A Walk in the Clouds

This is not about the 1995  Keanu Reeves romantic epic movie.

We walked in the clouds, and I really mean that literally.

I and Bessy woke up at around 5:30 in the morning last June 20 for the 6:30 call time to Tagaytay with Chal, Fatty, and Mark L. Much to our dismay, there was a heavy downpour with news of storm signals in some parts of the country and flood in the streets of Manila. We contacted the group if our spur of the moment idea of the trip was still to be pursued. Fatty and Chal said they were dressed up. Lorenz on the other hand, commented that come storm or high waters, our "level-up" trip should be pushed thru. So we, the ever loyalists don't have any choice but to dress up despite the sound of the rain on the tin roof and the howling of the wind which are clear indicators that today is not a good day for a picnic or a field trip or any activities which are supposed to be done when Mr. sunny-sunshine is in a perked up mood.

But on the other hand, when did we develop the right habit in following rules or thinking inside the box? We were more of the unconventional stream of people who question rules and think out of the box. So what could happen when you push through a plan despite a storm warning? Here's what:

                                        Chal, Fatty, and Lorenz were armed for the cold while 

                                                         Bessy and I had to bear the cold inside the bus. 

                                                 Whatever happened to common sense---that when you

                                         have to go out of the storm, go out as prepared as you can be---huh?

                                         The fog was so thick that we could barely see the sights along the road.

                                     Instead of being dissapointed, as always, we realized how amusing it was

                                                  and had a good laugh about it, truly a good laugh.

                 We had to bear the cruel cold much more that I and Bessy didn't have a sweater with us.
                                      So we walked up the People's Park shivering, it was so much an effort
                                            to push one foot forward when your knees are wobbling. 
                 But it was a joy seeing how the fog can veil and unveil the sceneries in every passing moment.
                With only Php 15 entrance fee, one can enjoy a good portion of Tagaytay because this park 
                         is located on one of the highest points in the city. Though we weren't able to fully
                        enjoy the view of the plains, it was also an experience having the ethereal feeling
                                                         of the fog that seems to blanket the place.

                 At the Picnic Grove, one could enjoy the sight of Taal lake for just fifty pesos as entrance.

                           We were lucky that by the time we arrived there, the fog had already dispersed. 
                We walked around, caught our breaths while trekking the different points of the place,
                      laughed some more, and shared a lot of stories---most of it we already know by heart
                 since we have a lot of shared history, but shared it anyway and then laughed some more.

                                By the time that we were about to move to another location inside the Picnic Grove,
                             a drizzle prevented us from walking around. So to pass time, I took out balloons from
               my bag which I and Bessy got from the birthday party of her cousin, we inflated these balloons
                      by blowing air into it up to the point when our lungs were already screaming "surrender". 
              We attempted to do an "Up" scene for the picture but failed so we settled for this photo instead.

                                 It was a feat going up and down these stairs to get to different points
                                                          but it provides a wonderful photo opportunity.

                                                    We bought these shirts for Php 100. 
      We opted for the same design and it was a good thing that there were exactly five different colors.

                                               Lesson learned: Though the weather does not agree with your plans,
                                                                 if you strongly feel like it, pursue your plans. 
                                              Don't worry, after a little while, the weather will definitely change.
                                                                            So, 'til the next GYPSIES trip!