Last weekend, I got the chance to scratch one item off my bucket list. That was to go on a solo trip. After analyzing that I could make this trip work without having to spend too much the same way as those cheap holiday deals to Paphos, I no longer hesitated and booked my flight to the City of Golden Friendship.
enjoying the view of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills up in the air
Actually it wasn’t technically a solo trip since I made arrangements to join some friends when they went to CDO. However, I flew in Cagayan de Oro City a day earlier and when my friends missed their flight and booked for the last flight going to the city, it gave me more time to explore the city on my own. 2 months ago, I went on a solo trip to Davao City and last month, I also went on a solo trip to Surigao City. But I don’t believe I should count those trips since I was to meet travel buddies from my travel group within a 24-hr period plus I met people who aided me on where to go. The CDO trip was different. I was on my own in an unfamiliar territory, well at least for the next 24-hours.
walking towards the airport gate’s exit to ride a jeepney
I had 3 nights and 2.5 days to explore the city of Cagayan de Oro. I even thought of going to Camiguin Island or Bukidnon for a day tour but due to unexpected issues at work, I had to forget about those plans and worked on checking for budget holidays that would still allow me to enjoy my trip without emptying my pockets.
people hanging out at Divisoria engrossed with a movie shown on a big screen
On my first night, I simply explored the whole stretch of Divisoria, a road in CDO which was transformed into a lively night market during Fridays and Saturdays. This was the first time I saw too many ukay ukay being sold in the streets. I also got the chance to see folks enjoying their super budget meals as if they were attending a cocktail event at some posh place. The Divisoria Night market is one great place to go on a foodtrip as you’ll be able to find different food varieties. And of course, I had my own food trip session too! 
the art of eating while standing
discovered this steel bridge while touring the city
What’s great about travelling solo is that you own your time. You do not wait for others nor do they wait on you. You have the freedom to choose your adventure at your own pace. And this was what I did on my second day. I planned to wake up late but didn’t so after finishing some reports, I went out to tour the city. At the last minute, I decided to jump in a jeepney heading for the Macahambus Cave in Talakag, CDO. The girl who went with me inside the cave couldn’t believe I was travelling alone.
entered the Macahambus Cave
Less than 15 minutes after, we finished our cave exploration and they encouraged me to go to the Macahambus Adventure Park and try out their hanging sky bridge, zip line and rappelling. After expressing my worry of not being able to find a jeepney going home, the staff of the park suggested I hitch a ride on their manager’s motorcycle as he was headed to the city after the park closes. I agreed on that arrangement and got the chance to walk in the three sky bridges and zip lined after.
hitched a ride going to the city with this view unfolding before me
When I met my friends on my second night and told them what I’ve been doing, my friend looked more worried than I am and to think that she is from CDO. She mentioned that she couldn’t do what I did if she was placed in my shoes. Her fear would consumer her.
I realized that there are still lots of folks who are not open to the idea of solo travelling as they tend to hesitate and think of the what ifs and what nots. I reassured my friends that there’s nothing they should be afraid of. I also have this thinking that if it’s my time, it’ll be my time (I hope it’s not soon though. LOL) so I should try to make the most out of it.
My trip to Cagayan de Oro City was an eye opener for me as I got the opportunity to discover new places on my own. I guess other folks were right about what they say of solo travelling, that you’ll get the chance to discover yourself more and you’d be surprised with its outcome.
And as for me, my travelling feet can’t wait for its next travel adventure, solo or not! 
