A Throwback Before 2024 Ends: My First Unplanned Trip with My Friends This Year

Hey, Hivers! It's @makiyumee here and I am back again with another blog about a very special memory that happened during the first month of 2024. So, stick with me until the end to know what happened and without further ado, let's get on with it!

January 2024 marked the beginning of a new school term after a long and restful Christmas break. The transition back to school life was a challenge for most of us. We had gotten used to waking up late, helping with household chores, and enjoying carefree days. Suddenly, we were back to the routine of early mornings, schoolwork, and classes. Adjusting wasn’t easy, but that day was about to take an unexpected turn.

As the morning classes ended, we were surprised by an announcement: there would be no classes in the afternoon because our teachers had a meeting. The news excited all of us. It was rare to get a free afternoon, and we immediately decided to make the most of it. My friends and I agreed to eat lunch together outside the campus. Over plates of food, we shared laughter, gossiped, and caught up on stories from our Christmas break. It was a lively conversation, filled with tales of family reunions, late-night parties, and holiday mishaps.

While we were enjoying our meal, one of my friends suddenly suggested that we should go somewhere since we had no class in the afternoon. Everyone’s eyes lit up at the idea, but none of us had a specific destination in mind. We threw around ideas, laughing at some of the outrageous suggestions, but eventually decided to head to San Remigio. The thought of visiting its clear, refreshing waters sounded perfect.

Soon, we found ourselves at waiting shed near Cebu Normal University – Medellin Campus, waiting for a ride to San Remigio. It was a completely unplanned trip, but that made it even more exciting. None of us had a solid plan on where exactly to go once we got there. The unexpectedness added a sense of adventure, and we all felt the thrill of not knowing what the day would bring.

The bus ride was filled with chatter and laughter. We talked about how funny it was that we hadn’t planned anything and joked about what we might find when we got there. Some of us shared stories about past visits to San Remigio, while others eagerly anticipated seeing the place for the first time. The journey itself was an experience, as we watched the passing scenery of lush greenery and small towns.

After some time, the bus finally stopped, and we stepped onto the soil of San Remigio. The fresh breeze welcomed us, and the sight of the peaceful surroundings immediately calmed our spirits. Without a clear destination, we decided to just start walking and see where our feet would take us. It felt freeing not to have a set itinerary and to simply enjoy the moment.

After a while, we stumbled upon Lapyahan, a beautiful and serene spot by the sea. The view was breathtaking. The water was so clear that it sparkled under the sunlight, and the gentle waves created a soothing sound that made everything feel more peaceful. We kicked off our shoes and let the cool sand touch our feet. The feeling was amazing—it was as if the stress of school and the adjustments we were going through melted away with each step.

The time we spent at Lapyahan was nothing short of relaxing. We stayed there for a while, savoring the calm breeze that gently brushed our faces and enjoying the soft, powdery sand beneath our feet. The sight of the sea, with its endless blue stretching to the horizon, was incredibly calming. It felt like time slowed down as we sat on the sand, taking photos and talking about everything we did during our Christmas vacation.

Conversations in person always feel different. Talking through chat or video calls just doesn’t compare to being with your friends face-to-face. The energy is different, the laughter is louder, and the connection feels stronger. That’s why whenever my friends and I meet, it’s never a short conversation. We would dive into one topic after another, often losing track of time. That day was no exception since we laughed, reminisced, and even teased each other about the funniest moments from our holidays.

After spending time walking around and exploring Lapyahan, some of us began to feel the feelings of hunger. The sea breeze and the walk along the shore seemed to have worked up an appetite. So, we decided to head towards Baqala, a nearby store, to grab some snacks. When we arrived at Baqala, we were greeted by shelves filled with all sorts of snacks. It was fun seeing my friends excited over their choices, like kids in a candy store. With our snacks in hand, we found a spot outside to enjoy them while continuing our chatter.

Eventually, the time came for us to head home. The sun was beginning to set and it was a beautiful backdrop, making it even harder to leave. But we knew we had to, so when the bus to Kawit arrived, we all boarded it with a mix of contentment and reluctance.

The ride home was just as memorable as the day itself. The bus was filled with laughter and shared stories, and it felt like the perfect ending to an amazing unplanned trip. The joy and warmth of that day were moments I knew I would carry with me throughout 2024 and to the upcoming years. It wasn’t just about the place we visited, it was also about the people I was with and the memories we created together. Sometimes, the best memories aren’t planned, and they happen when you least expect them.

That would be all for this blog and I hope you all had fun reading it. I'll see you all on the next one!