So to clear things up: I am a city-girl. There's no getting around the fact that I was born and spent my lifetime in the city, where nearly everything is an FX or taxi ride away, there is no shortage of malls, commercial centers and such, and traffic is part of the everyday routine.
That's not to say I've never gone outside the city, as evident by previous posts and photos. I've never gone off beyond the city alone though, EVER. It's always with a group of friends or family, sometimes by bus, most of the time via a rented van or someone's borrowed car. And I've NEVER had to worry about where we're going or what route we'll be taking - will there be stop-overs? What about food? Where do I put my things? All my life, all I had to do was try to nab the window seat, get comfy and relax all the way during the trip. I can even sleep if I want, and when I wake up, we'll already be there.
Not that I'm complaining - traveling long distances can be stressful enough on its own. Might as well keep it as uncomplicated as possible, right? Still though, somewhere between learning to take the jeep on my own and getting out of town without my parents to hold my hand, I figured I really should learn to take that bus to a far off place, all by myself.
My chance came last weekend, when planning a visit to my boyfriend's sister-in-law and her kids who are visiting from abroad. They've been staying at her family's farm in Lipa, Batangas, and my boyfriend and I planned to spend the weekend there. Since my boyfriend will be coming from a team-building seminar from Rosario, Batangas - about an hour away from Lipa - it would be up to me to catch the bus from Metro Manila by myself and meet up with him there. So it's one city-mouse, on her way to the country.
No problemo.
Admittedly I was a nervous wreck days before the trip. I managed to beg my dad to accompany me to the bus station in Cubao (for what reason, I dont really know - just so I would feel less 'scared'?), and I got some directional advice from a friend who frequently commuted to Batangas. It also helped to do a little online research on the recommended buses to take, the map of the place you're going to, important landmarks, modes of transportation, etc etc. It's always been an advice to travelers isn't it? Prepare, prepare, prepare. So there, Tip #1 for the first-time traveler: Do you research. Ask around. PREPARE
The day came, and with my trusty overnight bag and comfy clothes, I went with my dad to the Cubao Bus Station. I was lucky to find a parked ALPS Bus right away, so I waved good-by to my dad and hopped on. I worked up the nerve to ask the conductor (discreetly) if the bus does drop-off at the Tambo Exit, where I was advised to go. He said it did, and I asked him to alert me if we have arrived at the said place, as I wasn't sure where it was. Tip #2: Ask the driver or conductor about your drop-off point so you wont have to fumble around with where exactly you're supposed to go. Be discreet though, no need to advertise to the rest of the bus that you have absolutely no idea what you're doing.
I scoured the half-filled bus and found a nice window seat in the middle, and waited anxiously. Wedged on the holder infront of my seat is a plastic bag of kakanin and bottled water I bought beforehand, supplements for the ride. Tip #3: It's a fairly long trip, to keep a modest supply of food and drink.
Travel time was actually fairly fast, and bearable - much of it being owed to the fact that the bus wasn't completely filled upon departure and I had both seats on my side to myself. Most of the traffic was confined in Manila (big surprise), but once we cleared the tollways, it was smooth-sailing from there. For the most part, it was a nice, peaceful ride. I looked out the window and watched the city slowly 'peel' away to reveal rolling, grassy fields, towering coconut trees and the occasional farm or two, punctuated by several tollways.
One luxury I couldn't give myself during the trip was that I couldn't sleep, despite feeling a little drowsy. I'm pretty sure I can, really, just that I didn't feel comfortable closing my eyes and going of to lala-land with a bunch of strangers around me. I'm not saying they'll go right ahead and steal my money while I sleep...just that, you can never be too sure. So yeah, Tip #4: Stay alert.
Before I realized it, we had entered the Batangas proper, which welcomed us with a smattering of drizzle and gloomy-looking clouds, which complicated thingsa bit (I dont have an umbrella - Tip #5: Expect the unexpected).
I got down from the bus and ran to the nearest shelter I could find. I didn't have time to be scared or in awe of my surroundings - as soon as I saw the jeep going to Robinson's Lipa, I hopped on, paid my fare and said "Robinson's po, paki-baba nalang ako dun" with as much confidence I could muster. It was easy to spot my destination, so as soon as I saw Robinson's, I got off the jeep and headed there. Tip #6: Remember your landmarks.
Around me, we have jeeps, and buses, cars and tricycles. There are malls, gas stations, a McDonald's across the street. It's just like any other place, really, only...different. Like someone changed the layout of the city you lived in, but everything is pretty much the same.
Robinson's was a safe haven for me - inside, I could pretend I was at a mall right in Manila and not some place I was not familiar with, which comforted me somewhat. I ran to the nearest bathroom, freshened up and had a good lunch while waiting for my boyfriend to meet me there. Waiting took longer than expected so I had to shell out more money for an hour in an internet shop and several more snacks, just to kill time. By the way, Tip #7: Bring more than enough cash. I cannot emphasize this one enough. Dont risk getting caught penniless in a place you're not familiar with, and too far away from any friends and family who can help you.
