IS IT JUST ME, OR DOES EVERYONE HATE HIKING?

I recently went hiking for the first time ever, and wow, you really do need all your muscles! Despite my lack of fitness, I managed to climb a hill that was 333.33 meters above sea level. It took me about a good 40 minutes to reach the top and another 40 minutes to descend. My husband and I braved the rain that day, but thanks to the dense forest canopy, we stayed mostly dry.

What surprised me the most was that I didn't need to take a day off afterward. I was convinced I wouldn't make it to work and would have to take a day off, but I went to the office just fine, without a single complaint. It was amazing. The journey through the thick woods was truly enjoyable. The trees were enormous, as big as concrete pillars and taller than most trees I've seen in the city. Starting as early as 6, I could hear crickets and birds chirping breaking the morning silence. The air was incredibly fresh, and I took a moment to savor it. It was a precious, irreplaceable experience. On the forest floor, I could see small animals scurrying from one place to another, hopping from leaf to leaf. It made the forest feel alive. The vibrant ecosystem was magnificent, and it made me want to linger, even dream of living there. The connection to nature was so profound that it felt like a whole new world, one I didn't want to leave behind.

The morning was frigid, and since the forest hadn't received any sunlight yet, they were dark and mysterious, like another realm. Surprisingly, I wasn't scared. I was excited and eager to explore. There was a naturally formed gateway, marking the beginning of our journey. At first, I felt nervous and anxious. Initially, I thought it was because it was my first time, but then I realized it was because I desperately wanted to enjoy the experience and was putting a lot of expectations on it. Being my usual self, I struggled with managing these expectations, leading to some anxiety.

The forest had a natural canopy formed by intertwining tree branches, covering about 60% of the area and acting as an umbrella, protecting the animals underneath. The rain barely penetrated the canopy but provided enough water to sustain the forest. We took safety precautions and wore appropriate gear for our hiking activity. The ground was wet and slippery. The trail featured massive gorges on both sides of the hill, adding to the sense of adventure. In the steeper sections, ropes were provided for hikers to cling to, offering additional protection against falling. I clung to the rope as if my life depended on it, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. The tree branches provided extra support, helping me keep my balance while ascending. Every part of the forest seemed to play a role in ensuring my safety. 

My husband stayed a step behind, holding my hand firmly. His steady presence gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. I already loved him very much, but that day, I loved him even more. He patiently waited for me whenever I needed a moment to catch my breath, encouraging me to keep going. Just when I thought I couldn't go any further, he was there to ensure I didn't give up. His support and determination pushed me to overcome my fears and keep climbing (if he's reading this, just know I'm grateful for you). 

Despite the serene forest setting and the beautiful experience it offered, I found myself vomiting three times in a row, with each episode spaced about 100 meters apart. Countless stops dotted our hike, and at times, I was on the verge of turning back, ready to call it quits. But my husband urged me on and looking back, I'm grateful he did. I'm just relieved that I managed to finish the hike. I have to take the blame for my ignorance. That morning, before setting off, I had a flat white in the car and indulged in a piece of chocolate pastry. Being a creature of habit, I always start my day with a cup of coffee. Assuming everything would be fine, I proceeded with my usual routine. Little did I know, it would lead to trouble. 

As we ascended, I began to feel dizzy and extremely uncomfortable. My stomach churned, and there was a sharp pain, almost like a sudden gust of wind rising from my lower abdomen to my head. Sweat poured from my brow, and my heart raced. I quickly took my asthma medication and sat down for a while, focusing on taking slow, deep breaths before summoning the courage to continue our journey. After about 40 minutes of hiking, we finally reached the summit. 

"Oh my gosh," was all I could manage to say as I took in the breathtaking scene before me. It was a sight beyond words - phenomenal, enchanting, and utterly mesmerizing. The wind touched my face, gentle as cotton, as if nature itself were welcoming us to its highest point. Then, unexpectedly, a gust of wind carried with it a gentle rain that kissed against my outstretched hand. It was surreal. A magical moment. I'm so glad I got to experience it with the love of my life. 

We savored our time at the summit for an hour, documenting the beauty around us with an abundance of photographs. On one side, the thick, sacred forest loomed, its depths veiled in darkness. On the other, the vast expanse of sky stretched out above us in silent admiration. Birds soared above us, and the clouds drifted by, creating a cinematic atmosphere. From the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a group of wild monkeys calling out to their companions for a hunt. 

Nearby, some hikers were enjoying their breakfast, homemade dishes, and fresh water, which I bet tasted twice as good with such a view. There was a popular spot at the summit where people would take photos. It was dangerous, but the view from that angle was worth the risk. I ventured there and thankfully returned safely. My husband did the same, and we both came back in one piece, thank goodness. We made some new friends too. 

At the edge of the summit, there was a cluster of white rocks. I noticed a colony of ants carrying their food in formation, migrating from one spot to another. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to live their lives. It must be exciting, living in the forest and enjoying the view. They must feel like they're on top of the world. Yet, they're just ants, and they don't appreciate the scenery like we do. Still, I felt a twinge of jealousy. 

Soon after, the rain began to pour heavily, forcing us to start our descent. This was where the real adventure began. The journey down was thrilling but dangerous, as we navigated steep, slippery slopes. The rope was wet, and the trees were drenched with rainwater. I had to stay on guard constantly. Muddy pools started to form, splashing our pants with dirt. Our shoes were caked with mud, and my husband's hair was soaked as if he had just taken a shower. 

Alhamdulillah, we managed to reach the ground after 40 minutes of walking. We took pictures with our new friends and went back home. Overall, the hike was an incredible experience, like stepping into a vivid painting brought to life. Even though it was tough at times, the connection with nature made every moment worthwhile. I'm already looking forward to my next adventure in the great outdoors.