Spellbound by Northern Blossom

I just don't know what's with the Northern Blossom that it kept on lingering in my mind and that I didn't stop trying to go for it? And it even made go there all by myself! I started reading blogs and viewing images about the farm for a long time, learning how to get there and when to go there. Anyway, Northern Blossom flower farm is located in the mountainous Atok, Benguet,  approximately a 7-hour travel by land, it is well known for its cold climate which usually drops at a low temperature, and  with vegetable terraces along the road which makes the landscape more appealing to travellers.

Atok bound bus

Due to my eagerness to go there, I decided to go on a solo trip, which I haven't done all my life! I mean I haven't gone to distant places all by myself! Or go on vacation alone! I usually travel with my family and  friends but that time I am proud to say that it's my solo flight! As the day of my departure gets nearer I became unpredictable as to whether I am going or not? I also thought of asking for signs if I should go? What? Hey I will go! I packed my things, hailed a cab and took the bus as chance passenger!

Okay, bloggers says that I should get off at Atok Municipal Hall, register at the tourism office and then I can go to the flower farm. The reception area of the farm is modernized, the flooring is tiled, the steel gate on the doorway are well painted, the furniture are nice and neat! It was very far from my imagination of a cold muddy place with old wooden fence. I just laughed at my perceptions.

Let the sunshine in!

After paying the entrance of 250 pesos, a young man was assigned as our tour guide. Oh by the way,  I said "our", yes "our"! I am not alone that time, I met two young ladies in the bus who were going to the farm too! We were all strangers in that part of the world so we just stuck together and enjoyed the moment! Whatever happens, we just have each other!And  as we entered the farm, these was what we saw!

That's me gazing at Mt. Timbak!

Oh my goodness! Thousands of flowers were exposed into my field of vision...oh wow! Flowers of different sizes and shapes and colors blooming on terraces overlooking the prominent mountains of Benguet!! Of course I gave a salute to Mt. Timbak, Mt. Tabayok and Mt. Pulag. Are you all calling? Because I am not going! It is like a grand flower arrangement on the slopes of the mountain being offered to the Gods of nature.

Thousands of sunflowers!

Pardon me for posting too many photos, I just can't get enough! You know that overwhelming feeling when you all want to do is swirl and smell each of them! Everywhere I look, it's all blooming!

Cabbage roses.

Everlasting flowers.

Hens and chicks.

Yinyan of succulents.

Pineapple?

Refreshment is served at the end of tour, consisting of  brewed coffee and bread under a cozy veranda.

Enjoy!

I am not in Holland, I'm in Atok!

In this journey, I have learned that it's not really unexciting to travel alone at times. As a wife and a mother, I have always prioritize the needs of my family especially with the basic things to be prepared and it has always been that way even on family vacation. I was scared going on a long trip I admit that, but sometimes we have feelings of accomplishing things that we desire for not for somebody else, not as a wife, not as a mother but as an individual. It has been a remarkable journey,  and I will do it again!

HOW TO GO THERE?
1. If going by bus, take bus going to Baguio City, in Cubao, Q.C.
2. Take Sagada bus bound in Dangwa terminal in Baguio City.
3. There are also UV express going to Atok in Dangwa terminal.
4. Get off at Atok Municipal Hall, register at tourism office at the back of the municipal hall and pay 20 pesos.

5. Then you can go to the Northern Blossom, pay entrance fee of 250 pesos. Landmark Palawan Pawnshop at the street corner.

THANK YOU  FOR READING!