What makes you happy? A question that makes everyone pause, think and reflect. There's something about this query that awakens our soul. Some smile, because they know exactly what's the answer, some just stare blankly because they're not sure who, what, how and where to find theirs, some become sad because they just lost it, and some just brush it off because they believe, in this come and go world, it's not necessary.
Who are you among these? how much do you know your heart and mind?
Our recent trip to the north gave me a lot of time to ponder (as always) about life and almost about everything. I've always believed in the beauty of travelling, never in the luxury of it but always in it's deeper sense. It's always a good thing to be in a different place or the place you've always wanted to be, it gives you that fresh perspective and allows your mind to take a leave on your regular worries, well at least for me. It doesn't matter if it's just a walk in the park, a long drive destination, you owe yourself that time, that certain moment to see life in a different light.
I was just lucky I got to experience having this moment with the most important people in my life at the most perfect place. This place will always be memorable because I've been here just before we said goodbye to 2017, a year of so much learning, healing and growth.
When we arrived at the place, I was so happy I almost cried by how beautiful it is. Some may not understand, but I'm sure the true blue wanderers will. Thankfully, the weather is perfect when we arrived, it's like we drove inside a portal and arrived in a different dimension, no sign of rain at all.
I'm not ashamed by just how much I admire the place, it's like I'm Alice in this brick garden wonderland. By the way, Fort Ilocandia is a Resort Hotel located at the heart of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. For the people travelling by air, it's only 10 minutes away from the Laoag City International Airport.
All the restlessness and the urge to slumber melted away. I just wanted to stare at everything and savor the cold breeze.
But of course, we had to check the rooms where we'll be staying at so I was interrupted with the moment haha. I loved the room, it gave me that old Hollywood movie feels.
Tada! The view at the room veranda. Look at those lush green leaves and bright pink bougainvilleas. Can I live here? :)
After we got a peek of our temporary abodes, we decided to roam around and take advantage of the picturesque place, as you can see.
Did not pass the chance to have the staircase shot.
It's like we have the place to ourselves because it's so serene and quiet. That's my beautiful niece lying on the grass right there, all smiles just before she started to feel the itch haha no regrets though I can lie down here forever too.
I just love how the place is mixed with Spanish, Italian and Filipino touches.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a daily afternoon stroll here. Honestly, I hoped to find a secret passage or door leading to some secret place just like in my favorite novel Mary and the Secret Garden.
I must say, Fort Ilocandia is that place where you can find everything you look for in a vacation. Aside from the beautiful brick garden, they also have a mini zoo, we were lucky to bring home some naturally shed peacock feathers, thanks to the kind caretaker.
And various swimming pools too, one's Olympic-sized where we decided to take a quick swim, by quick I mean real quick because the water is freezing cold.
And the best part, they also have a beach, but the waves are so strong that day so we were not allowed to take a dip.
Anyhow, my eyes already surfed with the waves. It's the calm view I didn't get to see back in Pagudpud.
Fort Ilocandia by night, took this shot just as we were heading out for dinner.
We had dinner at Saramsam Restaurant, if you're looking for that authentic Ilocano taste, this is the place to be. Was not able to take photos of the food, had to take my phone down, just to feel the moment with the special people in my life.
After dinner, we decided to take a short walk at the town plaza, I just love how in our country almost all the towns and cities have this place which also serves as a mini park, in a way they represent the character of the city or town you're at.
I was so excited to wake up the next morning to see the morning view. We had a breakfast buffet at the hotel's restaurant w/c was also included in our accommodation. As much as I want to share I can't give you the exact details of our accommodation, but you may check out their website here for inquiries but I can assure you that it's really all worth it.
So what makes you happy? For me, it's all about existing, living and being able to breathe.
I'm happy because I still get to see these beautiful smiles.
I'm happy because I get to feel the presence of my family and all the people I love.
I'm happy because I get to jump and laugh at my worries.
I'm happy because I know that whatever happens, though I may be at my lowest or highest, be in the most perfect or imperfect place, I still have myself.
Every single day, there are people who are not sure if they will still wake up the next day. I'm happy because I woke up today and I was able to write this and share this adventure with you. Lastly, I'm happy because God is still allowing me to be nurtured by His love through His marvel creations.
Once again, I want to thank you for dropping by. This is me, Julie, not stopping to learn, heal and grow, I hope you won't stop too :)
