Snapshot Tagaytay: Taal Volcano

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Though I wasn’t able to welcome in the new year in an exotic destination (I practically slept through it at home), I was glad to have the opportunity to go out of town on the first weekend of 2013. The lovely folks of Taal Vista Hotel extended an invitation to stay overnight, and I was only too happy to accept, and get the chance to make it a 3-day weekend, using the coupon I got from Deal Grocer (a payment for their advertorial).

Though Tagaytay is near enough for a day trip, it’s great to escape from the chaos of the city, even just for a couple of days. There are activities around the hotel to keep you occupied during your stay, but I’m quite content sitting in our room’s balcony, enjoying the view of the lake, the volcano, and the surrounding countryside. It makes one think of the blessings received, and have an optimistic view of the future.

As I sit here, I I reflect upon how the years of traveling has made me different, both as a traveler and as a person. Unlike when I started in 2006, I now have a better understanding of what kind of travel I prefer to do. I no longer feel that I have to make myself fit in any kind of traveler’s profile, just to feel that I am a “genuine” traveler. I travel. I’m both a traveler and a tourist. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Seeing that January marks the start of new beginnings and travel planning, I have to chuckle at how messed up my plans for the year have become. I started the year determined to visit a certain place, when out of the blue, I get asked a question whether I want to visit another place, in the opposite direction. That’s just how life is, I find. You set your course to one destination, but you get sidetracked to another. It’s like when you’re walking and exploring a new city: you walk down the main road, but end up winding through the alleys and back streets, because that’s where the most exciting finds. Still, you end up where you initially set out for. It just takes you a little longer to get there.



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10 responses to “Snapshot Tagaytay: Taal Volcano”

  1. Mica (@senyoritamyx) Avatar

    I’m a traveler and tourist too! Hehe Happy New Year, Nina! Ang ‘cool’ ng first weekend getaway natin for 2013 :))

  2. TW and Jo Avatar

    But encountering the unexpected and going for the detours is the best part of travelling! And we loved Taal. The place is so… peaceful…

  3. cgines Avatar

    Thanks for letting me tag along for the weekend! And yay for going on that opposite direction ๐Ÿ˜‰

  4. ewok1993 Avatar

    we’re all tourists and travelers at the same time i believe. although i have read difference bet tourist and traveler. one said all tourists are travelers but not all travelers are tourists. having said that, what’s with the label anyway.

  5. B Chai Avatar

    Nothing wrong with being a tourist and traveler—like a touraveler, I think? ๐Ÿ˜‰ It’s kinda nice to lose yourself and experience your travels without worrying too much about deadlines, meetings, and notes, although I think you’re already a pro at balancing work and play.

    You’re gonna have a total blast this year and wherever your destination takes you. I can only imagine the next place you’re gonna have to visit is Mars or the Moon, if they manage to set up travel there in our lifetime! LOL!

    Anyhow, I think it’s great you still visit places close by your home. Even if it’s just a quick day trip, you’re still traveling and you might pick up things you’ve never noticed previously or revisit a favorite site. The best part isn’t just the travel, it’s the journey to get there! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I wonder—is Taal Volcano active?

  6. gayE @ Pinay Travel Junkie Avatar

    That’s what I learned about traveling too, Nina. I am both a traveler and a tourist. I love both group tours and DIY explorations. I don’t want to imprison myself under one specific profile.

  7. Drex Avatar

    I’ve been to Taal Vista many times and it’s definitely a great place to reflect on. ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope to see more of your travels. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. C.A. | Adventurousfeet Avatar

    Start the new year right! Napaka inspiring naman tong post mo Nina. I think I’m such a tourist to a lot of places that molds me to become a traveler. For me I really don’t think how people think of my way of travelling, as long as I’m enjoying it. I guess, it’s how you look positively at things that makes you a better person. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. sofia Avatar

    I almost never end up doing what I’ve planned to do, so these days I don’t really plan much in advance at all, because I know that I’ll probably end up changing the plan a few weeks later anyway, haha.

  10. Helen Avatar

    Dont worry too much about your plans changing, making new plans and giving yourself time to explore and get lost is where you find the most interesting sights.
    Btw, your photo is beautiful.

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