I'll be honest with you. One of the main reasons why I wanted to head
North is because I really, really wanted to visit the Heritage Village in Vigan. It's always been part of my wishlist so just imagine the excitement when we're finally heading there.
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| an interesting art piece at Grandpa's Inn |
Vigan is actually the last leg of our Ilocos Trip. Before heading to the Heritage Village, we first went to Grandpa's Inn (stopover for lunch), Syquia Mansion, and Bantay Church and Bell Tower. It was already late in the afternoon when we went to one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Many people say that Vigan, particularly this part of Calle Crisologo, offers a more romantic vibe at night. And true enough, it does.
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| the heritage village at night |
Despite the museum/history overload and exhaustion that day, the heritage village still filled me with awe. Other than nature and adrenaline-rushing activities, one of the things that would really make my heart leap is the sight of these old structures (I'm probably an old woman trapped in this 20-something body). :)
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| Just look at that! |
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| It's like going back in the Spanish era. |
The Disappointment :(
One thing I've learned from this experience is to NEVER, EVER set expectations. Prior to this trip, I have this really huge expectation on the heritage village. I thought I would be seeing more of the old structures than souvenir shops but I was wrong. Souvenir shops are everywhere! It could have been better or people could have a better feel of the heritage site if the local government have designated areas for these shops hindi 'yung parang buong street halos mapuno na ng souvenir shops. I mean no harm for these people earning a decent living. It's just that I feel like the shops are overwhelming to the point of almost taking away the beauty of the village.
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| souvenir shops are everywhere |
This is my first time in Vigan so I really don't have an idea what it looks like a few years ago. I just hope that there will be less of souvenir shops and more of sites showcasing our history.
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| Don't worry, I'll still go back in Vigan :) |
Couldn't agree more Joan. You have just cited the salient realities that a popular tourist destination is facing. The situation is the same as Boracay overcrowding, the air pollution in Baguio and now, the old houses of Vigan turning to business establishments.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad reality which is so hard to prevent because it manifests gradually until you will come to the point that everyone will realize. "ay, ganito na pala dito."
It changes slowly without us noticing it. No signs for warning. I also hope that someday Baguio will be as good as a pine forest without the buildings or Boracay as a pure beach without the hotels with the Calle Crisologo to be empty and silent. But nah. it is the prize of tourism.. and tourism is for economy... It is ironic talaga. Let's hope that we travel bloggers will be able to bring these sentiments we see from places to the government. But i do believe this is really the prize of vibrant tourism activity.
Haha.. sorry sa nobela Joann. hahah..
You're right Ed! It's the price of tourism. Speaking of Baguio, a lot of people are telling me that it's better a decade ago, probably because it's less polluted that time.
DeleteI'll be checking out Puerto Princesa at the end of this year and hopefully, souvenir shops aren't this overwhelming ;p