From 1979-1982 we were stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines. That was 3rd – 5th grade for me. It was always either hot and dry, or hot and rainy, so everyone’s favorite escape was Baguio City high in the mountains of Luzon. We usually stayed at Camp John Hay an old base that had been converted into a mountain resort.
I remember Baguio being a nice place where the air was relatively cool and the mountains were beautiful. Sometimes there was even frost on the ground.
This photo was taken in 1981 with my old Kodak 110 instamatic, which accounts for the bluriness. Looking back as an adult, I’m impressed with my composition considering I didn’t know about such things back then. It’s a wonder my thumb isn’t in this shot as it is in so many others.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
I was in the Philippines from ’81 to ’83 (K to 2nd grade for me), and also remember Baguio as an oasis of cool within a hot tropical country. Thanks for the nostalgia moment!
great pic…sometimes the blur is appropriate with softening that our own memories provide
Heather, Where in the Philippines were you?
Mallory, I don’t know if the blur is the product of the low-quality 110 film, a dirty lens or just natural aging of the film. Perhaps it was really there, I don’t know. As with you, I do like the hazy blur, though. It gives it a pleasantly nostalgic feel.
We lived in Bario Magsaysay outside of Alaminos in the Pangasinan province. About half-way between Manila and Baguio on the east coast of Luzon island.
Basically, the middle of nowhere. But it was a fun adventure for a young kid.
I don’t think we ever got over to that part of the island. The names don’t ring bells, anyway. You’re right, though, it was a great place to be a kid. I often use adventurous to describe what it was like to be a kid there.
Got here from Technorati. The year you took this photo, I was still a baby then. So this picture kinda struck me… It’s different now (Baguio). You might want to see the new pictures of Baguio (and Camp John Hay) in my site. 🙂