Baguio - our 'home away from home' during our years of living in the mountains. Before we had our airstrip constructed and we were still traveling in by land, Baguio (then, only a 5 hour hike and 8 hours by bus away) was the city we based out of. On our way to the tribe, we would often stop there for a couple of nights. Besides not being able to make the whole trip in one day, we needed to be able to get our supplies to take in with us for the next few months. It was a beautiful city to 'have to' stop over in. The market is full of gorgeous fruits and veggies and the climate is perfect, at 5,100 ft. - warm in the daytime and cool at night. There were also a couple of lovely Guest Homes, where we were always made to feel at home - even somewhat pampered!!
Ragnar spent many hours behind the wheel of this vehicle during our trip, basically remembering to stay on the right hand side of the road. Sometimes I even wonder if it is that important or not though - as long as there is room on the road for the car, just take up that space and keep moving.
Ragnar spent many hours behind the wheel of this vehicle during our trip, basically remembering to stay on the right hand side of the road. Sometimes I even wonder if it is that important or not though - as long as there is room on the road for the car, just take up that space and keep moving. 
My turn to hop in the back with all of our luggage - even sitting in that cramped space was ok, if it meant we were on our way to Baguio!!
Friends had packed a snack lunch for us, but we forgot to bring straws for the drinks, so Ragnar is cutting open the juice pack with his newly made bolo (machete). A good friend recently had this knife made for him, using a car spring from our truck that we used to get in and out of the tribe with. That knife will always be special!! 
We were happy to be taking in such majestic scenery as we munched away on our sandwiches by the side of the road.
That evening we were able to join the Kankanaey believers, who are living in Baguio, for their weekly Prayer Meeting. It was sooooo good to see so many familiar faces again - wetting our appetite for getting into the tribe.
We broke out into groups to share with and pray for each other.
Numerous poinsettias are thriving around the city.
Baguio's population of 300,000 is spread out over 57 square kilometers of hilly land. Houses are built all the way up the mountain side - roads winding their way to the very top.
The Palenkge - one of my favorite markets in the country. It is overflowing with everything you would need to keep your home running smoothly - one stop shopping, except you need lots of small cash, since you basically buy each item from a different vendor.
Lots of choices of rice.
A vendor in the center of the isle, selling chili peppers.
You can depend on a large crowd.
Large diversity of fresh fruit.
As a family, we often went horse back riding when we were in the city, back in the 80's. Here Ragnar is trying it again for old times sake - or maybe because JP and Susanna were game for it too.
Shortly before we transferred from the Philippines to England, one of my friends in Baguio told me about Eve's Garden. She encouraged me to try this unique experience. Salads are so beautifully presented, it almost seems a shame to eat them - but they sure are yummy (masarap, naimas) and are served in such a pleasant atmosphere. 
The main dishes of either beef or chicken are also presented so appealing.
Even the immensely savored flowers are edible.
All of the vegetables are grown organically in their back yard.
No comments:
Post a Comment