29 December 2007, Day 5

Everyone, including me, woke up late for a change. All that walking and climbing steps has taken a toll on all. We had breakfast in the lobby restaurant of the hotel and I had the car vacuumed and washed while the gang got ready. It smelled like something had died in the car and there was sand and litter all over. All were ready by the time I was done and we were off to do the tourist thing. First stop – Mines View Park for pictures with Douglas, the Saint Bernard, and the pink pony. Unfortunately, the place was packed and the only parking options would require more walking so that was out. Down the road towards Wright Park was the Good Shepherd but we couldn’t even get in the gate with so many cars parked inside already. Best bet was John Hay for some proper coffee in Starbucks and shopping and lunch in Mile Hi as it was getting late in the morning already. John Hay was just as congested but it was much easier to park.

Joey, Timmy and Miren on Session Road

I dropped the troop near the market after lunch and I headed back to the hotel for some shut eye. Having lived in Baguio, I maintain that the 2 best things to do there are eat and sleep. We first took up residence in Baguio when my father took a job with Lepanto in San Fernando, La Union in the 70’s. Already, the elders were moaning about the dwindling pine trees, over-development, traffic and influx of lowlanders. They must be rolling in their graves. Still, I miss those times.

Inaki on Session Road

They got back by late afternoon with vegetables and fruits, souvenirs and ukay-ukay finds. There was just enough time to get ready for dinner with the Kathy Sulit, who I work with, and her family. Her husband, Caloy, works for the SEC and he had his turn with their cooperatives’ vacation condo which is located in a subdivision along Kennon Road. We bought some dessert along the way and found the house within half an hour. Caloy and Kathy have 3 beautiful children, Trisha, Zoe and Fiona. Fiona, or Pipay as she is fondly called, provided most of the entertainment. We had barbecue and chopsuey and Caloy and I put a dent on a fifth of scotch. It was quite late by the time we called it a night but the company was enjoyed and welcomed and a good time was had by all.

Nina on Session Road

Total expense for the day including shopping was P6,940.

written by

Joey Carlotta on January 6, 2008 from Baguio, Philippines

from the travel blog: 2007 Carlotta X'Mas Family Road Trip

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