59: about having the Ilocano blood and narrow roads

Yesterday we left the resort compound in search of cheaper food.

As expected, the resort had a limited menu and was expensive. Spending a meal or two outside would save us maybe around a thousand pesos so off we go.

I was a bit worried at first. The maps showed no pathways from our beach front to other more populated spots. There was only this one post saying there IS a way, but you have to exert effort as it was difficult to find.

So first we walked along the shore, past the fishing village, through narrow elevated ledges separating sand and soil. It was a picturesque one, this village sprayed with both torn down and freshly painted boats. Here and there a group of fishermen playing mahjong, burning time. Children playing along the shore.

After asking for directions, we were led now to a wide road leading inland. Relatively new, this smooth road had steep slopes and curves, and at places were filled with dried coconuts that fell and were ignored a long time ago.

M and I can't exactly recall, but for a while now we were walking behind a kid, a carefree one at that, touching trees, picking things on the road, greeting people he met. We asked him for directions. He's on his way to La Laguna beach too, so it's best that we follow him, he said.

From the wide road we exited a very steep path, down and through narrow passageways. It was a long long walk, with only the kid and a blue dot on google map to affirm us that we were heading near the beach (no roads showing on the map).

We finally got to our destination, and this kid Lito (Flores apelyido ko, marami kami Flores dito) just left us, continuing his walk, reaching for things that caught his attention, running and jumping.

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I love long walks. Wether lost or heading somewhere, it really doesnt matter as long as I get to see new things. These little splices of life I wont see on the tv or the net. And a wonderful time too to chat with M.

Along the way I vividly remember these things:

A fresh makeshift boat halfway painted blue

Skeletal remains of an old boat swaying with the waves

Men playing basketball, and the neighbors watching, as if frozen in time; one even stopping halfway on his step, waiting to see if a score was made. Women carrying big loads of laundry stopped in their tracks. Children suddenly quiet. Then after an attempted dunk on the court, everyone resumes, life continues.

A mentally challenged woman, all smiles, following us with her gaze, and as if hesitating for a long time, says "hi" with a big grin

Very unique fiesta decorations made from coconut husks


Maybe i'll add to this list when I recall more things.

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Okay upload, commit to blog, commit to memory.

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