Baguio-Baler-Vigan-and back

The weekend before last, I set out on a roadtrip adventure. 2 groups of my students went to 2 different locations to shoot their final projects. And being the devoted (and lakwatsera) teacher I am, I committed to join both groups on different days. I left with the first group bound for Baler, Aurora late Friday night. 9 hours (and a very bumpy ride) later, we were in Baler. We stayed at a beachfront resort, Tamayo’s. Baler is the site of some great waves. And I finally saw the sierra madre!!!

The entire Saturday, we were in Baler, where it was sunny in the morning, then rainy in the afternoon. I was able to visit the fishing port, scenic locations, and some of the historical sites , the Church among them.
Early the next morning, I woke to catch the 5 am bus out—which, as it turned out, left at 6 am. I had 2 options: go to Manila, then take a bus to Vigan from there, or transfer several times to get to Cabanatuan, then to Carmen, where I could ride a bus to Vigan. I chose the latter. And 13 hours later, I arrived in Vigan. We stayed at Playa de Oro, also a beachfront resort. Early Monday, I joined them, and explored the non-Heritage side of Vigan. We went to a chichacorn factory, a weaving place, a burnayan (pottery) place, and ate longganisa. Yey! I was able to ride a motorcycle again—I still know how!

with my adopted chick, pablo (after senor neruda, of course!)

Exhausted, we headed back to Baguio early Tuesday morning. Exhausted but happy.The next few weekends, I think I have to cram some more travelling to nearby places. After all, the sem’s almost over.