I went from not wanting to leave to feeling I have stayed for too long to thinking there are not enough weekends to just wanting to sleep. Nevertheless, each day always felt like a new one.
Driving along my home route always felt unfamiliar; walking along Boulevard always felt refreshing: and seeing the glittering water across to Siquijor always felt like a first. There were instances when I literally forget where I am and have to make an effort to remind myself that I am in Dumaguete. And up until my last glance of the gentle city, it felt both exciting and comforting.
Day 52: Sunrise
Ironically, I ended my trip with a sunrise. After weeks of attempting to get up before 5am and mornings dampened by light rain, I was finally able to behold that red-orange glow from Dumaguete City. The rain clouds gave way and the sea waters laid flat as I indulged in the sun's gradual rise and seeping warmth. It was a happy early morning to end my happy long trip.
Day 1: Boulevard
My constant place, the long stretch of Rizal Boulevard was an almost daily visit for me. I would go there early in the morning, in the middle of the day at noon, or late in the evening. I would either walk from end to end or just sit and look at the sea. More than once, people approached and tried to talk to me with different intentions. But all was well and every visit was interesting.
Day 44: Kaidyukan
Some days, no matter how tired I am, I would just feel like going out on an adventure on my own. It is an uncomfortable craving that will eat me up lest I indulge it. So instead of going straight home, I ventured onto familiar and unfamiliar roads until I found myself 20km away from the city, along a rocky mountain road where only security guards go. Craving satisfied, if I must say.
Day 13: Escanio
On afternoons when I find myself stuck and lost at work, I would go to this rugged road past Escanio for some fresh air and relaxing scenery. The area is inhabited by a fishing community and has views of Cebu Island, Sumilon Island, and Siquijor Island. Very few vehicles pass by, as the road was still being constructed; and I think most that do, come for the same reasons as I.
Day 2: Valencia
A favorite getaway from Dumaguete City, Valencia is a mountain town roughly 30 minutes away which presents several worthwhile destinations. For more than once, when work has started to feel burdensome, we drove out to look for a Japanese Shrine, a Writer's Sanctuary, a fruity snack, and a forest resort. Eventually, the town just became an excuse to drive out while singing out loud.
Day 51: Tierra Alta
I have started to feel sick from weeks of strenuous work and play and I would have wanted to take a day off from everything. But it was my last full day so I prepped up for a last night with Dumaguete friends at Tierra Alta. The people were lovely, the food was yummy, the scenery was relaxing, the night was peaceful, and the sunset was enchanting.
Day 6: Sunset
It was a relatively productive day that started with a light breakfast and a brief walk with my housemate and her dog. I was able to portion my day between work, lunch, dessert cravings, and bicycle hunting. By late afternoon, I felt an urge to just walk and so I did until I found myself at the Capitol Building. I was just in time to witness the pink setting sun against the Negros mountain range.
Day 37: Full moon
I started the day intending to get a lot done but got distracted before I was able to put a dent on my workload. I stumbled upon travel blogs and pictures and then I lost myself again in dreams and possibilities. So I decided to stop attempting productivity and to indulge into my reveries instead. I sat along Rizal Boulevard long enough to view the full moon rise above mystical Siquijor Island.
