After three long days of conferences, I stood on the third floor of 19hundred Work.space, gazing out at the bustling city below. A sudden urge struck me – why not take a different route back to my Engineer's Hill transient house? A little detour through SM City Baguio wouldn't hurt, right? Perhaps I could even grab some pasalubong for the family back home.
Little did I know, that "little detour" would turn into a full-blown adventure. Rain lashed against my face as I hurried down Session Road. The blinding neon lights of Burnham Park were mere blurs through the downpour. The city's usual weekend energy was muted, replaced by the relentless drumming of rain on pavement and the whoosh of cars splashing past. Engineer's Hill, usually a familiar beacon in the distance, seemed to vanish in the rain-streaked cityscape.
Minutes felt like hours as I slogged through the downpour. The sidewalk, usually teeming with life, was eerily deserted. The rhythmic click of my heels on the wet pavement was the only sound that pierced the heavy rain. Streetlights cast an orange glow, blurring the edges of unfamiliar streets branching off from Session Road. A creeping unease began to settle in my stomach. Had I missed the turn for Engineer's Hill?
Taking a deep breath, I found refuge under the awning of a closed shop. The rain showed no signs of letting up, and the deserted street offered no clues. A shiver ran down my spine as a terrifying realization hit me – I was lost. The comforting landmarks of Burnham Park were nowhere to be seen, swallowed by the relentless downpour.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement across the street caught my eye. It was a Victory Liner bus, its red and yellow paint a vivid splash of color against the gray downpour. Remembering a friend's recommendation, I decided to explore the possibility of a quick ride closer to Engineer's Hill. With a newfound sense of purpose, I dashed across the street, dodging puddles and narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic.
The Victory Liner Bus Terminal bustled with activity despite the rain. Passengers huddled under the covered walkways, waiting for their respective buses. The air was thick with the smell of diesel and wet clothes. I approached the information booth, hoping for some guidance. The friendly attendant, her smile a beacon of warmth in the rain-drenched terminal, pointed me in the right direction.
"You can take a jeepney to Sky Ranch," she explained, her voice rising above the cacophony. "It's a bit further up the road, but it offers a beautiful view of the city, especially at night. Maybe the rain will let up by then, and you can enjoy the scenery."
Taking a chance, I hopped on a jeepney bound for Sky Ranch. The ride was bumpy, the windshield wipers struggling to keep up with the relentless downpour. But as we climbed higher, the view of the city sprawled out below, a tapestry of twinkling lights veiled by the rain. It wasn't quite the Engineer's Hill view I was accustomed to, but it held a different kind of charm under the storm clouds.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached Sky Ranch. Unfortunately, the rain showed no signs of stopping, and the view from the observation deck was limited. Still, I took a moment to appreciate the unexpected detour. The rain had transformed my familiar route into an adventure, leading me to discover new corners of the city.
With a renewed sense of direction, I hailed another jeepney, this time bound for Engineer's Hill. The ride was quicker this time, and as we descended, I saw the familiar water tower peeking through the clouds. Relief washed over me as I hurried towards the familiar landmark. The rain, no longer an annoyance, became a welcome companion in this unexpected exploration.
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