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Naujan Mini Roadtrip (Simbahang Bato, Benilda, Buloc-buloc Cove, Montelago Hot Spring)

I have been having a really rough time lately and I needed a break. Although our monthly budget is super tight because our gilts and sows changed their diet and we bought three more piglets and another two will arrive next week, we had to take a breather. I know, life in the farm has been very relaxing, but it also has its down-side. Our family is also making changes and decisions must be made. This has been stressing me out lately. So I guess, this day has to happen for my own sanity.

...and we're super happy that it did!




Daddy set the cellphone's alarm at 6, I woke up at 6:05, cooked rice and boiled eggs while Daddy was feeding the pigs. We packed our jug of water, a bag with our lunch, and another one for our change of clothes because we're expecting a boat ride and some swimming! At around 7, we left our home as planned. We really didn't have a plan, but we're hoping to see a few tourist attractions from the brochure we acquired from the Municipality of Naujan's Tourism Center. Did I mention, we also have a budget, well yeah if you can call it that, so it's P500. I know, I know, but we'll see...


Our first stop was Simbahang Bato or Bancuro Church Ruins. It's free so we didn't have to spend a single cent for today's history/architecture/geography class. I like how it smell, a combination of candles burning, sampaguita, and holy water. We didn't have breakfast so we're all delighted to see a taho(soy pudding) vendor. It's filling, yummy, packed with protein, and cheap. P10 for each glass of taho and our breakfast was a steal!


On our way back, we checked out Benilda ng Bancuro, again without spending a penny! We asked for their brochure, enjoyed the wonderful sights, took a lot of photos, used their bathroom, and we promised to go swimming there when our budget allows (P150/adult, P75/kid, P500/cottage).



Then, we headed for the meatiest part of our adventure. Buloc-buloc Cove! At first, we thought it was in Melgar. When we asked for directions, we were informed that we could either ride a boat or drive further. We decided to drive. It was a long, winding, and dusty(roads are still being constructed) ride, which gave us the thrill of adventure we were thirsty for. When it felt like we're almost there, we were told "isang bundok pa po". So by then we were like "now we're talking". Finally, we reached Another town called Montemayor and the locals were very helpful and happy to answer our questions. We took a boat for only P200, which gave us a tour of the cove and allowed us two hours to swim and have our lunch.


We went back to Montemayor's fishing village, had a cold bottle of soda, showered in the middle of the street with a pail, a dipper, and a faucet with fresh water, and changed clothes at a stranger's home.

Just before we head home, we passed by a "future geothermal plant", which was being constructed. We were told about tales of boiling water and boiling eggs at the Naujan Lake but we didn't imagine that we will see it, touch it, or cook eggs in it! It was definitely a great bonus and an unforgettable learning experience.




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