The next day I decided to do some exploring of the surrounding areas of Dumaguete City.  I have heard quite a  bit about Valencia as it sits higher up in the hills and reports are that it is cooler there.  Walked out of the hotel and down to the boulevard and found a tricycle driver who was willing to put up with me.  So, off I go to explore new territory. 

First we pass the bell tower in Dumaguete.  Here is what I found out about it.  “In the year 1811 when Dumaguete was a place whose inhabitants were always threatened by Muslim marauders in search of slaves, the Bell Tower was then built to forewarn the locals of any incoming danger. It remains to be the oldest bell tower in the Visayas and is a very famous architectural landmark in the city.”  I found this info at; http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/

 

Now we head up the road to Valencia.  Although the mountain rises in front of us we will not be traveling quite that far.

Cute house along the way.

New construction.

Very shady.  Looks very cool in there.

Others live more simply.

At last I’m in Valencia.  I can feel a noticeable drop in temperature here.  It is cooler. 

 

They also have this cool park right in the center of the municipality.

Swings and what not for the kiddies, tennis courts in the background.

A church sits across the street from the park.

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish.  Hmmm, don’t see anybody around here.  It’s all closed up.  Hmmm, perhaps aptly named.

A statue of Dr. Rizal, a Philippine national hero.

Ah, “Fuente Valencia”.

Such a beautiful fountain and park.  The grounds are so well kept.  Not one piece of litter.  The flowers are pretty.  And everything is so green! 

A gazebo for that afternoon speech or perhaps a small band performance.

Small huts.  I think they can be rented and you can picnic under them.

Large field.  Suitable for softball or soccer.

Gutum (Hungry)?  Ohaw (Thirsty)?  The park has a snack bar.

Flowers planted alongside the park.

More flowers.

Perhaps some will wonder why I have this foto of bananas here.  But as I walked back to my waiting tricycle I saw these bananas growing in someone’s front yard.  Amazing!  Hungry for a banana?  No problem, just walk out into the front yard and pick one.  I love it.  I’m going to have a banana tree when I move to Cebu.  And a manga tree.  And a gauva tree.  And, well you get the idea.

On the way back my driver took me through subdivision where people buy the lots and then build their own house.  I like this one. 

The mountain looms behind the house.

Well, folks, that’s Valencia.  I took many more pictures along the way but so many are unusable because the tricycle was going too fast.  I really miss not having my own car and being able to stop when I want and go where I want.  Oh well, when I move here it will be different.