I leave for Manila in a week, and I can tell you preparing for this trip has been something of an ordeal. Most of the details have been left up to me, and I feel I've been left in the dark about a few things, but it looks like the worst is behind me now.

I've had all my vaccinations, malaria tablets, and Cipro...just in case. I plan on keeping in touch with friends and relatives primarily via email and Skype, since international phone charges would be exorbitant. I was told by a coworker who has a friend at ATT that I can switch over to a $10/month maintenance plan while I'm away, so I have to look into that. I don't know if that's actually the case, since I saw online they only do that sort of thing for military personnel who are out of the country for extended periods of time. I will miss having full functionality of my iPhone. I'll continue paying rent in New York but won't pay for utilities, so I'll actually save a little more money than I would otherwise. All my expenses in Manila will be taken care of by my company.

I've heard a number of caveats from my coworker, Randy, who's been in Makati City for almost two months. You can read his blog as well as view his exceptional photos by visiting http://randyinmakati.blogspot.com. I'll certainly be on the lookout for the taxi drivers, beggars, and shady looking characters lurking by revolving doors.

I'll update this blog as frequently as possible during my trip. You can also follow me on Twitter for shorter, more frequent updates by visiting http://twitter.com/kbdunn.

Labels: ATT, Cipro, Manila, New York, Randy Le'Moine, Skype, Twitter