To the north, to the north

Going up north, north of Laoag, translates to photo vomit. It starts with fresh biscocho from the Pasuquin Bakery and ends with “tres dulces” at Bergblick where you can savor bagnet prepared the professional Bavarian way by Chef Detlev Cotte. In between munches and de rigueur explication through the 7-hour northern exposure, at least if you’re with me, you will experience the highlights of the northern Ilocos coastline, yet there is more to thread — the max you can have due to time constraint.

-Pan de mongo

-A Manileño tourist discovers Pasuquin’s famous biscocho.

-From the Cape Bojeador lighthouse, it is the Burgos coastline that beams at daylight.

-Stumbling upon tall, lean and goodlooking Manuever, Joshua Zamora… spontaneity.

-PGIN Tourism aide Arnel, who was with Joshua, was hesitant to disturb the dancer, but took the photo just the same when I wouldn’t settle for a paparazzi shot. (Thanks, Arnel!)

-My cool pack at the cultural heritage lighthouse, perched high on the Vigia de Nagparitan hill, first lit in March 30, 1892.

-31st anniversary honeymooners on an Ilocos escapade.

Beyond the high voltage…

–Tsika minute with tourists chilling around.

-The shrinking Kapurpurawan Rock Formation beyond the thorns.

-5 pay-soses view deck for those who can’t hike to the white rock.

-At the Bangui Windmills area, cutting on a clean view.

-Pagudpud white sand on my toes.

-China goes to Pagudpud:)

– roadside Bergblick Deutsches Restaurant, Burayoc Point, Pagudpud.

-The bomb! My sauerkraut platter, topped with homemade extrayummy-saltyish ham and Chef Detlev-sausage for the pack to share.

German bagnet for a change:)

-The awesomest, subtlest curried chicken I’ve had since a Bangkok tour.

-The specialty of the house among other fine specialties — Bergblick Pan with cabbage roll, breaded pork, potatoes and sausage bathed in a special sauce!

And then the OMG butterscotch cake, creme brulee and crepe!!! Om nom nom nom.

-The pack with the Cotte power couple of the house, Maritess and Chef Detlev.

A sigh of relief

What could be more migraine-inducing on an early Sunday morning than a thunderous blast of Jessie J’s Price Tag and Beyoncé’s Run The World (Girls) from a loudspeaker on the street right in front of my home. To escape the city’s cacophony, I opted to spend the day with the mister and friends up north.

We made brief stopovers at the Ablan mangroves and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse before settling in for an Ilocano lunch at the KangKang Windmill Cafe.We visited Manang Yolly of the Mekeni Palutuan opposite the tranquil Blue Lagoon. She whips up the best seafood meals around Maira-ira Beach. We’ve been her sukis from way back before resorts, homestays and beach cottage rentals mushroomed in the area.Letting our friend from Fujian, China, experience the unique treats Pagudpud has to offer, we brought him to Bergblick Deutsches Restaurant for spaghetti al funghi, crème brûlée, banana crêpes and Italian espresso. Not surprising, Chef Detlev Cotte got a nod of approval from the Chinese restaurateur.Before returning home to Laoag, we checked out the catch of the day at Gao-oa. The ice chest at the back of Marianne’s SUV came in handy for some lobsters, spanner crabs, squid and groupers we purchased. We went straight to Joan’s Pamulinawen Fiesta Resto to cook the haul. Boiled in Sprite, the crustacean meat came out so well..The exchange of stories highlighted the day. I speak very little Chinese while our friend speaks only Chinese. But because there are tsinoys in the group, we all managed not to get lost in translation. At times, the conversations were animated, bringing us smiles that broke into laughter.