There's something about being in a hotel room all alone that I find really comforting. Or maybe it's just because of my long time wish of traveling somewhere and checking myself to some hotel alone hasn't occurred yet. And so here I am, enjoying the alone time before my other roommates arrive (that'll be my mom and my eldest sister) and finding this quiet moment to gather up my thoughts.

Okay! So, last November I was given the opportunity to travel alone to La Union, my uncle's place since he's been bugging me on when I'll visit their place and enjoy the rural air. It was technically my first time to travel somewhere alone without anyone I know (may it be by name or whatsoever) inside the same vehicle. It actually felt great, I feel like I've grown out my "bunso"* phase in the family since I was able to arrive to my uncle's place successfully.

I spent the entire trip wondering, "what would it feel like if I do this often?". Just me, sitting by the window, enjoying the view or enjoying the alone time reading the designated book I have for that particular travel (this time, it's The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger). I wonder and dreamed about the places I'd go to, adventurous and daredevil sides of one's self revealed and awakened. With this, I hope to get to more places, travel more and discover provinces and countries I've never been to.

This trip indeed is something I won't forget.



I did this trip to once again, get away from the stress that the city has been bringing me. Plus, due to my present medical conditions, my doctors advised me to not get stressed at all as it may cause a not so good attack in my immune system. Also, I miss being in the country side. I've always thought that I am a natural farm girl who happened to grow up in the city. I missed being around farm animals and going in the field to harvest vegetables or water plants.

Surprises, surprises. I love surprises! One day I woke up extra early and my uncle asked me to accompany him, not knowing that he'll get me a student's license for the grand driving lessons day. I know I teased him into teaching me how to drive before but I never thought it would happen now.

My first day of lessons was hilarious. I can't keep myself from laughing too much the moment I sat in front of the steering wheel. A 40mph is an achievement for me then! Uncle got me driving, taught me how to drive in curves, got me on a National Highway on the third day and got my longest drive on my fifth and final day for two straight hours. Driving sure is tiring! I never thought I'd be that hungry! And as an update, yep, I do know how to drive now! Thank you, dear Uncle!

Also, I spent most of my afternoons reading. The pleasure of spending your afternoons reading, writing letters, staring at the wonders of nature, learning new songs in the piano, guitar and ukulele, riding your bicycle to the nearby beach, going to the farm to harvest, walk the dog, and contemplating about life by the seaside or by the farm. That peace, your precious quiet time with the Lord without getting distracted by technology and whatever gadget, I left my phone most of the time in my room, only checking for messages in the morning or after eating dinner. It's what I call peace. It's where I get to spend, maximize my time spent with the Maker. It was awesome. It was one of those that keeps me coming back to the province.

One of the things I would also treasure on this trip of mine was trying the zip line. Yes, I haven't tried it yet and my cousin was crazy enough to convince me in signing that waiver. It's a Superman Zip Line (if you have no idea, your harness is worn like a backpack and your hanging freely!), which extends from one mountain to another. It was so up the mountain, we had to ride a mini truck and hike some more just to get to the station. Yes, I was the last one to go from the batch of seven but I didn't have any regrets. They told me I was pretty calm about the entire thing since the first ones who went before me were panicking.

It was amazing! Being one of the daredevil daughters of my dad, it was thrilling! It was crazy at the beginning since you'll see the sharp tree stumps below you but the moment you get passed that, everything is just so wonderful! I never thought that this is how flying felt like (well, outside an aircraft). That Peter Pan felt this way whenever he flies! Gaaah! I swear if I had the fund that day, I'd do that for another five times! It was worth it, I wished the ride was longer!

I'd never forget that. And I am more all set to create more memories, to live up with my thought of "Try something different, today! The one you haven't done, yet! Conquer one fear, do not be afraid". It sure is something, a magical month and a half full of surprises, hikes, adventures, church special numbers, moments with God.

Given the opportunity, I would definitely travel again. Alone or, or.. would you like to accompany me on my next one? Let's go try different types of food, adventure, and let's discover new places!

Now, Mom and sister's here! Time to get out of the room to grab some Ramen!


*Filipino tearm meaning the youngest in the family. 동생.