A Journey to the Top

Hidden, silent, wild and beautiful. I'm standing with an astonishing amphitheater of mountains all around. I try to hold eyes for an extra moment. I get lost in the scenic routes, drown in the ancient atmosphere. I knew intuitively I was standing there for a reason.

Hunting mysterious spots it is what I live for. I guess sitting in a low, soft place within easy ways of comfort was never my forte. Action always suited me better than waiting around. As a backpacker I opt for a more basic choice in pursuit of the authentic experience. Not one to let such an intriguing opportunity pass me by, always ready to take a leap into the unknown.

All of a sudden I hear an echo. They're calling my name. My group advanced at the altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, leaving me behind for around 7-8 meters completely hypnotized by the skyline. I hike up following a path through the remote landscapes of Albanian Alps in their direction. Fast enough joint the entirely exhausted group laying down in the hot July sunrise.

Many people say hiking mountains is the ultimate physical challenge. Outdoors enthusiasts seeking adventures train physically and mentality for each endeavor. In our case as amateur hikers, we ran out of water, food, energy and have 200 meters more to reach the top. I feel like an athlete simply about to 'hit the wall', an infamous experience suffered when body runs out of fuel.

As we begin a torturously slow vertical hiking to the top with stones literally collapsing around us, all that mattered was making it to that big peak. Whatever countless number of steps awaited me didn’t matter. I would stop for short breaths and enjoy what Mother Nature created. It seemed to offer the perfect combination of fragrant colorful plants aroma and fresh mountain air. Beyond the steep adges I could notice from far away the dense evergreen forests which grow up the mountainside made it seem as if it were covered with a lush green blanket.

On my way up reflecting on the whole journey I realized how I have devoted my life to constantly chasing happiness in achieving mini goals. For me these are the things that really count. I believe this journey gave us all a yearning for new experiences and many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.

Made it to the top. I breathed slowly in relief, opened my eyes to see the stunning view. That beauty captured all of me, deeply.That single moment had a profound effect on my life –I knew I had to life to the fullest.