Best things always happen when unplanned.
Although I was trying my very best to plan on where to stay this weekend, I always contemplated and considered the time, the possibilities and the cost by just going anywhere. I always joke on myself that self-love is really and undeniably COSTLY.
But anyway, the moment I think of that thought, the other side of my brain would also like to oppose and it would say:
"You can get back the money you spent but the time and experience will not always be there. So grab it. Experience it. TRAVEL. Or just go somewhere."
(Face palm) This is dangerous. I'm afraid I'll get broke. HAHAHA
I would like to agree about how costly it is to travel and I also would like to agree that I can get my money back but not the time that has already passed.
So instead of just staying inside my room and do some weekend routinary stuff like lay in bed, watch tiktok or youtube or facebook videos or react to my friends' posts plus a severe headache after a few minutes of laying in bed, stand up and cook or buy some meal, do the laundry, get back to bed, and then it's night and I'll sleep again, I chose to go out and have some ME time outside the four corners of my room.
For that's just how most of my weekends typically goes and even though I love staying in my room doing my stuff and be in peace with myself, I decided I want to try different things this weekend.
I had an eleventh hour plan on wanting to stay overnight anywhere but my room. I packed my stuff inside my bag, brought my necessities, got my keys and spontaneously drove wherever my motorbike and my thoughts would bring me.
I didn't want to go far yet so I just inquired on places to stay near my hometown. At first, I went to Stay N Save in Oslob because I wanted to experience the place. However, when I got there, their rooms were already fully occupied. So I roamed around the town hoping I could find some place to stay because I didn't want to go back yet.
Until I found this place: LAGNASON'S PLACE located in Lagunde, Oslob.
The place is located eight to ten minutes away from the center of the town and two minutes away from the highway. The place is not too big and not too crowded -- just enough for me to clear my mind and do some meditation. There were coconut trees all over, a wide lawn at the back part of the resort, a billiard area, cafeteria, and a swimming pool.
I was like okay. Let me try this place. I went inside and then, voila! I found myself bringing the keys to my room.
I hadn't done much in this place. I just went to bed, slept after a long and tiring day, went out to buy some stuff, then got back to bed and watched movies. I planned on trying their pool at night and waited until it was ten in the evening so that I can have it all for myself.
But here's the funny thing. When I went outside at thirty minutes past ten, I was so excited and almost jumped for joy for I can savor the cold breeze of the night while watching the stars up above and just soaking my body into the water. BUT I wasn't able to dip in the pool because they had cleaned it already and anyone can only swim in the pool until nine in the evening.
Disappointed, yes. But not disappointed enough to ruin my night.
I just wandered around the place and inhaled the peace, tranquility and serenity it had brought me. It was just so peaceful.
I was alone with my thoughts that evening. The wind was cold but had brought that inexplicable warmth within me.
In the morning, I woke up early to witness the place in morning dew. Indeed, I woke up in such greenery, peacefulness and quietness. Feels like home away from home.
I meandered and talked to the resort staff doing their errands around the place, took pictures and just cherished the moment all to myself. I filled my eyes and mind with memories I know my phone memory couldn't take full charge of everything.
I was in bliss. I was grateful. How I wish I didn't have to go back to work on Monday but that's just how one side of my brain thinks. It has the power to realize unrealities.
And then there's the other side of my brain and it goes: "Wake up, girl. This is not reality. You have to work and get yourself up for Monday."
Here is what happens when you travel alone and hesitant to ask a favor from someone to take a picture of you -- it's either you just rely on your camera's timer and (fingers crossed) hope for the best shot or have some shadow selfie.
My takeaways on this staycation:
- Life is meant to be experienced to fully grasp its beauty and enchantment.
- When you are alone in some place you haven't been to before, you get to enjoy yourself more and know yourself more.
- It's okay to treat yourself sometimes. You deserve it.