Flashback Friday: Last Summer Hurrah @ Bicol

The past week has been rough weather-wise. A typhoon has flooded most of Manila leaving thousands homeless. Schools throughout the metro have been suspended as well. It was a gloomy week alright. It stopped raining but it's still as cloudy - and there has been talk of yet another typhoon. :(

Blue sky, when will we see you again? It's been a long time. Taken during our trip back to Manila last May.

Murky days make me reminisce of the summer I had. Here's a look on my last trip with friends this summer.

Our friend Kath invited us to her hometown Virac, Catanduanes. We stayed at Rakdell Hotel, their family business. You can check their Facebook here.

Since plane tickets were a bit expensive for our budget, we opt for a cheaper ride instead. We left at around 5:00pm on a Thursday afternoon aboard RSL Bus Line at Cubao. We arrived at Legaspi Port after 12 hours.

 

 Perfect cone of Mayon Volcano @ Tabaco Port.

From Legaspi Port, we rode a ferry going to Virac and it took about 4 hours for us to get to our destination. (as if a 12-hour bus ride isn't enough). Tired and hungry, but the trip was well worth it. We were greeted by Kath and her mom, the hospitable hotel staff and of course the welcome wouldn't be complete without a delicious meal on Rakdell's rooftop.

After lunch we toured downtown Virac, Bato Church, water falls and the nearby beach.

At the foot of Bato Church, Virac, Catanduanes. With my friends Chalet, Ice and Kath.

Bato Church

A nearby beach resort just minutes away from the hotel.

The next day was the highlight of our trip. We went to Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, which is an hour boat ride from Virac. The islands were also featured in Survivor, a reality show. Check out Survivor Caramoan here.

With Mark, Ice's boyfriend and our photographer. Taken during our boat ride from Virac to Caramoan.

 

A breath-taking view.

Eating pancit on the beach. Yum!

I miss swimming!

Going back to Virac on a late afternoon.

This has been one of the memorable trips that I had. I surely miss the beach - sun, sand and sea salt in my hair. Even if it's raining puppies and kittens, my mind drifts off to places such as this. 

Okay, enough musings for now. I shall get back to work.

"After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer. - William R. Alger"