I am just back from my first visit to East Asia since 2015. This time it was a journey to the main Philippines island of Luzon, together with a short stay in Seoul.

It did not disappoint. There is something about that region that is just pure magic.

Philippines

There were many highlights. Marvellous manic Manila, the majestic rice terraces of Banaue, Batad & Hapao, the Spanish colonial city of Vigan, the church in Santa Juliana that is only a third of its original size due to it being buried under Mount Pinatubu’s eruptive force.

However, the main highlight was just being there, being driven through villages, up and down mountains, traversing farm lands, skirting the dramatic coastline, meeting the oh so polite smiling locals.

32 degree heat and santas galore in this predominantly Christian country.

The views were breathtaking. My travel buddy Hamish and I remaining silent 99% of the time just taking it all in.

We even managed a Filipino train journey on one of its few rickety old lines. From Quezon City, an hour south to Alabang and back north to Manila. There are grand rail plans afoot that have been beset by delays. The old infrastructure worked perfectly for us!

South Korea

We ended with four nights in Western leaning Seoul. About 20 degrees cooler than the Philippines. Once again festooned in Christmas decor, despite Christianity being a minority religion. No excuse needed for a party.

We walked tens of thousands of steps. A day was spent in Seoul including taking a cable car high above the city. It was easy to see how 26 million inhabitants squeeze into the capital.

We followed with a day trip by bullet train to the second city of Busan. This time up a tower with a view.

Our last full day saw us take a shorter journey to Suwon, 30 minutes by train from the capital. All the admittedly impressive sights were rebuilt in the late nineties following years of damage caused by conflict and natural disasters. A decidedly Disney feel.

I love Asia and cannot wait to go back……..