Since we are all experiencing a lull in discussions and features in Sayote Republic, I decided to browse through my scrapbooks in search of something to write about.

It’s time to give tribute to one of my favorite tourist destinations in Benguet – Asin Hot Springs, the haunt of numerous sem-enders and weekend picnics and the official basin for UP Baguio’s swimming classes and varsity.

People are normally quiet in the jeepney on the way to Asin Hot Springs. It must have been because a lot of us had to wake up at an ungodly hour in order to catch the jeepney to Tuba. Well, we UPians wake up soon enough and end up totally monopolizing conversation in the jeepney, with the locals simply smiling at us “tourists”.

It’s not the most comfortable of trips – to put it mildly; it’s a torture to the derriere. In the 1990’s (gosh, it feels like soooo long time ago), not knowing if we would be able to get a ride back to Baguio later in the day, was part of the adventure.

I think getting there is as much fun as hopping into the warm water itself. Remember the two tunnels, the shops with woodcarvings and other forms of handicraft sold by the road? One always gets that “You’re no longer in Kansas” feeling. The air smells so fresh. One can hear the sound of rushing water from the river close to the pools we used.

When I think of Asin Hot Springs, I remember former dorm mates laughing and fooling around, friends relaxed after a day in the warm water. I remember Coach Claur – and never forget the twenty warm-up laps she made us do that first Sunday we held swimming classes in Asin. But one thing is sure: no matter how little sleep, how long a day, or how much of one’s weekend went to a trip to Asin Hot Springs, I always felt re-charged and ready for another grueling week of academics afterwards.

So, if you have any fond (perhaps funny) memories from Asin Hot Springs or even recent pictures of the place – share! We’d like to hear from you.