While waiting I mused about my previous trip, and how it seemed to get easier once you take that first, shaky step. Traveling alone has it pros and cons, the most prominent being that, on one hand, you get to ride in complete and utter peace by yourself, which was a relaxing experience for me. On the other hand, it can get awfully lonely with no one to talk to. I guess it depends on who you are, really.
I'm not sure if I actually want to do this again, but I am definitely game if the occasion arises.
Tip #8: Appreciate the experience! Enjoy the things you learned along the way.
That's not to say I've never gone outside the city, as evident by previous posts and photos. I've never gone off beyond the city alone though, EVER. It's always with a group of friends or family, sometimes by bus, most of the time via a rented van or someone's borrowed car. And I've NEVER had to worry about where we're going or what route we'll be taking - will there be stop-overs? What about food? Where do I put my things? All my life, all I had to do was try to nab the window seat, get comfy and relax all the way during the trip. I can even sleep if I want, and when I wake up, we'll already be there.
Not that I'm complaining - traveling long distances can be stressful enough on its own. Might as well keep it as uncomplicated as possible, right? Still though, somewhere between learning to take the jeep on my own and getting out of town without my parents to hold my hand, I figured I really should learn to take that bus to a far off place, all by myself.
My chance came last weekend, when planning a visit to my boyfriend's sister-in-law and her kids who are visiting from abroad. They've been staying at her family's farm in Lipa, Batangas, and my boyfriend and I planned to spend the weekend there. Since my boyfriend will be coming from a team-building seminar from Rosario, Batangas - about an hour away from Lipa - it would be up to me to catch the bus from Metro Manila by myself and meet up with him there. So it's one city-mouse, on her way to the country.
No problemo.
Admittedly I was a nervous wreck days before the trip. I managed to beg my dad to accompany me to the bus station in Cubao (for what reason, I dont really know - just so I would feel less 'scared'?), and I got some directional advice from a friend who frequently commuted to Batangas. It also helped to do a little online research on the recommended buses to take, the map of the place you're going to, important landmarks, modes of transportation, etc etc. It's always been an advice to travelers isn't it? Prepare, prepare, prepare. So there, Tip #1 for the first-time traveler: Do you research. Ask around. PREPARE
The day came, and with my trusty overnight bag and comfy clothes, I went with my dad to the Cubao Bus Station. I was lucky to find a parked ALPS Bus right away, so I waved good-by to my dad and hopped on. I worked up the nerve to ask the conductor (discreetly) if the bus does drop-off at the Tambo Exit, where I was advised to go. He said it did, and I asked him to alert me if we have arrived at the said place, as I wasn't sure where it was. Tip #2: Ask the driver or conductor about your drop-off point so you wont have to fumble around with where exactly you're supposed to go. Be discreet though, no need to advertise to the rest of the bus that you have absolutely no idea what you're doing.
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| ALPS is a pretty good bus: carpeted floors, comfy seats, cool airconditioning, and very CLEAN |
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| In retrospect, I should have probably gone for something warmer, like a burger. Also, I shouldn't have finished off that entire bottle of water... |
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| Impatiently waiting for our bus to clear the tollway - it's so reminiscent of Manila traffic. On an unrelated note, I hate Hansel biscuits. |
Before I realized it, we had entered the Batangas proper, which welcomed us with a smattering of drizzle and gloomy-looking clouds, which complicated thingsa bit (I dont have an umbrella - Tip #5: Expect the unexpected).
 |
| Not-so-sunny Batangas |
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| Touchdown: Lipa. I'm thankful that at least it was just a light drizzle |
Around me, we have jeeps, and buses, cars and tricycles. There are malls, gas stations, a McDonald's across the street. It's just like any other place, really, only...different. Like someone changed the layout of the city you lived in, but everything is pretty much the same.
Robinson's was a safe haven for me - inside, I could pretend I was at a mall right in Manila and not some place I was not familiar with, which comforted me somewhat. I ran to the nearest bathroom, freshened up and had a good lunch while waiting for my boyfriend to meet me there. Waiting took longer than expected so I had to shell out more money for an hour in an internet shop and several more snacks, just to kill time. By the way, Tip #7: Bring more than enough cash. I cannot emphasize this one enough. Dont risk getting caught penniless in a place you're not familiar with, and too far away from any friends and family who can help you.
 | |
| Lunch by Tokyo-Tokyo: good old Tempura Bento and Kani salad on the side. |
I'm not sure if I actually want to do this again, but I am definitely game if the occasion arises.
Tip #8: Appreciate the experience! Enjoy the things you learned along the way.
 |
| My boyfriend texted - he said he's on his way. My time alone will end soon |
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