Vacations in all forms are such a welcome respite.  Provincial vacations though, are just special.  All mankind must experience being in a province and getting into the local scene even once in his or her lifetime.  To the ones who have access to it, take advantage!  I find it to be such a spiritual experience.

So, when a dear old friend decided she was going to have her birthday celebration in her rest house not too far outside Manila, we all obliged.  Excitedly, we trooped to Bulacan.  To our surprise, we were there in less than an hour on a weekday and back in time for our engagements that evening— in total agreement of what a few hours away, in blissful simplicity can do to our state of mind and well being.  Here are a few scenes I’d like to share from that day.  I hope you will be inspired to take the time out to enjoy life’s simple joys.

the birthday girl, Marj (in the middle) and just part of our group that day (the others were working and out of the country) Marj has been a friend for 22 years…

Marj wanted all her childhood food and memories re lived on her special day.  Joy brought her the biggest mocha cake from Goldilock’s.  Polvoron (crumbly goodness made of milk powder, butter and sugar) and pastillas de leche (pastilles made of fesh carabaos milk).

classic goldilocks mocha cake, polvoron and iya’s pastillas

blast from the past goodies we had growing up

fresh from the sea, crabs and sweet baby shrimp

roasted eggplats, sigarilyas (winged beans) in coconut milk and fresh grilled tilapia

what filipino table is complete without sawsawan (dipping sauces)

and a pig, of course…lechon roasted in her own home

fruits from the garden

the kids going back to basics

the wonderful staff in their pretty uniforms

mess hall style dining area

casita style bedrooms line one area of the property

An afternoon more than well spent.  We went home happy, recharged with hearts (and tummies) full.