Existing Member?

A Reflective Exile

My Scholarship entry - A local encounter that changed my life

WORLDWIDE | Sunday, 1 April 2012 | Views [237] | Scholarship Entry

I see the mountains up ahead veiled in white vapors like ghostly tendrils. The wisps weave through the wet pines, and they emerge onto the road as we drive in upwards advancement. I am with my cousin’s family as we ascend up these Spanish mountains. We are heading to La Granja de San Ildefonso, a small town that houses a palace once used for royalty. I think to myself as we continue the drive how perfectly accurate Hemingway describes these slopes, how he captures the tangible mysticism of those blanketing evergreens in the overwhelming beauty of pure wilderness.

A short time later, we arrive at the palace. It has aged, but holds a regal air that seems to be stationed against the gray sky as if it is in concrete defiance to the march of time. It is actually French in design made to seem like it belonged in Versailles. However, we are not allowed inside; closed for the siesta. We settle for exploring the gardens. There are large hedges, most of them still green despite the fact it is New Year’s Day. My little cousins squeal in excitement and run ahead of our group towards the hedge maze. Then I spot the fountains. The first one contains intricate robed figures that appear to be made from bronze. At the top is an angel blowing a horn to the sky. It looks Roman in origin and my mind immediately flashed to the Punic Wars, reminding me of Hannibal with his elephants, charging through forest and mist to Italy. I can almost imagine those elephants moving slowly up the sides of the mountains that are set in the background of my vision.

There are dozens of these bronze fountains and I am disappointed that the water is not turned on. I am moving alone now amongst tall skeletal trees; I dawdle too much to keep up with my relatives. It is quiet here. I feel exiled now like an old man weary with life. As I pause next to a statue of Mercury lifting a maiden towards the heavens, I realize that I am happy. I close my eyes, breathe deep, and exhale a cloud.

Tags: travel writing scholarship 2012

About effluvium23


Follow Me

Where I've been

My trip journals


See all my tags 


 

 

Travel Answers about Worldwide

Do you have a travel question? Ask other World Nomads.