In October 3-7, I was on vacation from Tuesday to Saturday. I went to Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin with officemates. I am blest to have friends who are fond of going on low-budget out-of-town trips.
I called Brian’s cell phone at around 3:15 am so as not to disturb the entire household with the doorbell. He was still taking a bath. His brothers prepared breakfast for me, donut and milk. We left their house at around 3:45 am to catch our 5:15 am flight to Cagayan de Oro. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. As expected, there was a long queue of people trying to check in. Apparently, the lady in the counter with a very soft voice was through calling out passengers bound to Cagayan and we didn’t hear it so when it was our turn to check in, she turned us down. She argued for a while but later on attended to our tickets.
We did all the touristy things expected of first-timers in a place. We saw the
The highlight of the trip was the canopy walk-zipline-white water rafting activities. I still can’t believe I was able to do all three because they involved the two things I feared most, heights and deep water. The guide in the canopy walk and zipline wasn’t much help. He just kept on telling jokes that I’m sure were so old and NOT true but made me fear for my life, nevertheless. It is ironic that they named it canopy walk because there were really three suspension bridges that were so high above the ground, at least by my standards.
I was able to laugh a little about myself when it came to the zipline. I was placed on a secure harness while the guide tested by letting go of his hold on it. Instead of going down like my friends, I actually floated in the air because I was so light. They all teased me that I might stop in the middle of the line because my weight would not be enough to sustain the speed I needed to reach the other end. As the activity was video-taped, I told them that they might as well expect to see me with my eyes tightly shut. Was I proven wrong! As the wind blew on my face, I cherished the 15 second or so trip with my eyes wide open. It is something I’d love to do again.
As with the canopy walk and zipline, the white water rafting wasn’t that scary at all. I have long ago learned that the key to all rides, e.g., roller coaster, loops, etc., is to let my body go with the flow and the rhythm of the ride, not to fight it with all my might. I was even bold enough to take the front seat where there was no place to lock my foot to prevent me from being overthrown from the raft. The waves of the river pushed the water up and took care of my security, so to speak.
Another part which is very memorable to me was the food. I told my friends that this is the first time I recall buying food to bring home from vacation. I loved the pastel (Camiguin’s signature bread), Iligan’s roasted peanuts and Cagayan de Oro’s fruit pie. They were all so yummy!!!
As with any other trip, what made the experience special was the new friend I gained. She was so sweet.
