Whenever people think of cold places in the Philippines, Baguio City come out first in our minds right? But we haven't tried to search on other places with the same fine weather in Baguio. I find Baguio City as expensive because I needed to pay for my airfare to get there. Aside from that, the travel alone would surely make me sick for a week. I do not know why I get sick from travelling for a long period of time. But I still love to travel! Isn't it obvious? Hahahaha!
On September 29 in the evening, we traveled to Claveria, Misamis Oriental for a spiritual retreat. It is a first-class municipality of Misamis Oriental, and it would only take an hour or two from the center of Cagayan de Oro City to reach it! We rode the Monterro Sport of Engr. John so it did not take us a lot of time to reach our desired destination. Other people opt to hitch a ride in heading to Claveria. Luckily, there are nice people that would let strangers hitch on their cars.
Honestly speaking, travelling at night on that part in Misamis Oriental was pretty hard since there were few street lights on the road. If there were, it might have been busted due to low maintenance of the local government. As we were travelling, we let the car windows open because the air was so fresh. It felt so good.
When we came to their house, we started sharing our spiritual insights and let go of our pains in life. We than decided to move on and start anew. Morning came and we decided to travel to Mount Sumagaya Shrine. But before that, I had fun while checking the crops, ornaments, and other plants around me.
I had fun reading the labels of a lady. She wrote Besil, Papermint, and Citrush. I had a hard time trying myself not to burst out in laughter. The inner spelling nazi has awoken! I was not able to take photos of it because that would be so rude of me. Sorry!
The weather is still so cold so I decided not to take a bath, anyway I still do not smell awful. I was afraid also to catch hypothermia. The weather in this portion of Claveria as I've heard has always been so gloomy. I felt like I really wanted to sleep on the entire duration of the trip.
The road network is good that we reached the Monument for the victims of Cebu Pacific Flight 387 quick. There were no signs of rebels in contrast with what some people insist. There were also military men conducting checkpoints as well so we felt no worries.
So, basically that is me so that I could prove to my friends (who had been reading my entries) that I was not joking! Haha
That is my dad taking his break while looking at the breath-taking view of Mt. Sumagaya. Honestly, I do not see the point why they constructed those cemented chairs there that looked like someone is about to give a speech in front of the monument.
After few minutes of enjoying the view, we headed to Highland Resort. At first, I could not fathom the idea of taking a dip in a spring on top of the mountain.
I really enjoyed the view not because of the pool around but of the flowers and of the gloomy atmosphere. I really applaud the owner of the resort for planting ornamental plants around the area. Of course! I do love plants especially flowers.
Honestly, it was my first time to see Dahlias--- like a lot of Dahlias around me. I felt like a kid again.
Luckily, (and because of my talkativeness) I was able to talk with the sister of the owner. She told me she was picking some Dahlias for their sibling who passed away. I asked her if she could give me some, and guess what! She said yes! The dahlias were so lovely like I do not want them to wither.
There were three pools and I swear the water is pretty cold. I was literally freezing on a corner and my skin turned blue. It was spring water so my eyes were not hurt from swimming an hour in the pool for adults.
We then decided to go to Jaco's. By the way, those are my parents. It is just a small restaurant but they sell newly cooked sweet corn for Php 20.00. They also sell coffee Arabica and other varieties. Around Jaco's were succulents and cactus. You can also order pasta, pastries, and rice cakes. Seriously, I should have bought our car so that I have a place to put the plants and take them all home with me.
For roses lovers, I am sure you are all gonna love this place. Along the road, you can find roses plantations. The locals sell it for only Php40.00 per dozen. I wished to buy five dozens but unfortunately I was so drowsy.
We had a hard time going home because the fogs were so thick, it even covered the highway. No wonder the plane crashed because it was hard to see where you are heading when you are on land, how much more when you are up in the air. I felt so sad for the families of the victims of the plane crash, it has been a long time already but losing a family member instantly because of a tragic accident is something so heavy a heart could take.
I took these photos for the sole purpose of saving memories but my parents decided to post them on their social media accounts. I really wish to travel more places, discover wonders of Mindanao (and maybe other parts of Philippines), and make friends with the locals.
On top is me, your host Johanna Gail saying I had a happy trip. I hope you will too. Take care!
