Err ... that was how it supposed to be. I was to leave for a one-month vacation in the United States to visit old friends and classmates on 13th of September, when the WTC Tragedy struck. Against my innermost wishes, but taking the advice of deeply-concerned family and well-meaning friends, I had to postpone that trip for a while.

But I still needed a break, and so I decided to take a one-week hiatus to the northest 'North' that I can be allowed to go: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

From Manila, it was a six-hour bus ride to Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, where I had a lay-over for a couple of hours with a friend and her relatives, then on to 7 more hours of land travel to Pagudpud. Despite the good roads, the trip was back-breaking. Yet, despite being dog-tired and bone-weary, we immediately reveled in the charm and beauty of our destination.

My first glimpse of this earthly paradise. This is part of Pagudpud's coastal area. My host stopped here in search of some men who could sell us lobsters. We'd end up driving around looking for those lobsters in three or four other places but I must really be out of luck :) . No lobsters, not even shrimps.

Same place as above, except that the strip of shore above is actually located behind the rocks or cliff in this second picture. Notice the opening in the rock? It's actually big enough like a doorway to another world? One of nature's amazing creations :) .

The shoreline of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte -- a paradise of sun, sea and white sand. We spent the night in one of the resorts dotting this area. And, as if we haven't had enough of travelling, my host decided that we would have a picnic lunch at the top of those mountains in the background. GEEZ :) !

On the way to our picnic place, we stopped by this road-side mountain spring for a refreshing break.

Here we are! Isn't it grand? At that instant when I saw this view, all I could say in my mind were praises for the world's Creator! 'All creatures big and small ... The Lord God made them all.'

On our way back, we visited this ancient lighthouse. The highest in the Philippines and perhaps in Asia, it has been a beacon, a symbol of hope, a loyal and trusted friend for seafarers since 1892.

Because of the long journey, I had to be content with a late-evening walk on Vigan's few cobblestoned streets and a quick peek from one of its 18th & 19th century houses, remnants from an almost 400-year Spanish rule over my country.

A few of 16th century churches in Ilocos Sur.