The Rolling Hills of Batanes, joked the guide, are so called because it is very easy to accidentally go rolling down the hills — if not to painful injury (or worse), then certainly to acute embarrassment. Not only are the inclines steep, the winds are very strong, and you have to make your way carefully through every ascent and descent.
The reward? Views such as these:
The Rolling Hills are also, memorably, where I had the misfortune of stepping on some cow poop. (Thank heavens I decided to wear sneakers that fateful day instead of sandals!)
Traveling, especially to gorgeous destinations such as Batanes, often comes across as a dream, an idyllic escape from day-to-day life. But there are lots of non-dreamy stuff that don’t make it to travel write-ups and Facebook albums: how heavy a backpack can be after a few hours (or minutes, depending on the backpack); the moments of hunger, boredom and loneliness; the mud on the streets after a heavy downpour; and, yes, the occasional stepping-on-cow-poop incidents.
Is it worth it, though? Absolutely. Just look at this view and tell me if you wouldn’t mind stepping on cow poop for this:
“The Rolling Hills of Batanes” was created by LSS for travel site Small-Town Girls, Midnight Trains. All rights reserved.
What a wonderful post in such a wonderful blog. Makes me really proud to be living in the same country as you do!
Thank you! And I love your blog. Your posts are both calming and invigorating. Great job!
I wanted to go but never made it while I was living in the Philippines. Beautiful place!
Hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll get the time and opportunity to come back someday and check it out. 🙂 I am just starting to read your blog and I’m looking forward to reading your posts. I have about a million tabs open already. (Of course I made a beeline for those on your stay in the Philippines!) Thanks for dropping by!
How fun! Thanks so much for reading. All the like notifications are reminding me of adventures gone by. Its so different here in Nepal. I do miss the Philippines and especially Filipinos. Happy reading!
Haha, yes, it felt a bit like I was spamming you with Likes. 😀 But it’s always interesting to see the Philippines from a non-Filipino’s point of view. Thanks for all the insights!
Spam away! I would be interesting to hear your perspectives too.
Wow! This is in my bucket list, i should go here soon! Thanks for writing this blog 🙂
You really should, if you get the chance. Batanes is beautiful. 🙂 Good luck and happy travels!