Destinations are over-rated

Yes, it's been a long while. And I have now become accustomed to apologizing for my absence. And for those readers who did not notice my comeback here or here, the reason why I was away - was the launch of my debut novel, 'Coming Up On The Show... The travails of a news trainee.'  The readers have received it well and it secured a spot on the Landmark Bestsellers list as well. So anyway, that's why the travel blog has been languishing.

Plus the rains lashing the Philippines have not exactly been conducive to travel either. Many a weekend plan was disposed off after the rain gods played spoil sport time and time again. This last weekend though, me and the husband decided to go on that elusive road trip, come rain or shine. Yes, we had Typhoon Mina hanging over our heads and most parts of the country had a Signal 1, 2 or 3 hoisted over it. But sometimes even drives in the rain can be totally worth it as this trip proved.

We were off to La Union - around 4 - 5 hours away from Manila by road. It is a surfers destination and as both of us had never been on a board before, we knew that this weekend would be all about seeing and absorbing.

Like this woman here who has decided that the soft sand is where she would be rather than slamming her rib-cage into a hard board as she attempted to ride the waves 

This man gave us some nail-biting moments. As the waves rose up and down and he struggled to keep his balance, we kept wondering, 'Will he? Won't he?'

And then there were the pros. You can see from his confident stride that he's the kind who is defeated by no wave! 

And finally after three rain-drenched days at the beach, where we overdosed on languid swimming in the resort pool and the best of hospitality, it was time to drive home. The six-hour drive back was full of sights like these. Through a rain-spattered windshield we saw people braving the rains to get on with their lives.

And noticed that rain does not stop the faithful either as they pile into trikes and jeepneys to head in the direction of church spires and pulpits on a rainy Sunday afternoon. 

And then of course there are the sights like these.  A smiling ladybug trundling down a country road as it always has for years. 

If the journey is this good, it makes you think that destinations are over-rated. What say?

Road trip to Camayan- A photo essay

Clear skies and a sunny day after ages was what prompted us to hit the roads from Manila, on a Saturday morning in the direction of Subic. At a distance of around 150 kilometres, this is where some of the beaches that are closest to Manila are. Our destination was the Camayan beach resort, known for its beach front rooms and pristine beach. However the fun started way before we actually reached Camayaan. The less than two hour drive from Manila to Subic is via some of the best and scenic roads in the nation. The scenery ranges from the Lahar flow from the 1991 Mt Pinatubo eruption to the SCTEX highway itself that has been made by literally, cutting through mountains.

Though Subic is known for its free port, the place is not in any way limited by beaches alone. The abundant forests in the area have also led to a number of tree-top adventure parks as well as Jungle Safari parks. Though we were headed to the beach, I managed to click a few forest giants that seemed to be stepping out of their green abode, ‘a la talking trees of the Lord of the Rings Style’

Camayan wharf is at the end of this gorgeous, winding road. Huge mangroves that make up a natural sheltered path on the beach line the shore. The perfect place to relax after a swim. We also took our time on the shore clicking what seemed to be the strangest flowers that we saw strewn all around the sand. If any of you know what these flowers are called, do drop in a line. We’ve been unable to figure out so far.

And what’s a better way to end a day on the beach than lapping up the sound of waves while enjoying some great food and cocktails on a tastefully lit restaurant on the seaside. All in all, Camayan is proof that you don’t have to go a long way from home for some rest and rejuvenation.