August 2016 in Dumaguete City, the Philippines
Who knew coming into town would be such a treat. But this is exactly what it was, even better. After months ‘on the road’, I the city girl was falling in love once again with walking on sidewalks, stopping at red lights, breathing ‘pollution’ and embracing to its fullest the fun and conveniences a city can offer. Malls and rooftop bars. I had quite a list of needs and musts to be purchased. Like mascara or body lotion without bleach or proper sandals. My feet desperately needed to take a break from flip-flops. Finding a quality, and at the same time, modern pair of sandals was a challenge which took a good few hours to accomplish and required more than a monthly salary of a local worker but who counts.
Dumaguete itself turned out to be quite a surprise. A very nice one indeed. Lovely university town with not too obvious (or maybe just not visible) poverty and amazing Corniche. Little that I knew, but it was pure luck I booked a hotel room right on the Corniche overlooking the sea and the most amazing trees along it. The trees on the Corniche are spectacular and must be a pride of the city. The ferry terminal is only 20 min walk along the Corniche, a lovely walk which I took, thanks to my downsized luggage, both from and to the ferry, and also at least once or twice every day I spend in town.
I spend 5 full days in Dumaguete. Guaranteed much more than any other visitor. Most of the time I was hanging out in malls, not that I had so much shopping to do but I did it only because I could. After five days I decided it was enough, packed up my backpack again, put on my new sandals and walked to the ferry terminal. I needed a rest from all that shopping.
Dumaguete in pictures
