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Braving the unknown. I wonder and I wander.

April 15, 2013

Vigan Ilocos Sur



The bus from Laoag to Vigan takes approximately 2 hours. we arrived late in the afternoon. We have no idea where to stay  in Vigan. but i must admit that i really don't care, 'coz once we arrived, i was so giddy seeing those kalesa near the church. ohh my minds shouting: "let's start na the tour! now na! "  

Where to stay? :)
a helpful map near the Plaza
End up checking in at GrandPa's Inn. which equate to BUHAY MAHARLIKA.haha "buhay comfort" according to brenn and jerald.haha :)

Buhay Maharlika. :)
Our body was too tired from all the adrenaline action and from the hellish heat of the sun at Laoag and Paoay. so really, thanks much GrandPa's inn for the comfort. You'll love their rooms. our's was so yesterday! i mean with the interiors, walls, the bed, windows! there's even a display of old porcelain plates!

you can spell comfort! :)
The softness of the bed and the cold breeze of the AC unit is giving us a hard time to leave our room. but we need to, coz we need to eat dinner and yes i  want to explore vigan at night, PERIOD! :)

Vigan at Night

Vigan at night has a different aura. Different ambiance.  
Calle Crisologo
my butt had squatted in the middle of the UNESCO heritage
Night life with friends :) 
lighting certainly does added charm 
There are many Antiques stores along Calle Crisologo


 
Lucky us, there's a show at Plaza Salcedo that night. showcasing their state-of-the-art fountain.
Musical & Dancing fountain
*****                                                                        
We woke up late.hovered over the television then eat breakfast then walked a bit at calle Crisologo. 
Calle Crisologo in the morning :)


the famous calle crisologo under the day light
truly. picture perfect!
Just infront of Plaza Salcedo is 
The Vigan Cathedral, also known as St. Paul’s Cathedral. It was built by the Spanish conquistadores in 1641.

********

Ready for the  City tour! a kalesa ride is a must! A kalesa is a horse-drawn cart, which are plenty around plaza salcedo. It will take about 4 – 5 hours to see all the attractions. 

Plaza Salcedo in the Morning


Kalesa! 


The itinerary of the kalesa city tour:




so giddy with kalesa!
Bantayan tower

top of the world !
Like any other tower you'll have to climb a flight of twirling stairs before you reach the top. It's also from the top that you can see most of Vigan but more that it's where you can get great poses and shots.
   Bell  pose! :)

The tower is made of red clay bricks, built by the Spanish to watch the sea of coming threats or enemies. You have to climb the staircase to reach the top,  where the huge bell is located, plus a very nice view awaits you.

Infront of St. Agustine church

St. Agustine church is also a relatively old church, distinct for its maroon colored façade. 
Next stop:  Pagburnayan! Im excited  for this! Im always a Demi Moo
re fan (movie: ghost) something to do with pottery making.haha :)


sea of clay pots
for sale!

 

if I were Demi Moore in Ghost with a Patrick Swayze body wrapped around me, I'd love getting my hands dirty


 After getting  our hands dirty, our next stop:    Hidden Garden :)

Ha! celebrity! LOL! :)


There's actually more to Vigan than just the famed Calle Crisologo. Yep! Im  talking  'bout  Chavit Singson's very own backyard zoo @ Baluarte. 


                                  Look like were in Australia! HAHA :)



It has almost a complete collection of animals, from ostrich to tigers. It also houses a butterfly sanctuary. Best of all, no entrance fee! You can even ride the ponies for free!  


A lot of imported animals running around.  Animals that only money could buy. :)

I really have to give it to Singson for not collecting fees though. Baluarte  is very ideal for families and kids.
                                                                                                      
                                                          ******              
After almost 3hours  of city tour, we went back to our hotel, get our things, had lunch and went to Victory liner terminal near Vigan Public Market. were now off to Baguio City! :D
                                                           *****               

Lunch/snacks chowking - P300                                
GrandPa's Inn  - P3,000 (inclusive of breakfast for 3)                                  

kalesa tour ni kuya Ian - P500
Lunch @plaza burgos -   P220
Kikiam/ zagu / foodtrip -  P100

Pulutan and beer - P500
Pasalubongs/souvenirs - P600
Vigan to Baguio (Victory Liner) - P324
 
                                
                                                                                                             


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