Corregidor ROCKS!

I've always been something of a skeptic about "field trips". Sure, they are fun....but do they kids really learn anything. Well, for our most recent field trip to the island of Corregidor the answer was a resounding YES. All three of us "kids" had our own filters and absorbed different things, but there was something there for all of us. I can say unequivocally that I left with a profoundly enriched appreciation of the role this little island played in World War II and the many players - Filipino, American, and Japanese - that were a part of the events of the time. Beyond the historical elements, all three of us enjoyed exploring the flora and fauna of the Philipines that the escape from Manila allowed.

Corregidor is just a one-hour ferry ride from Manila. For those in the Puget Sound who think they know ferries, let me just say that the boats here are much smaller (passenger only) and the wave action of Manila Bay much larger (wider bay and the South China Sea lurking nearby)...so bring your motion sickness meds (Jordan filled a few "barf bags" on the way over).

When you arrive on Corregidor you are promptly placed on one of many busses ready to tour you around.

Now, yes, this is still the "tourist" scene, but the tour is worth it. The guides are knowledgeable and engaging and its a great way to get an overview of the many sites on the island. The ruins of the military buildings here are remarkable both in terms of what remains and what was destroyed. I won't pretend to appreciate the "reality of war", but seeing heavy steel doors pock-marked and deformed from shellings, seeing concrete imprinted with depressions from missiles, and seeing dark, primitive caves that served as hospital facilities...well...it certainly paints a more vivid picture anyway. Take a look for yourself.

Most folks do just the prescribed bus tour - which really takes the whole day - then return to Manila. But, an overnight stay is well worth it. Staying overnight allowed us to explore the island on our own, go back and spend more time at the sights that most interested us, and get to other sights that the day trip doesn't allow. Jordan was even asking to "go back to the museum"....so hey, if the tour can make a nine-year old actually WANT to spend more time in a museum they are doing something well.

Though World War II is the dominant identity for Corregidor, it is also a lush island full of birds, beaches...and MONKEYS. We saw many beautiful birds during our walks but these monkeys remained elusive and Jordan was desparate to see them. I am happy to report that his patience and perseverance paid off. He spotted two on our last day while Hans and I were distracted with our cameras. We got a glimpse. but Jordan definitely got the best look. He was doing the happy dance the rest of the day. The island also had a small beach that allowed us to spend a bit of time frolicking in the waves. It pales in comparison to the many nicer beaches in other parts of the Philpines, but was a nice foreshadowing of what's to come. And, for Jordan, any wave will do...he was happy for the time to cut loose and play in the surf.

I've inserted a small slide show on the right side bar of the blog. Scroll down the page - below the clock, the weather, and the temperature converter and you'll find it. It will give you glimpse of a few of the sights we took in during our brief stay in Corregidor. Let me know if you are able to access and view the slides.