This picture below reminds me of the last family getaway we had before the pandemic hit the country. This was in the year December 2019 crossing the new year to January 2020.
These were our muddied shoes. It was that reminder that we did one thing I never thought we will do as a family- walk up a mountain.
Every end of the year, we have a schedule for a family vacation. Our parents' anniversary falls on a holiday. We take a chance to mark it as a family getaway. The last time we had that was, of course, pre-pandemic December of 2019.
I have not been to Sagada then. None of us has been to Sagada save for my younger brother. He was assigned north area before. One of their Team Planning was in Sagada with his team. It was a great plan.
We left Manila early. I rode with my younger brother and his family. While my older brother drove with my parents and his family. I loved not driving for this trip. I had real good sleep. I get to see the view outside and enjoy it. Like really stare at it as long as I want.
I was ecstatic. Going through endless greens with the sky and the sun cooperating. And my hands? They are not on the wheels. Yay!
Breakfast was grabbed along the way in one of the stop overs - gas stations that has McDonalds. We did not stop for dine in so we don't arrive late and dark in Sagada area. We breezed past Bagiuo and the first real stop was at Atok, Benguet.
What is in Atok? Nothing we just had lunch there. Kidding.
The Northern Blossom Flower Farm
We had lunch near this area so after eating we went for a roam around the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. It has been at that time really talked about in the social media. A lot of the Instagram users I followed have shots of the blooms there and some from astrophotography as well. Of course, I no longer hoped for a chance to get myself an astro shot in the area. For one, it was middle of the day. Another is that this is not our last stop.
The place was beautiful. My jaw dropped at this part of the farm. Looking at these flowers made me feel like looking at live and colorful corals under the sea except that I am up on the mountains. I cannot take my eyes off them!
A lot of picture taking took in this place. It was beautiful! I cannot take my eyes off them! Did I say that already?
My niece and nephew though, after a few shots got bored of course. Dragging my sister-in-law with them they made a race to the exit area where snacks are. When we got there, they were already seated and snacking on some biscuits.
Finally Sagada
Back on the road to Sagada, from here, maps says we are three hours away but I guess that is a "nearby" joke by the maps. It was already dark when we got there. and we had to look for a place to eat. Non-peak days in Sagada means lesser stores open or stores close early. We did get to eat though thank God and was able to rest in the first place we stayed while my brother arranged a transfer to another place a friend of his recommended. Which is a better place. We were housed in one hut and it has a large space where my hyper active niece can challenge anyone for a race.
We went around during the daytime. And at night time after dinners, since there was no television where we stayed, it was the best time to play endless, intense Taboo. It was a fun game with my oldest nephew finally being able to join in on the fun. He was around 12 or 13 then. Being a wide reader, it was easy for him to describe the silliest words.
If not that silly game, we spend time beside the fireplace. We do not have that in Manila. So it was a fun staring at the fire.
We went to visit the hanging caves. Thankfully my parents were able to go up and down the steps without complaining about their knees.
We also went up Marlboro Hills. This is the memorable part.
It was so dark when we went up there. Also it was very slippery and there were lots of mud. I am ok with that except for the fact that I was not ready for it. I was wearing sneakers - the type that does not have traction.
My youngest brother is the ultimate outdoor person. So is his wife. They are game for anything involving mountains and seas and would really like to expose their daughter to the outdoors as well.
I am fine with mountains and at my awesomest with the seas.
My older brother, however, is the "why go there?" person. But I was happy they were game. I and my younger brother was excited to expose my nephew to the outdoors.
We were sliding and slipping down the hill and we had no idea my sister-in-law was then pregnant with their second child. Thank God for His protection!
We went down to Bokong Falls. Which was just a few meters away from the place we were staying. It's not too high a falls but it was fun enough. I was thrilled seeing my nephew jump in with my younger brother.
Seeing him swim was a delight. Hopefully, the thrill of bathing in that cold water will give him a drive to explore too. I was kind of hoping that when that time comes I still have the energy to join him, too.
It will be a long while before we get to celebrate my parents' anniversary like this. Just really thankful we had that chance before the pandemic. The upside of this time is that we get reminded of those days that we had no restrictions and no fear yet. It makes us realize the importance of those times spent together with loved ones.
Makes me wonder if it makes one more eager to tell the people around them that they are treasured? or do we still shy away from vocally appreciating our friends and loved ones? Just a wonder. Not everyone's vocal right?
Keep safe people and do take care! Let us find ways to make ourselves happy and appreciative with what we can do while stuck in the confines of our homes.