Hidden Garden, Vigan

“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.” 
― Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly


after our short stop at the Pagburnayan pottery, we had our lunch at the Hidden Garden Vigan. when we arrived, we were welcomed and i can't wait to order. i thought at first it was just some ordinary marriage of karenderiya and garden but i was wrong. its plants/flowers on display(also for sell) are beauties on their own right. they have an altar, a lover's corner, swing, birds on display, some animals and their powder room that amazes me.

Ilocos Trip in Pictures pt. 4

“The farther you go, however, the harder it is to return. The world has many edges, and it's easy to fall off.” 
― Anderson Cooper

we sleep like a babe the whole night. our feet may hurt a bit, sunburns on the side however we all knew that we are not like we are before. we have few stories to share now to the world and how good travelling is for everyone. big travels. small travels. does.not.matter. 

like what we did on our second day, we rose early to check on the rising sun. its as if catching the last train to nowhere. how could you afford missing this?

Ilocos Trip in Pictures pt. 3

our second day officially started by waking up early hoping to take a glimpse of the rising sun in the east. we hurriedly went down, trailing on rice paddies and marvel at the vastness of the fields which the community have cultivated for maybe good years.

after having a hearty breakfast and some last minute preparations, we're all set to start our day and we know its gonna be a long one. we made a short stop at the community's parish with its bell tower proudly standing and braved an earthquake in the 80's as told by our tour guide/driver. So strong that some of its tip made its way to the ground.

we then proceeded to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. a couple of tourists were already there when we arrived. from the top, you will be treated with a breathtaking view. lush greens as a  backdrop and the stone wonder fronting south china sea.