I have always found an escape out of life in the noise of life by my love of camping. This is what happened with the recent visit in Cebu, Philippines where the experience of stunning sceneries, new acquaintances, and indelible experiences made memory after memory.
Our trip started with a bright and sunny morning. I and my friends were very excited about loading up our equipment in a van. Subsequently, we used winding roads among the gorgeous, green hills, through gorgeous coastal scenes to a camp site. I already started feeling the calmness of the nature that surrounds us.
The sound of leaves and chirping birds can be heard when one arrives at the camp site. The most beautiful lake in front of the campsite was in a place where trees were quite tall. Our tents were set up in a short time with each person in a rush to occupy space. The air was cool and rejuvenating as compared to the city that was polluted. Once the tents were pitched, we had some time to simply stand there admiring our new environment taking in the beauty of Cebu nature.
After establishing our camp, we made a decision to visit the place. We took a brief hike and got to a hidden waterfall. It was wonderfully beautiful; and the water came dashing down the rocks, and formed a pool below. We couldn't help but jump in! The warm weather was unpleasant and the cool waters were refreshing and we swam and laughed at each another making memories that will last forever.
Towards the evening we sat round the camp fire and the warmth of the fire was touching our faces. It was also one of my favorite things about camping the telling of stories and laughing with friends. We toasted marshmallow, and we had a plenty of s'mores; and these dainties only served to augment the laughs and the chattering which was flitting forth in the air. Each story narrated seemed to get us slightly nearer, be it the childhood prank gone wrong story, or the adventuresome adventure story.
After the fire was put out, we were lying on our backs and gazing at the night sky. The stars were very bright and with a very amazing display that once again reminded me of how small we are in the bigger picture of things. We started naming constellations and we used turns each of us explaining to the rest of the marvels of the universe. The serene nature of the night coupled with the noise of nature was the right background to think and relax.
Camping in Cebu revealed to me many things about nature and friendship. I learned to make the most out of the small things: beauty of sunset, the sound of blowing wind and leaves, and warmness of a camp fire. And at least that involves the counting of the grave necessity to absolutely disconnect doing without connecting with the world surrounding me.
On the next day, as we were moving out of the campsite, I was satisfied. It was a long ride out of the city and an adventure that was far more than an attempt to get away with the noise and the hustle of the city; it was an attempt to make everlasting memories and strengthen the bond of friendship as we shared and feasted our eyes on some of the most beautiful scenics that nature has to offer. Cebu, with all its physical and magnificent nature and pleasant atmosphere provided and overflowed our adventure. I was thankful and in love with nature and I am looking forward to my next camping experience!
