We took two trains downtown Manila to explore the historical walled section. I'm sure Nate could add a lot of detailed info about all the history we learned, but I am not so good on details when it comes to historical facts. What I do know is what we experienced. We got to ride our first horse-drawn carriage through the city as a local Filipino toured us around. He was very well-versed on his historical facts.
We saw many monuments and flags around this area, many depicting the suffering of the Filipinos during war or occupation. I have so much history to learn, but I know they are proud to be independent now, just as many in the West are too.
One of our first stops was this church--the oldest one in the Philippines. This is built with much Spanish influence, as the Philippines was under Spanish control for many years. There was fighting and war all around this building, but this one is the only one that stood firm.
We thought we would take a quick tour, but the inside is a lot bigger than we thought! There was a wonderful museum with many paintings, artifacts, graves (even a crypt--we weren't allowed to take pictures of that). I especially liked the wood-carved front door.
Inside I definitely felt like I was in Europe. The sanctuary was just like many we saw in France and Italy--glass chandeliers, wooden benches, grand ceilings and the organ!
Oh, yes, the organ. I love organs! I was at one time in high school considering a major in organ at UNL. I even studied organ at music camp one summer, so this organ was a treasure to see! If only he would let us play it, but of course we were not able. At least we got to sit at it and pretend we were playing.
Inside the courtyard they made a garden out of the old convent. It was so pretty! I was amazed to see the collection of historical things and to learn much about the history of the Philippines, including Japanese invasions and more.
We took two trains downtown Manila to explore the historical walled section. I'm sure Nate could add a lot of detailed info about all the history we learned, but I am not so good on details when it comes to historical facts. What I do know is what we experienced. We got to ride our first horse-drawn carriage through the city as a local Filipino toured us around. He was very well-versed on his historical facts.
We saw many monuments and flags around this area, many depicting the suffering of the Filipinos during war or occupation. I have so much history to learn, but I know they are proud to be independent now, just as many in the West are too.
One of our first stops was this church--the oldest one in the Philippines. This is built with much Spanish influence, as the Philippines was under Spanish control for many years. There was fighting and war all around this building, but this one is the only one that stood firm.
We thought we would take a quick tour, but the inside is a lot bigger than we thought! There was a wonderful museum with many paintings, artifacts, graves (even a crypt--we weren't allowed to take pictures of that). I especially liked the wood-carved front door.
Inside I definitely felt like I was in Europe. The sanctuary was just like many we saw in France and Italy--glass chandeliers, wooden benches, grand ceilings and the organ!
Oh, yes, the organ. I love organs! I was at one time in high school considering a major in organ at UNL. I even studied organ at music camp one summer, so this organ was a treasure to see! If only he would let us play it, but of course we were not able. At least we got to sit at it and pretend we were playing.
Inside the courtyard they made a garden out of the old convent. It was so pretty! I was amazed to see the collection of historical things and to learn much about the history of the Philippines, including Japanese invasions and more.
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