Baguio: polluted but still worth a visit

This is the 2nd time I've been to Baguio and I don't remember blogging about it ... My first visit started I think last 2003-2004? during my college years. It was very cold there back then, we were all shivering and as we talk we could see our breaths. The trip was enjoyable with a group of friends and cooking the food ourselves was quite a treat, I especially loved the soup/stew 'sinigang' in all it's spicey-ness amidst the nice cold weather.

Last week we went for the second time after many years, but this time there were only a few of us who came. The weather is not as cold as before, I actually brought my heavy jacket just for this occasion... One thing I noticed is the increased amount of smog hovering across the streets, there are just too many taxi's and cars now. I'd say the place is now a bit polluted and I am disappointed it had to be so.
Mine's view, Burnham park and the Botanical garden feels the same as before, nothing much has changed and I saw nothing there that is updated except for the increased number of visitors.

As for the commutes, all the taxis were still as honest as before. They WILL return your change unlike in Manila where taxis will never fail to take advantage of any commuter. Many people still walk around though. The cold weather makes it very suitable for a nice breezy walk, just stay away from the main roads where you may encounter a few smoke belchers. Also, when it rains it will be pretty hard to grab a ride home depending on which area you wait for a ride from.

Souvenirs were still the same old junk... from wooden necklaces, fake gems, cheap clothing and wooden carvings. I learned that the best place to buy souvenirs is at the main public market. Do not buy from the tourists spots as they are overpriced there.

The last parts of the trip was exhausting.. it was raining and a lot of people are queing for a taxi ride, it took us an hour to finally get a ride back to the hotel and to the bus home.

Overall the experience is satisfying but a bit disappointed as I was expecting many things from Baguio, it just had to be smoked-polluted and seemingly overpopulated.