I started travelling when I was a kid...I think since when I was born.
My father's clan came from Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, and every Summer and Christmas season we used to go back to our roots and visit my late grandmother and relatives back in the province.
Since we're already based here in Manila, we had to prepare months for the trip back to the province.
The old NLEX was our path to travelling up north.
Usually, we take the night trip so that I would be cooler to travel and we get to Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur for breakfast.
Usually takes about 9-10 hour trip during the night trip.
We used to own a passenger jeepney and it's freakin' cold during the night travel while the "tolda's" were flapping with the night breeze.
It used to be family tradition until I started working, where I had to work during Christmas and New Year. Summer Season was no longer my break but became part of my work schedules.
Yes we need to work.
Seasonal breaks were over.
Had to earn. Holidays are opportunity to earn more because the holiday pay.
Just had to suck it up and work hard for the money.
During our stay in Dunglayan, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, back in the days we'll stay in the old wooden home of my grandparents. We would sleep on the 2nd floor of the house. Sometimes we make a small opening from the capiz windows to feel the cool night breeze. No electric fan needed. However, during the "Summer" ("Tag-init") season, it's really warm.
In the morning your smell the fresh grassy breeze and finely filtered air.
No city air pollution!
Usually, when there's a celebration in the barrio such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and the like...I remember people from everywhere would be visiting the place of celebration and the whole community celebrates with the big feast.
Missed visiting our relatives, most of them I'm really not familiar who they really are since I grew up here in Manila. My mom and dad usually introduce me to every single relative that we have in the barrio. Me being my introvert self, would usually keep quiet and simply observe.
If relatives visit the old two-storey home, after greeting everyone I would usually run up the stairs and open the window and just observe what's happening out there.
I would prefer to savour the fresh grass scented air.
Look out and see the mountains.
Sometimes I would look at the cows and pet their dogs.
Chasing chickens would be fun too.
During the afternoon best to walk around the fields and savour the grassy air.
Then, we'll plan to go to Suso beach and enjoy the grey sands and rocky beach.
The southern part of the beach would be covered with huge rocks and the northern part is covered with grey sand.
Step your foot over the sandy beach then cover you feet with the sea water from the South China Sea.
There would be times that the waves and current are stronger so you have to watch out and be careful. Observe before you dip in.
Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur is also famous for its century old church - The Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church.
A place to travel back in time.
Church made of old bricks that withstood the test of time and weather.
For health buffs, enjoy the 85-steps going up to the stairs. Good workout before church duties.
If the budget would fit I would love to go back to our province back in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.
A lot of change from my childhood travels.
Hopefully roads would be improved.
I hope I can drive the family van for travel convenience.
Looking for pictures?
Please check out my travel and photo blog:
http://wutpolgastinks.blogspot.com/2013/06/sta-maria-ilocos-sur.html
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