When in Manila, you can’t just wish for craggy mountains to appear at once. The moment this once-in-a-lifetime chance was presented to me, I grew hesitant, but in the end, I was pleased that I became an adventurer for the second time around. After my first mountaineering experience, when I lost my balance a couple of times and almost got injured, I became more mindful. I did not want to take risks anymore. I passed up every offer – until we went to Wadi Bani Khalid, a famed tourist destination in Oman, that is.
I expected them to convince me to tag along, but I did not imagine myself agreeing with them. I did not expect to go on with the treacherous journey. It was as if I was hypnotized! I know myself better than anyone! I wouldn’t just explore and wander around fearlessly! I would not agree to come! But no, this time, it was different. And to think, I was unprepared.
Indeed, life is an adventure. Many lessons come into sight when you think of life as one. You can deem life as many things, such as a blessing, camera, story, etc., but if you don’t live it like one, it’s pretty much meaningless. You just exist and we all know that’s different from living.
Last December 2, I took the opportunity to become one with nature. I wanted to pass because I did not want to embarrass myself and I’m not the athletic type of girl you should bring along, but after the experience, I didn’t regret exploring this vast world. (Okay, maybe a tiny bit since my body hurt for more than a day.) True, there are still things waiting to be discovered. Even if it seems like we know a lot, we still have to decipher the hidden codes left by our ancestors, let alone the codes they never knew. You have to try out new things to redeem yourself, to rediscover yourself!
4 Significant Things I Learned After Trekking
4. Don’t bring unnecessary stuff.
I probably had a difficult time hiking from one place to another because my hands were holding a monopod and my phone. This is one famous advice you should really follow. If it wasn’t for my dad and his friends, I would be holding it during the whole journey. It is true that you have to capture the moments, but if you’re climbing a mountain, only bring the essential stuff like water and a handkerchief since you will get worn out in the long run. Moreover, using a monopod is unadvisable. You might even lose a part of it like I did! I tried to search for it, yet I wasn’t able to retrieve the small rubber that should be attached to the monopod frame. Prepare!
The fearless and adventurous one
3. Never give up.
It sounds easy, doesn’t it? However, based on most experiences, it’s easier said than done, especially when you have so much to lose. The road might be less traveled and tricky to walk on, but it’s the experience that counts! You have to risk for you to grow and learn! You have to trust and believe in yourself, so you can finish the course! It’s better to try than not to attempt at all! Just keep going even if it’s tough! You can do it! Bring out the best in you! Prove them wrong!
Officially my trekking buddies
2. Be with people who lift you up. (Literally!)
I admit that I’m a weakling when it comes to outdoor activities. If it wasn’t for my trekking buddies, I would have given up. If they weren’t there to help me, I would have slipped and claimed an early death! Don’t just trust yourself; trust others too. To be honest, I don’t trust easily, but after this indelible memory, I learned how to trust other people. It’s not that they don’t deserve my trust. Past experiences teach you a lot and that’s why I choose a handful of people whom I trust.
Luckily, my best friend was with me. She gave me a hand and cheered for me! She was the reason why I wanted to give up, but also why I wanted to carry on. I couldn’t just leave her because of fear and when her life depended on it, even if she was in the hands of people I knew. I’ve always found a way to look after her so even if I wasn’t eager to continue, I did. (Protective Kristin is showing.) I did not want to regret anything.
Plus, it made her happy. That’s what matters. She couldn’t even get over it the day after. She always put my happiness before hers. It’s about time I did the same; it’s about time I risked it all. It’s a give and take process. It strengthened the bond we share and opened our eyes to another part of us. We crossed out one more thing on our non-existent bucket list! Experiences like this one expose the side of a person you could have never expected and you should never disregard! Observe and take note!
Our goal and final destination!
1. Cherish what life can offer.
There are times when you fear change, but like John Green said and I quote, “What’s the point in being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable?” Do the unusual. Be extraordinary because being normal is boring! Get out of your comfort zone! Never live life in fear of death; fear an unlived life! Our goal was to reach the falls, but we learned a lot more than we anticipated! We reached heights we didn’t know existed!
Adventures are best accomplished with somebody important! As stated by someone whom I hold dear, “There are beautiful places inside, hidden deep in mountainous and jagged paths.” There is always something special about a place, just like a person. You have to break down the walls to witness the hidden beauty. If one method doesn’t work, there is another one that will! Uncover the hidden beauty of life! Seek and you shall find!
Have you tried going on adventures like this before? How was the experience? Share it with us!
“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.” – Stephen Kaggwa
