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[journey-with-juliette-blog]

Batanes

Skeptical, with a lot of doubt

Wearing a frown, a scowl, a pout

Just me wanting to escape

Restoring faith and trust in all

Wearing a smile, standing tall

Refreshed with nature’s landscape

In April 2019, I was still recovering from the lowest point of my life – after a failed relationship and the nth unsuccessful attempt at a career promotion.

Batanes has been on my travel bucket list for the longest time, and I decided to give myself the best birthday gift ever. I was bursting with excitement at the thought of my first solo travel but I was also filled with anxiety due to the fear of loneliness.

I used to think that I wanted to travel just to see beautiful places, but I realized that I wanted to travel for the learning experience and the new connections formed. There is always something to learn – it might not be something new, and it might not be something grand.

It was during this trip that my fear of loneliness transformed into an appreciation for solitude. My learning experience then was more of a self-discovery, a reconnection with myself.

Who am I and who do I want to become?

Why am I doing what I am doing?

What do I want to do and how will I do it?

I could not really answer these questions, but it is okay. I have a whole lifetime to get to know myself better.

Travel tip #1: Traveling to Batanes via Clark International Airport is relatively cheaper than via NAIA. There are P2P buses that travel from Manila to Clark and vice versa.

Travel tip #2: Even during the summer, there is no need for aircon. Winds are strong.

Travel tip #3: If you have long hair, be prepared to be whipped on your face. Caps and hats also tend to fly away.

Travel tip #4: Stay in Batanes for at least a week to maximize your stay. Tours often get cancelled if it rains (or if the waves are too big for island hopping).

What I liked most about the Ivatans is that they always greet each other with a smile and a slight nod of the head. They treat travelers as guests, and are always willing to help. Tour guides can share facts on their history and culture, and are also skilled at taking pictures.  (Apparently, they have organized groups, in which they are being taught various skills, including customer service and photography. They have a strong sense of community.)