the airport itself, but there are vending machines selling tests for dengue, malaria, and cystitis. There’s noise, chaos, and touts everywhere. I’m sweating in the tropical crowds, as the insane humidity has returned.
