Wandering Baguio - Lourdes Grotto 04/18/15

Around the same day when we visited Mines View Park we also decided to visit the Lourdes Grotto after a short break.

 

 Before that, let us first admire this beautiful view I am blessed to have witness. The house that we rented is just near the Lourdes Grotto and behind that house is a spectacular view overlooking the houses here in Baguio. My mother has visited lots of places in her line of work. One thing that struck me was when she said,

"Philippines is a combination of the countries  I've visited. In this case, Turkey is just like Baguio."

You may have the same reaction as me. Why would Baguio be like Turkey? Baguio is Baguio and nothing can compare to that. But, hear her out. You must know that here in Baguio there is not a single tricycle in sight. There are taxis, jeeps and owned cars. It is because the road is not entirely straight. In other words, the road follows the shape of its natural state. It goes up and way down like riding a mountain. Not only that but the houses are as well. Just like Turkey. Its amazing when you think about it. People could have ground the earth flat but instead, they didn't deviate nature. And that is beautiful.

Right after we catch our breath for an hour or two, we decided to visit the Lourdes Grotto.

We decided to climb up the stairs. I had to stay behind a bit because I had to document

That’s a lot of stairs

 Like wow!

Oh Dear, when will this end?

Like seriously! The stairs never seem to stop

 Wait, we've come a long way from…there?

 And *breathes* we *breathes* have…Phew! Arrived. You might wonder why there are so many stairs and where did we decide to inflict pain on our legs. We are in the Lourdes Grotto(I swear. I must have said that so many times it almost seems like I copy and past that).

In every place that you will visit, there should always be one trip to a religious site. I feel like its just right. You have traveled to see the beauty then afterwards you give thanks for everything. Not to mention that most of those sites are breathtaking in a way you cannot explain. Somehow, its a place that makes you feel at peace and you can bask in its beauty at the same time.

Before we arrived, I've heard of an urban legend about this place. They said that if you climb up to 300 flights of stairs then your wish comes true. I do not have proof of it but its nice to dream. the way we wish on shooting stars, wishing wells, at on 11:11. Simple (and sometimes unreal) myths make us believe in a little bit of magic that we eventually lose.

I cannot go any further than that but, doesn't it look haunting?

The view is no much pretty up at the 312 stairs. Yes. i even went up to the closed gate.

This is one proof that I am actually there. Sorry for the blurred photos. My mother took it.

Candles may burn out but prayers do not fade.

I've heard from the others that this part of Lourdes Grotto is new. I dunno how but, it was never there before

The way to the top may be tiring but the view is beautiful up here

This is the easiest part of the trip: walking downstairs.

Aanndd, this is me attempting to do those creative walking downstairs and failed. I hope you guys enjoyed this post.

~Stay sweet

Wandering Baguio - Mines View Park 04/18/15

Ever since I graduated last March 28, 2015, I noticed that I have been travelling lately. Although honestly, some are just menial tasks I needed to do. I like to be an optimist in things and see that anything that makes me get out of my house is an adventure, a travel. Instead of a chore.

From Naga, I stopped by Manila for a two day break before proceeding to visiting my Bae in Isabella. I know it might seem weird to your eyes and ears to what I call my grandmother. Where my father comes from Bae/ Ba-e is what we call our grandmother. I never got to the chance to ask but it seems to fit her perfectly, sweet little grandma, my Bae.

Our family planned on going to Baguio and I could never be more excited. I always love visiting other places. Baguio was no exception. In the Philippines, Baguio is one of the top places to go in the summer other than beaches that we are all proud to suggest. It’s maybe because of the heat that people wanted to find a place to cool down but I think it’s so much more.

At our ride from Aurora to Baguio, they decided to go another way to enter Baguio, through the mountains that never cease to end. My breath was slowly being taken away by the wonderful landscapes that I have seen. There were endless acres of trees towering all over the place and mountains that seem to be placed perfectly, like an artist making their own masterpiece. The roads were more difficult to drive as there are more curves. I think it’s better this way. The great thing about it is that, they didn't deviate from the place’s natural form. 

Obviously, You can see how beautiful the place is. The view is spectacular on its own that you only need a good camera and the right angle to take the perfect shot you see in landscape backgrounds.

We had to stop for a moment because we are noobs. Most of us got dizzy so I took this opportunity to take a shot of my outfit that day. Yes, It almost looks like I am going jogging. When you are in a 7 hour (Or more) trip in a van, It is best to choose clothes that are more comfortable than stylish. I also approve of wearable sweats. Hah!

My mother and my bae. I had to take this picture as fast as I can because she seems to not enjoy her picture taken unlike her granddaughter (Points at herself).

This was the last picture of our stop that I took because my mother told me to get my butt in the car.

I can't believe how much energy they(my relatives) still have. As soon as we arrived, they insisted that we should visit Mines View Park. Unable to argue, we agreed.

I am the oldest between my cousins here. You can see it, I know. Some of my cousins are even younger than me because my father was the 5th child of 9(8?10?) siblings. The older ones have their own escapades.

Its amusing when people notices my bulky camera. Most of them looks at the lenses. 

The shades are to hide the tired eyes. If it works, I wears. RIP English tho XDD 

I am right now wearing this for rent. Just so you know, wearing this costume only costs 20 pesos for one day then you need to give it back to. Now, let's just enjoy this sweet photo my father took 

I feel like a mascot instead of a tourist

The sun decided to shine at me. As you can see.

Another spectacular view

Traditional crosses modern pop culture pink horse

I must warn you to not visit the hot spots in Baguio during the weekends. There are too many people crowding the area. 

I had to return the costume back

Plants. Plant pots.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Mines View Park. Especially the observatory deck, where it overlooks a beautiful view  of Baguio. It is quite hot for a place that is known for being a cool spot in the Philippines (Get it? Ok, no) but, I am extremely satisfied even if we were tired from the journey. Baguio's landscapes are simply amazing. We are all surrounded with the liveliness of the city but from time to time we need to breathe in the simplest gift we forget to treasure, nature.

Stay Sweet~