Monday, June 25, 2019, together with three of my close friends from high school, we decided to hang out (spend some time together)

Unlike what other people would do, we chose to go mount climbing

Climber 1: For our trip, that we may reach our destination and come home safely, let us pray…

All : Amen (Prayer concludes)

I was the only one who had had some climbing experience, hence it was not easy to convince them

Climber 1: We need to arrive at Post Four by nightfall, otherwise we would have a hard time finding the campsite and building our tent

And it gave me a bigger responsibility in making the preparations for our trip.

One of the things I love about climbing is the conversation which keeps us engaged during the trip

And by doing so, we learn more about each other

I am very lucky to have friends who are open to accept, listen to and communicate with one another about how we feel

Climber 2: How much longer? / Climber 3: Why are we still not there yet?

Climber 1: Bear with me, we’re nearly there

Coming back to the essence of every journey, it is full of uncertainties. However, every step teaches us a lesson

It teaches us to be patient, to know when to stop, and most importantly, to surrender our ego

Climber 2: I can’t do this anymore… I am so tired

This is why we must make a thorough planning

Climber 1: OK, I have brought these walkie-talkies. I would like to ask you to go ahead with Andre to Post Four. Build the tent over there, and use this to communicate with us

Climber 3: How does the connection work? / Climber 1: Simple. Just switch it on. It will be connected right away

Climber 3: What about the range? / Climber 1: It can go pretty far, up to 10 kilometers / Climber 3: Alright, we are leaving

Climber 2: Let’s go... / Climber 1: Are you sure? Do you feel OK?

Climber 2: I am serious. I feel sorry for them / Climber 1: OK, let’s go

We eventually spent some quality time which I will always miss, amidst the mountain breeze and the warmth of our conversation

After everything that we have gone through, we discover the real essence and beauty of the journey

Nature never stops revealing its beauty to anyone who walks towards it and brings him/herself into its midst...