- The Chemistry Guy
- The Chemistry of everyday life, an HIV blogger. Twitter: @tcghiv | Email: tetrahydroziline@gmail.com
Adventure
Last year, I promised myself to redeem traveling. I started the crave for traveling after few of my friends invited me to be with them on certain occasions and my photography skills were enhanced because of this.
2012 was not really a good year for me, I was heavily armed with depression and insecurities and as a getaway from this, I traveled alone the onset of 2013. My out-of-town destination was very common though, I just went to Baguio City to try if I can manage myself being alone. I proved myself right, maybe because I know the place so much and been there X number of times. Well, this time was different, I am on my own.. with no friends nor someone to be with.
The day before my planned trip, I was so anxious and hesitant of not going.. the experience that I'm going to partake is somewhat new. It was like "go or not to go?". I still packed my things and went on my normal office routine. I just had one backpack handy as I don't want the burden of my luggage - I'm a light packer.
When my work shift ended, it was like -- "fuck this shit, come what may". I withdrawn enough money a 3D/2N-stay. Took a cab and went to the nearest bus terminal. Upon stepping out the cab and bought my ticket from the counter, I felt the excitement. This is it. It may be a lame and "touristy" destination.. but I'm on my own - a totally different thing. As a solo traveler must-do, I sent an SMS to a friend with all possible information of my trip, just for emergency purposes only.
Morning rush hour trip is a pain the in the ass, with all the traffic and hustle.. the metro travel was still exciting. Just looking outside the window and watched the people fight the rush hour. I was entertained as well, the bus had Titanic as on-board movie feature. Well, a pretty mushy 2-hr trip.
When the wheels hit the rural areas, I never felt the sleepiness. Took my Efavirenz and bough some Mentos Air to combat its side effects. (It might work for you too, eating uber menthol candies when you need to keep awake after taking Efavirenz). I wasn't able to sleep due to the rumble of the road, so I just took out my eye mask and went on a micro-sleep.
4 to 5 hours have passed, I can now see the zigzag roads and the treacherous mountains of Benguet. January is now the best time to go up hill since it's more cooler than the rest of the year. Benguet and Mountain Province are my favorite spot north of Manila. Been here the most than the southern part.
Seeing the clouds hovering the window bus makes me wanna go down and feel them, less than 30 minutes and I will arriving the Baguio City terminal. Still feeling the grogginess of Efavirenz, I munched all Mentos. We then finally arrived and as I stepped out the bus, it was a reality feeling that I made it this far. Now the problem relies on where to find a nice and cheap hotel - as much as possible, I want this trip to be worth the penny. I can afford some but still not practical. I hired a local cab and as we looped the roads of Session Rd., I finally found the hotel I have been eyeing for when I searched for cheap hotels on Google. The hotel facility is good and perfect for the budget. Went to my room and took a couple of hours to rest. I planned my itinerary and where to eat, Baguio is known to for fresh produce. Decided on my what to buys and where to go's.
Went to some of my old time favorite resto's and places within the city and enjoyed the night. Dining alone on a foreign place is not much a big deal and not as awkward when you dine alone in the urban areas. It will be the start of your adventure - traveling alone, when you meet locals or co-tourist. I met 3 guys during my stay, thanks to mobile apps. No hanky pankies though.
I met three individual guys - a local and 2 separate tourist from/visitors from Manila. The "local guy" even asked me to join his friends for some booze session. I never do this with strangers but I tried, it was worth it, I met his friends and had some quick booze session. At least they were friendly enough and you can really feel the sense of belonging - no "out of place" thing. (this one was the most unforgettable experience I can imagine)
The "second guy" was also a visitor, he was staying at a hotel on the other side of the road. We met and talked, conversation did well and our minds met. That night, we decided to hang out and find some place to chill on. He was nice and there were no awkward feelings. Until now, we still communicate - which is a good thing. We even plan to go out of town again. (I know this won't go further, we're just friends - he's nice, if you know what I mean).
The "third guy" was also from Manila, on a business trip. We met the next night, had some dinner and coffee together. He was as good as "second guy" when conversing. He has a boyfriend which calls his mobile phone every 20 minutes just to know what's happening. The night was quick since we are enjoying some good talks.
The second and third day of my trip was for me alone. Went on different scenes and places, just to reminisce. Had some good food and great walks. Just me.
When I was about to buy bus tickets going to Manila, there was a bit of a problem.. tickets were sold out and will have to wait for around 6 hours for new buses to arrive. (it was a Sunday and many tourist were booked and will be returning to Manila), it was 430pm and the ticket I bought was for 1030pm. Good thing, I saw "third guy" along the line and we bumped into each other. He got the same ticket as mine and luckily we are just a seat apart. Ok, at least I have someone with me returning to Manila. The problem is, where to stay for 6 hours? A split second, I thought of "second guy" (he's about to return to Manila the next day). I texted him and he immediately us his room for the next 6 hours. Everything went fine and if I haven't met these guys the night prior to that day - I'm totally fucked up.
The quick vacation was a good experience. Not really the place itself but feeling of freedom, independency and meeting good people. The euphoria of returning to urban area with great memories to keep is just awesome. Now, I'm planning to do it again.. in random places.
**took a couple of shots using my smartphone for this post.
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2 comments:
the healthworker said...
good for you, your solo travel went well.. i went to Baguio too, for the Panagbenga, and it didn't turn out as planned..
why, what happened?
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