About two weeks ago, our plan of going to the beach and eat foods finally happened. I invited @leannwithdoublen weeks ago to go out and celebrate my birthday but both of us were sick so we decided to postpone it. And I was just surprised to wake up to her message that she'll meet me by lunch. I don't remember agreeing to a date and time but she said she did tell me the night before that she's going on the next day. Maybe I overlooked that message because we were on a chat spree that night.
I tried my best to get ready quickly despite feeling a little mentally tired the other night. I hastily got out of the house and hopped into a tricycle and went to the mall we were going to meet. Good thing public transportation is very accessible and the mall is just near from where I live. However, Leann still waited for me for around half an hour. Lol. Sorry!
So I toured her around our town's humble mall. There's not a lot to see, actually, just a few restaurants, cafe, apparel store, grocery, and gadget stores. And if it weren't for Leann, I wouldn't have the interest to enter the Power Mac Center. I'm just amazed with the iPads and how vibrant and clear the apple monitors were. I wonder if I can own one someday?
We continued roaming around the mall and decided to head next to the Lingayen beach around 2 P.M. Unfortunately, the bus we rode going to Lingayen was full and we have to stand on the aisle. I did my best to focus all my chakra to my feet so I won't stumble when the bus accelerates or hit the brake.
We arrived around 4 P.M. It was cloudy like it was about to rain. And since it was a weekend, the Lingayen Capitol Grounds was more quiet than usual. The beach is located behind the Capitol Grounds so we still have a long walk to do to get there. The weather was perfect which made our walk comfortable.
We also spotted some birds along the way and also passed by a group of students having some dance practice. The area felt very peaceful.
The Capitol building. Still no luck seeing it open.
While the Capitol Grounds was tranquil, we began hearing the roaring waves as we were nearing the beach. We reached the baywalk and got a better view of the seashore. The waves looked mad but it seemed like people were unfazed by it and was enjoying like it was a sunny day.
Finally, I got to take a photo of this signage. One of the main produce of our province is Asin (Salt) which is why the letters ASIN was emphasized on the signage.
There were quite lots of people enjoying the windy weather with some even walking their pets or relaxing on the benches.
We first went to the street food area to buy some foods to have something to eat while we enjoy the view and sound of the waves. There were a couple of food and drink choices. I remember there's even a shawarma stall.
We got 5 sticks of kwek-kwek and a 2 sticks of chicken proven, maybe? I'm not sure if it was chicken proven but it tasted good. I don't get to eat street foods often that's why I was really happy to finally have lots of kwek-kwek that day.
It was very windy at the shore, the sauce on the kwek-kwek was even blown by the wind when I lift the stick to eat. Lol.
The wind dwindled a bit after some time and the sun also began to partially peek from the clouds on the West part of the beach, highlighting the mountains.
Later on, stray dogs approached us for some security check if we have foods with us. Unfortunately, we already ate all the foods we have bought.
Of course, just like the rest of the people around, we also went barefoot to feel the warm sand and have the waves wash our feet. It really felt nice to go to the beach with someone because I got to enjoy it more.
The sky on the West continued to clear up revealing a dramatic sunset which also reflected on the wet sand.
Meanwhile, the skies on the East side still don't look good.
I also took the chance to test my phone's camera zoom feature. I think it did a great job capturing a photo of the lighthouse on the mountains.
It was already almost 6 P.M. so we decided to leave to still have time for dinner. We passed by the renovated part of the Capitol. There was no contruction on going which made it easier to walk pass the area.
The sky was beginning to get dark and the lights around the Capitol were switched on. The area looked more beautiful and relaxing with the lights on. I wish we could stay for a few more minutes but we have to leave ASAP.
After waiting for several minutes, we were finally able to ride a bus going back to Dagupan City. It was another challenge to find a jeepney going to The Porch as it was already dark. And due to heavy traffic at Calasiao's intersection, we reached The Porch at 8 P.M.
We finally had a proper dinner and had our stomachs filled with good food at Ramen Shokudo—Eating Wagyu for The First Time!.
We finished our dinner at 9 P.M. and I was worried that Leann's family was already worried as well. We waited for a bus and let her ride before I headed home. Thankfully, there was also a tricycle on standby at the hotel's entrance and I was able to go home soon.
It was a tiring but filled with fun day. I really appreciated Leann's effort to come to my town and even travel to the beach. I think I really needed this short trip to the beach and food trip. It was very timely.
Finally, we got to see the sunset at the beach again and check new foods too! I wish we can do this more in the future but at an earlier time so our families won't get worried.
Also, I am also happy to receive a special merch from her—Unboxing: A Surprise Gift from Leann!.
Thanks for reading! 💚
