Roadtrip: Ilocos Norte (October 2008)

Yes, our post-bar vacation is not yet over. This is our last adventure-- emphasis on the last. (You will know why at the end of this post. So read on!)

After Vigan, we decided to explore Ilocos Norte. We reached as far as Pagudpud. But we had a handful of pitstops. And I will show you through the pics:

Juan Luna's Birthplace

Paoay Church

Malacañan of the North



Sand Dunes

Lighthouse of Cape Bojeador

Bangui Windmills

Pagudpud

All these we went to in just a day's trip. We left Vigan early in the morning, I think before 6:00am. Then we started driving to Ilocos Norte. By the time we reached Pagudpud, it was already late in the afternoon.

We left Pagudpud after dinner. We had to drive back to Manila because we (Jerome & I) were set to fly to Cebu the next day. The drive from Pagudpud to Manila is around 8-10 hours. Yes, that long. And that was our mistake. We met an accident at Gerona, Tarlac because our driver fell asleep for a few seconds.

Lesson? DON'T TAKE LONG HOURS DRIVE AT NIGHT. Get some good sleep before driving for that long. Thank God, everyone survived. But some of my friends suffered some serious injuries. My left clavicle was broken. So there, it's important to plot your trip well and as much as possible take the necessary precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

Travel Essentials: Toiletries

While most hotels or resorts that you'll be staying in on your travels have a complete set of toiletries (in small quantities, of course), there are some that don't provide, like for example backpackers inn, or if you're staying with a relative/friend.

So you have to pack some toiletries. But you don't want them to be too bulky.

Before, I usually buy shampoos & conditioners in sachets and those little Safeguard soaps. Then I discovered something.

Haha. Actually, I recently acquired this habit of hoarding on the toiletry set of hotels and resorts. (Hey, it's not stealing ha, it's part of what we paid.)

And you can refill the containers once it's empty. See how economical! Hehe.