The drive from Tagaytay, the pineapple city on the ridge of Taal Volcano, to Nasugbu, sugar central of Batangas, is breathtaking, short of spectacular. Upon exiting Tagaytay city, you will come upon the marker of Batangas which is the former Batulao resort. It is a mountainous region which borders Cavite and Batangas. Here you will find the rolling hills with a montage of greens on the opposite side of the volcano, similar to Tuscan landscapes. A few sprouting summer vacation homes may taint the otherwise magnificent virginal plantations; visible too are the thatched nipa homes with gardens of colorful flowers that are sold to the passers-by. The drive takes a taciturn for the spectacular when you see the distant mountains with tall coconut trees, the plains full of sugarcane, and the endless clear blue sky. Nasugbu city itself, once a thriving sugar processing center, is full of hidden wonders: old plantation homes with the traditional colonial-style wooden white facade, a small chapel with ivy-covered walls, a 19th century train in the municipal hall. Driving further on to the seaside, you will come upon the fishing villages of Wawa, where bancas are docked with their nets hung out to dry. A bridge guarded by two mermaids marks Wawa town; the drive becomes purposeful as you smell the salt in the air. The winding two-lane highway climbs up the mountain and starts to slope down with the view of the sea on the driver-side, until you get to Natipuan town. There is a quaint elementary school in this sleepy village. The huge acacia trees sheltering the villagers provide adequate protection from salt and sun. The sea begins to form its coves, with private resorts now enclaves of the wealthy, sprouting here and there. The drive culminates in the solitude of the beach, the view of the sun sitting on the horizon, and the overall peace away from the busy city...