Finally, after long and weary hours of travel we had reached the ultimate destination of our trip. The native living the area has been very lucky indeed. These beautiful hills which turned chocolate hue during summer was the reason why we had journey this far.
On our way to this breathtaking spot, the first timers of our group were so eager to see signs of these exquisite hills. Every area along the way were thoroughly scrutinized, surveyed and scanned as if they were competing on who could see it first. The sight of hills with almost perfect cones towering over the rice fields received their unexpected attention and appreciation. My role during that time was to judge if the hill that they were pointing to was part and parcel of the famous "chocolate hills".
My three-year-old niece was asleep during our trip. Her mother woke her up when we reached the destination telling her daughter that she finally saw the chocolate hills. The upset child told her mother that those were mountains and not chocolates. Her excitement at the thought of chocolates faded and she goes back to sleep. We all laughed and took turns of waking her up again.
There were 1,268 hills on these area. The first time I was there was during the rainy season. I had been so disappointed to see those green and not chocolate hills. That time around the hills were a bit brown and the group was so elated so I kept that thought to myself alone.
They were two ways of going up and down with the mountain of which top was dedicated to the viewing public. Option one was to go up via stairs. I forgot the number of steps all the way up so all I could tell was it's going to be a tough climb. Children can go up easily because they were blessed with fresh energy and stamina. But adults should be cautious as the steps may tire them out and could end up into serious complication.
The second option to go up was through a slope circling the mountain. The path was long and time consuming but it will hurt your knees less than the stairs. What we did was we climb up using the stairs and then we go down through the slop. I suggest to do it differently. It is better to go up using the slope and then go down using the stairs. You can still feel the strain but it could be lesser. Whatever sequence you choose, as long as you can reach the top, the panorama above is worth all the pain.
Over the mountain was a deck where you could view all the chocolate hills. This was also the best place to strike a pose for picture perfect. The white clouds floating over the sea of chocolate hills was a spectacular background. The summit was a comfortable place to rest after a difficult and sore climb. The panorama plus the breeze could ease the sore and recharge your energy. The site deserves the top spot on the list of "Seven Wonders of the World".
There are lots of poses you can try for your picture perfect moments. You can jump as high as you can. You can either jump alone or with your friends. You can fake some shape with your hands or you can portrait your best selfie. Some ride a broom and pretend to be a witch flying over these fantastic hills. Whatever you choose, the background will attract all eyes and will admire the lovely hills alone. Haha!
After getting your treasured photo or souvenir, you can toss a coin into the well, make a wish and then ring the bell three times. I am not sure if your wish will come true but it is still part of the fun while you are on top of this hill. Most visitors tried and enjoyed this trick.
My father was waiting at the foot of the hill. He had been cautious and afraid that he may not endure the summer heat. But he can still see the hills from here and he was grateful. We were all grateful that we had the opportunity to visit this grand and beautiful spot. We thank thee, Our Lord, for this enormous blessings! Amen.
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