The rice terraces in the northern Philippine town of Banaue and the surrounding villages are well worth the extra effort it takes to get here. A long overnight bus ride from Manila seems smooth compared to the journey that follows: a rough, cramp, headache inducing, bouncy jaunt over, around, and through the picturesque Ifugao mountains of northern Philippines. We were deposited at the (literal) end of the road; another 2 mile hike faced us before we reached the well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, once we caught the first glimpse of terraces unfolding before us, the hardships to get here all but disappeared. Rice terraces adhered to the jagged mountainsides, carved by what seems like an artist of nature. As dusk rolled in and the glow of flooded rice fields surrounded our vision, we begin to seriously contemplate staying just a few more days.
In a stroke of good fortune I met the three other backpackers in the picture my first night in Manila. Our group quickly clicked, and since none of us had a definite plan during our stay in the Philippines we decided to start our travels together. The mix of one tall and sexy American (ahem, that would be me), a wonderful Dutch couple who could win The Amazing Race, and one fun and slightly crazy Italian made for a perfect mix. Twenty-three days later we were still together when we said our sad goodbyes, each of us moving on to another country to continue (or end) our travels.
Mabuhay from Boracay Island! Finalyy bought our tickets so be back in Iowa Sept 12 to 22 should you be going back.. Then will drive across the Great Lakes to the East coast spending the last 8 days in New York City. Back in Manila Nov 1. Love your travel pictures and blog posts, Happy Travels Bill and Lorna
Bill – glad to hear you have finalized your trip back to the US. I think I should be in Iowa during that time so send me an email (Brian@ViewFromACretin.com) when the time gets closer and we can discuss when and where to meet!