Parreo, Audrey A.

CREWRITC32

11309369

October 26, 2016

Non-fictional Writing: Zambales

When I hearor when I stop hearing, rather, the sound of the car engine, that is when I
know we have arrived at our destination. Backpacking with a group of friends while also in the
company of the friendliest strangers has made our trip to Zambales such a delight. For a day, I
part ways with the city. I was able to trade the skyscrapers I see everyday for the trees and
mountains, replacing the gray with green and the asphalt for dirt.
The lack of access to electricity is definitely an intimidating idea at first. But trust me, it
would not even cross your mind once you are actually there. Zambales offers her visitors a
chance to reconnect with nature; there are mountains for hikers and beaches for swimmers and
surfers. Walking through the mountain dirt roads where the lahar once flooded on years ago,
brought upon new life from the destruction it made. After everything has cooled off, new plants
have sprouted from the rich volcanic soil. The trek was complemented with a short, but
satisfying swim in the rivers, freshening our group off with the crisp water it held. From a short
distance you can start to hear the river flow, splashing its way through the rocks. I start to
imagine myself lying down in it, letting the current drift through and carry me in its direction.
Spending the day with the indigenous people of Zambales has made us appreciate the life
of simplicity. People help each other out and do not expect anything in return. I saw closeness in
their community, their desire to sustain their way of living by taking care of the environment.
Every single one of them, old or young they may be, welcomed us with the biggest and most
genuine smiles on their faces. I have never felt so at ease.

The hostel we had the pleasure to stay in was not short of surprises either. Our small huts
stood by the seathe sound of the big waves put us to sleep that night. Waking up was equally
enchanting. The smell of the locals cooking up their breakfast overlaps with the salty air. While I
was walking and trying to get some sand in my feet, I suddenly found myself back at the shore,
appreciating how beautiful nature is in its bareness. I fix my eye on some surfers; the waves of
Zambales beaches are strong enough for this. It fascinates me how they are able to command
those high and mighty waves to lower themselves beneath their feet.
Describing is one thing but experiencing it is another. Zambales offers her visitors a
lifetime experience, one that cannot be justified by just hearing about it. Bit by bit I fell in love
with the place. Even if I spent barely two whole days in Zamabales, the familiarity I felt made it
seem like I was there for a week. Zambales lets you bask in all of Mother Natures gloryyou
will forget your problems in a heartbeat.