The Family's Visit Part 3

Now for the last part of the family's visit to the Philippines...

After the wedding was finished, we decided that we would take a break from all the busy planning, and hectic schedule. We took both families up to Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. The ride up had some gorgeous views, and was rather nice. When we got there we checked in to our hotel, rested for about 5 minutes, then went out to Mine's View, a very scenic area in Baguio. We took a few pictures of the view, but it was mostly covered in a thick fog, as it was almost dark.

We then went to the Botanical Gardens, but didn't stay long because it was dark. Then we went to Burnham Park, a sort of Central Park in Baguio with a man-made lake.

We then went to dinner at Mang Inasal at the mall, yet another place that encourages you to eat with your hands in the traditional Filipino style. After dinner, we went back to the hotel to enjoy some native cakes made by Myrna that morning, and to get some rest for the next day.

Our first stop the next morning was back to the Botanical Gardens to see it in the daylight,

then to Mine's View to see the view in daylight,


and to shop at all the various vendors. We split up into smaller groups and scoured the area. Several souvenirs were purchased, and prices were haggled until everyone was happy. It was great! After shopping at Mine's View, we got back in the van and headed back to Tarlac. On the way out we took a different road, and stopped to see the Lion's Head Welcome Marker. We took the opportunity to snap a few shots,

and to enjoy the wonderful view.

The trip to Baguio was wonderful, and the temperatures were great! I think that's another place I'll have to visit again.

On the way home, we ran into traffic. We were bumper to bumper for about an hour and a half. There was even a time that the two-lane two-way hi-way became a four-lane one-way road. Traffic jams get insanely ridiculous here in the Philippines, and as far as I could tell, it was started by a couple of left turners trying to get to the overcrowded mall. We finally made it back to Tarlac about 9:00 pm, and went back to the hotel to get some rest before taking Mom, Richard, and Jon back to the airport at 1:00 am Sunday morning. We made sure to leave plenty early as to avoid any more traffic. We arrived at the airport safely, said our goodbyes, and our thank yous, and went separate ways.

It was great to see some of the family again, and to have them see the people, and country that I have come to love.