Roadtrip Diary: Surftown chill in Elyu!

La Union has always been my haven, the perfect place to recharge my weary soul. It is my secret sanctuary, the vibe is both calming yet full of dynamic energy.

Although its known as a surftown, La Union specifically San Juan also boasts a hipster and eclectic crowd. You cant help but put your feet up and just chill! Cool new restos have sprouted left and right where as before you had to travel all the way to the main town to get a decent meal. There is an awesome 3rd wave coffee shop that doesnt seem to have a slow day, a hip hamburger joint next to a hole in the wall tapsilogan spot, a cozy bohemian resto which is part of a cool hostel, an authentic greek and mexican resto are just a few of the notable establishments that has sprouted here.

I stopped by La Union for just a nights rest after driving from Baguio. My first stop was in the very popular El Union Coffee. They are the first third wave cafe in Elyu and as I notice has a very loyal fanbase. What I love about this place is its unpretentiousness. Its just some tables, a few seats and damn good coffee! Well, their grilled cheese sandwich with bacon jam is to die for too... The atmosphere and their baristas give off this relaxed and fun good vibes that would want you to stay and just chill all day long.

 

Upon my arrival that dust Sunday, I was greeted with a parked crossbreed of a tuktuk and tricycle next to its signage, a few steps further is a gigantic blackboard with their recommended Top Drinks and Top Food. Since it was quite a hot day, I decided to order something cold and went with an Iced Dirty White and the ever famous grilled cheese sandwich for a quick snack.

 

The coffee gave me the kick I needed for the day and awakened my senses, it had the right acidity that coffee lovers look for and java enthusiasts, like my companion in tow, hate. By enthusiasts, I meant those looking for the sweet alternative to the real coffee taste aka fraps (peace men✌🏼). Hands down though, the winner in that table was the grilled cheese. It was a gooeey, sweet salty crunchfest and I was in love! 😍

My new Love! 😋

I was contemplating between staying for the night or heading home but the temptation of relaxation plus my tired sleep-deprived body convinced me that "Yes! I deserve this quick respite from the hustle and bustle". I went and booked with Marie & Angel's Place, its one of the numerous accomodations available in Elyu that wont break your pocket. For 1k, you have a room good for 2 with breakky included. Not bad, don't you think?

 

After a little rest, a walk in the beach and a spontaneous swim in the beach with my clothes no less, my stomach was signalling that its time to be fed. I headed to Flotsam and Jetsam,its actually a backpackers place for hippy surfers but they have an excellent resto to boot  so it still draws a lot of hungry crowd.

I totally like the bohemian feel of the place, they have a hammock for chillin and small tables for those who want to dine yogi style. They have this quirky quotes and funny anecdotes all over that is quite entertaining to read while waiting for your food. I noticed that their menu selection is leaning to the healthier crowd, with Poke bowls available and brown rice served for their rice meals. Although they also serve hamburgers and fries, Im not so sure how healthy those were. Rebelling from the healthiness of it all, I chose to get the pork belly with veges and brown rice. It was okay, good for a day's meal. Note for those on a budget conscious route, Flotsam is on the pricier side so prepare your wallets especially if you find yourself having some night cap.

c/o Flotsam and Jetsam Instagram

I went back to my place for a quick siesta and savor the free time doing nothing - something I havent experienced in a while. Waking up I continued watching my series until it got dark. I was still quite full but wanting to maximize my free time, I went back to Flotsam for some drinks and stare at the stars and the night sky. It was so relaxing! I couldnt ask for a better way to unwind.

 

Next morning, I woke up early and sat by the side of the road (Marie and Angels is located by the road). I had my Me-Time and wrote on my journal. After finishing my free breakkie, I got me some good strong coffee (with a side of pancake haha) to get me going the whole drive back to Manila.

 

Elyu, you have been as expected, awesomely refreshing! I guess thats a testament to having a perfectly awesome time - I only realized when I got home that I didnt even surf once in the Surfing Capital of the North! So strange but like a quote I once read goes, 'there are a million ways to surf and as long as you're smiling you're doing it right'.

This is what La Union leaves you: it teaches you that the fun is in the doing and not the destination. Its the journey,  appreciating the little things and that these random erratic spur of the moment trips are the memories you will unknowingly cherish and look back to in years to come.