The next morning, we woke up at 4:30am to catch the sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint. Our rented jeep arrived several minutes late -- I was afraid we would miss it. Fortunately, we didn’t. We got there just as the darkness was slowly paving the way for the morning.
We trekked to the edge of the viewpoint, where initially only rice terraces and a thick blanket of fog could be seen. A few minutes later, the first rays of the sun came through. More and more light poured in, until the view became incredibly breathtaking. From the cliffs, the clouds emerge like waves from the sea. You are above the clouds, literally. Then slowly, the sun rises from within the clouds, illuminating everything, presenting everything in its total grandeur. It was so amazing! It was worth the sleep deprivation! I’ve never seen anything like it!
|
|
the breathtaking sight from Kiltepan Viewpoint
|
We took a nap first before finally packing up—it was time to leave Sagada. Somehow, I felt sad while I stuffed my dirty clothes into my bag. I wanted to extend a couple more days—there was just so much to see in Sagada, and though I don’t think I could ever see them all, I would be happy with any amount of additional time to spend there. It was amazing how Sagada touched me, how it felt like home to me—a home away from home. It was amazing how I fell in love.
We checked out of Sagada Caveman and proceeded to the terminal. While waiting for the bus, we went back to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin—it was open so I got to offer a prayer inside and make a wish, as I do with all churches I visit for the first time. Afterwards, we bought some fried chicken and halo-halo from the street vendors in the bus terminal. I ate my chicken with my bare hands and munched on my rice straight from the plastic wrap. I loved it!
 |
| inside the Church of St. Mary the Virgin |
I will never forget my experience here. It was as if no worries existed, and what only mattered was the beauty surrounding me and the fact that I was spending time with people I love. I have never felt more peaceful and more happy – even compared to the other places I have visited. I loved every minute spent here—definitely the best highlight of my year so far. I can't wait to go back! Oh Sagada, I will miss you.
 |
| I SURVIVED Sagada! |
~*~
Other blogs under the “Sagada series”:
This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.
0 comments :
Post a Comment
Let me know what you think!