Good Friday continued (a trip to Tagaytay)

Right now I'm sitting in a Burger King for the free wireless. The video screen that normally has the latest and hippest pop videos is currently showing a lengthy and gruesome torture scene from a movie about Jesus - I think it must be the Mel Gibson one. I think I might have to leave here soon as it's really awful. The lady mopping the floor just stopped and started crying. Seriously.

I avoided the real blood and gore that happens during the self-flagellating rituals. Luckily yesterday Tita kidnapped us and took us to Tagaytay in Cavite. This was an exciting trip and a beautiful place that we got to experience on an important day (ie: Good Friday).

On the way from Manila, I noticed that the landscape is reminiscent of California, and along the road there are stands that sell corn, pineapple, mangoes, and a variety of cooked foods. A big mushroom farm has a restaurant called "Mushroom Burger" where mushrooms are sold and mushroom sandwiches are served. We ate dinner there.

Tagaytay has a fresh lake formed by a volcano, Lake Taal. It was really, really beautiful. It's not that far from Manila, and the temperature is much cooler. I actually needed a sweater, but have gotten out of the habit of bringing one.

There was a lot of traffic on the way back, and we got blocked in on a small village street during Good Friday processions, so we just got out of the car and watched. Joe and I, being caucasian, were stared at a lot - especially by the kids. In the provinces, westerners are less familiar I guess. We were staring too, so it all evened out.

During the procession, large church statues are decorated with sparkly clothing, dried and plastic flowers and electric lights. The lights are powered by generators attached to the cart. The floats were wheeled through the streets by gentlemen of the town. Folks holding candles and saying the rosary were leading the way. Everyone in the town has there windows open and candles lit.

We went back to Manila via side-streets. Once there, called my mom for the first time in three weeks and talked with her while. It was a good day.