Dangers of Living in Manila
June 25, 2010 9:51 AM Subscribe
I am thinking about moving to Manila for work. Assuming that I make a decent amount of money and employment is no issue, what might it be like to live there as a woman from the US in her late 20s, who generally likes to be independent, wander around alone, etc.
I've traveled and lived abroad for years (mostly in European countries, but also Thailand and Egypt), almost always alone, and I have always been an independent, open, and non-wary traveler. From what I have read, all of that independent energy will not be an option at all in Manila. According to this thread from 2005, I am wondering if things have changed at all since then, and if someone else can offer further information.
It seems that the only way to live safely in Manila is to hermetically seal oneself away in an enclave. However, I have lived very happily in many neighborhoods which had terrible reputations, and I rarely agree with people's assessments, and assume people are often basing those assessments on racism and classism. Is this one of those times when no one is exaggerating, and the situation is truly horrific? What are the specific dangers involved in living in Manila? Is it crazy to ask if there are any neighborhoods with a slightly artistic/bohemian flavor? Assuming I'm living there with a male partner, will I have to be tied to his side if I ever want to go out roaming around? Assuming he is an even bigger reckless wanderer than I am (and also from the US), what risks is he taking?
Sorry for the deluge of questions. I'm trying to fight my natural skepticism and find out as much as I can about the reality of the situation.
I've traveled and lived abroad for years (mostly in European countries, but also Thailand and Egypt), almost always alone, and I have always been an independent, open, and non-wary traveler. From what I have read, all of that independent energy will not be an option at all in Manila. According to this thread from 2005, I am wondering if things have changed at all since then, and if someone else can offer further information.
It seems that the only way to live safely in Manila is to hermetically seal oneself away in an enclave. However, I have lived very happily in many neighborhoods which had terrible reputations, and I rarely agree with people's assessments, and assume people are often basing those assessments on racism and classism. Is this one of those times when no one is exaggerating, and the situation is truly horrific? What are the specific dangers involved in living in Manila? Is it crazy to ask if there are any neighborhoods with a slightly artistic/bohemian flavor? Assuming I'm living there with a male partner, will I have to be tied to his side if I ever want to go out roaming around? Assuming he is an even bigger reckless wanderer than I am (and also from the US), what risks is he taking?
Sorry for the deluge of questions. I'm trying to fight my natural skepticism and find out as much as I can about the reality of the situation.
This post was deleted for the following reason: poster's request -- jessamyn
« Older I need a hero. | talkin' about "pop music" Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.