This is not my first climb, nor my second nor my third . Actually, I have already lost count,, yet, the overwhelming bliss seems like it is my first.
It was not planned but it turns out it was destined.
I grew up in a mountainous area, and have always wanted to leave and stay in the city. The trees, cows , and fields were just normal things to me. My playground is actually the mountains so, when it was time to enter college, I felt like a freed bird. But, the feeling only lasted for a couple of years.
Together with five other mountaineers, we set off to climb the three peaked mountain, all above 1800 meters from the sea level. The start of the climb was just like any other climb I had since I was a child, same trees, same rocks, same muddy trails. Except that in that climb, I had to witness other people, those who did not grow in a place like mine, appreciate the mountains; appreciate the things that I wanted so much to leave .
The amusements whenever they see breathtaking views, the smiles and fear whenever we meet odd looking species and the shouts and excited complaints whenever a hard trail is set to be conquered next, were all new to me. I have climbed mountains as a part of my everyday life, went to the field like a normal day, meet odd species every now and then, and cursed whenever the trail gets muddy on rainy days. But all these, they were different. I have always dreamed of leaving the mountains, and set my feet in the noisy city, because I thought that happiness could be found with cars and buildings ,but this day turned my dreams topsy-turvy.
How could I not see that those odd looking species were beauties, and I am very much lucky to meet them? How could I not appreciate the trees and mountains I grew up in? How could I want to leave a paradise, that everyone wanted to stay in?
Every single step in that climbed made me appreciate all the things I thought were just small.
Miles Away 