Same Path, Different Me: A Walk Through Old College Routes

The Road That Feels Like Home

Some roads are more than just paths; they are artifacts intertwined with the natural world. With its swaying palms and colorful flowers, this coastal road feels like a trip back in time, where the sea breeze carries echoes of childhood laughter and every turn reminds you of the beauty of slow living.

These hidden roads by the sea have a reassuring quality. They take their time. They ask you to stop, breathe, and feel. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of the waves, and the aroma of salt in the air are all gentle reminders that peace does not have to be sought. It is something you learn in times like these.

I'll walk this road unhurriedly and barefoot one day, listening to the ocean's timeless melody. Until then, I'll keep the memory alive in my heart.

I'll tell you about my walk last Wednesday.

After nine years, I returned to walking the streets I did in college. My friends and I go on these roads when things get tough in college, and they provide access to Boardwalk Subic Bay.

Walking down the street towards the Subic Bay Boardwalk, you feel calm and excited. The salty sea breeze caresses your skin, accompanied by the aroma of the ocean and a hint of grilled seafood from local restaurants. The sound of distant laughter and the sporadic hum of music from cafés and bars blend with the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

As the vista opens up, the tranquil waters of Subic Bay appear, glistening in the sunlight or softly glowing in the evening light. There is an undeniable sense of escape and relaxation as if time slows down and the present moment is all that matters, whether you're going for a leisurely walk at sunset, having a coffee by the bay, or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery.

Walking past a park where you used to hang out with your college friends feels like entering a time capsule. You get a rush of nostalgia when you see the benches you know so well, the trees that used to shade your endless conversations, or even that one spot where you used to sit every day.

The sounds of teasing, laughter, long late-night conversations, and goofy moments that seemed insignificant but now priceless can almost be heard. Perhaps you're feeling a twinge of nostalgia, a slight pain in your chest, and a longing to return to those carefree days when deadlines were a burden, but life felt lighter because you had your friends by your side.

However, knowing those memories will always be part of you is comforting. Even if time has passed, that park will always be a part of you, serving as a silent reminder of all the stories and friendships that occurred there.

Walking past San Roque Church gives you a unique feeling, like a soft hug for your spirit. As soon as you walk past the church, the world appears to stop, and you are overcome with peace. Your concerns become less pressing, and you feel a brief sense of belonging to something larger than yourself. The solemn beauty of the place, the gentle glow of the candles, and the subtle smell of old wood and wax all combine to create a sacred stillness that lingers in your heart.

It could serve as a reminder that, no matter how hecti
c life becomes, there is always a place of calm and peace waiting for you to stop and take a moment for yourself.

It's like entering a memory that hangs in the air—a bittersweet nostalgia. Every familiar turn and crack in the road has a backstory. Your footsteps carry echoes of the past, reminding you of who you were when you last walked those roads.

It might be reassuring, similar to reconnecting with an old friend. Or perhaps it tugs at your heart, urging you to recognize how much you've changed. But there's also a nice aspect to it as if life is coming full circle and reminding you that some places will always welcome you back, no matter how far you travel.

It feels like a silent triumph, as if life allows you to reflect on your progress. Walking the same paths again feels like a dialogue between the past and the present but with a stronger, wiser, and better version of yourself. You gain confidence, see things from a different perspective, and realize that the difficulties you encounter no longer burden you.

The road may be the same, but you are not, and it's a lovely reminder of both progress and nostalgia. You have changed, recovered, and gained knowledge. You smile as your footsteps fall in sync with the past, knowing you are not just passing through this moment but moving forward purposefully.