I used to chase tides, now I wander streets. Swapping salty air for a city escapade — and loving every step of this new adventure.

Hi fellow Hivers, it's me again, Jo!

Remember my previous post about the sea? Yes, I still love the sea and will always though again, I can't swim. However, for today, let me bring you to my City's most visited lovely places. Brace yourself, as you will be traveling with me. (Bring a map if you can, because I get lost easily)

First Stop - Sirao Garden

The very first thing that will catch my attention is the souvenir stores along the street before we reach the entrance to the garden. There are different cute things that represent the different tourist spots in Cebu. Of course, I don't need it, but I still get it!

After my quest in choosing the cutest souvenir in the shop, we continued to the garden or also known as the Little Amsterdam.

Imagine strolling through some garden steps with flowers all around. Above the stairs is a canopy made of hanging flowers called Thunbergia mysorensis, with yellow and dark red petals that hang like little lanterns. (I googled the name of the flower as I can't see any signage of what it's called, unlike the rest)

The path feels peaceful and pretty, with plants and colors everywhere, making it seem like you're in a beautiful, quiet place far from the busy world.

How about sitting in a giant sunflower? Once you reach the top of the stairs is a gigantic sunflower seat where you can feel like the queen of the sunflowers in her throne.

Within the garden, you can see a gigantic hand similar to those in Amsterdam, where you can see a beautiful overlooking view of nature. I didn't climb to it, though, I'm afraid of heights, thank you.

The captivating centerpiece within the garden that offers both aesthetic appeal and unique photo opportunities is the 3 towers of stunning, colorful stacked boulders, representing Stonehenge. Its placement between the lush celosia fields provides a perfect contrast, making it a favorite backdrop for everyone. I don't have a photo with it, however, as I am suffering from foot blisters. Thanks for being a girly gal who chooses to wear heels still, even though I know we'll have a long day full of walking during the tour.

In the gardens' corners, you can find 3 to 4 of these beautifully arranged urli that add a touch of tradition and elegance to the place. Set among the blooming scenery, the urli creates a peaceful, eye-catching spot. A simple yet striking details that will invite you to pause, admire, and soak in the moment.

Now, who's up for a mirror shot? Of course, count me in!
I am just looking for a powder room to freshen myself once more, however, the place offers more than just a powder room, but an Instagram-perfect aesthetic! Beautiful enough that my partner couldn't help but join in as well for a photo.

One of the things that really caught my attention in Sirao Garden was the big statue of Sto. Niño. It stood right in the middle of all the flowers and greenery, and it made the place feel peaceful and special. As someone who grew up seeing the image of Sto. Niño, it felt nice to see it there — like a little reminder of home and faith while enjoying the beauty of nature.

The place offers a lot more than what I have highlighted above. Every detail is perfect enough for a cute photo.

My biggest gratitude belongs to these two, my partner and his nephew, who make sure that we can have a perfect photo from every angle we want. These guys' patience is the reason behind every perfect photo I got. There's really nothing more that a girl can wish for in every travel than to have someone who is willing to retake photos again and again.

This concludes my first stop, and Sirao Garden (Little Amsterdam) didn't disappoint. The long travel going to the place is worth it.

Since this post is too long already, I'll create another post about the other beautiful stops I have during the trip next time. See you there and thank you for joining me on the first ride.