ELYU, ily

Started from a random conversation in our Grab ride, now we're here.

I've always admired experiencing new places and spending quality time with friends, and this trip has been the breather I didn't realize I needed. With only less than a month of planning (my overthinking brain was shookt), my friend Elainne was able to book a room and bus tickets seamlessly for 8 people. I was actually holding off dealing with it since I didn't wanna plan too far ahead and worry about asking permissions LOL but summer in October it is!

   

I haven't been to La Union in years (my dad's family is from Aringay) and touring San Juan was a first. I've always wanted to visit since every local influencer started talking about it and luckily, we picked the perfect weekend: A sunny weather, minimal traffic, empty hostel, manageable crowd, abundant beach space, perfect waves... all this before the crowded Surfing Break weekend! At least we all got to experience LU at its chill state and vibe. Thank you, universe. 🙏





Anyway, spontaneity was definitely the theme of this trip. I'd say we made the most out of those two whole days:

• 90-min trek to Tangadan Falls (and the buwis-buhay habal ride back down eyyy)
• Late lunch at Sabong (loved hanging at The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop & Viewing Deck - I hope they come up with a shorter name for this one tbh)
• Quick trip to Poro Point Lighthouse where we were not able get as close to the lighthouse as we would've wanted (those Google images were awfully misleading)
• Sunset watching at Urbiztondo beach
• Nightlife at Flotsam (which was way too crowded for us and so we ended up hanging at the rooftop of our hostel instead which we had to ourselves ❤️)
• OH and how could I forget my heart-stopping blip when I freaking tripped while crossing the road (not pictured) on our way to Flotsam which gave me majorly bruised knees and scars that I will carry with me forever?? I mean, how clumsy can one be, honestly?? 😂
• Swimming at Urbiztondo beach straight from bed lol
• Jamming at the hostel (Hillside had a guitar and cajon you could borrow in the lobby which was perfect for the band - how cool is that!)
• Foodtrip at Beachbum food park (I can still taste that berry fruit tea I randomly ordered which turned out to be SO GOOD omg)

Ahh, and the list could have been longer. Everything's been a breath of fresh air and it just leaves you wanting to go back again. And again and again. And for someone who isn't a beach person, that's saying something. I can finally understand what the fuzz is all about!

Shoutout to the Hillside Hostel for making our stay extra special throughout the entire trip. Will never forget our view of the night sky from your rooftop while listening to the silent hum of the cars on the road, playing card games, sharing secrets, and stuffing junk food 'til we drop.  Quite the highlight. 👌x