Travelogue (visit to a mystical place)
I have wanted to see the magnificent and mystical Fairy Meadows for numerous years. I want to journey to the mysterious location not just because of the stories I’d heard about it, but also because I wanted to see it for myself. It finally happened after I persuaded a few of my coworkers. However, it was during my travels that I realized how difficult it was; not everyone wanted to see or feel what I wanted to see or feel.
We left Islamabad late at night with the goal of finishing the road trip as quickly as possible. We cannot, however, foresee everything or know what is ahead. We had to stop and spend the night in between.
My desire grew stronger.
The anguish grew stronger.
Except for a couple of children, everyone slept. Their enthusiasm was palpable. They ran because they wanted to. I noticed. I was aware. It didn’t seem like it would ever end. But it happened. And I kept staring at the bright stars.
It was a calm morning. The sun shone brightly. We left early in the morning to cross the mountain pass and get to Fairy Meadows as soon as possible. Even if everyone else made it there before dusk, I knew I wouldn’t.
I wanted to take it all in, and I did. The jeep track was a disaster, but it was incredible. I couldn’t wait for the ride to end so I could begin trekking. And I enjoyed myself. But everything changed the moment I saw Killer Mountain for the first time. I forgot how to breathe because of that. I could readily associate this experience with my first sight of Nanga Parbat, although it had a lot to do with my frequent smoking.
Emotions were exploding. I wanted to put down all I was feeling at the time, but the words wouldn’t come out correctly. I resumed my walk after staring at it for around forty minutes.
It was getting close to sunset. The forest darkened. I wanted to get to the mythical location without spending any more time on the walk. Nonetheless, it seemed as if it would never end. I took a deep breath and decided that before finishing the walk, I should take one last break. These little respites were the reason I was left alone on this incredible journey. I had my reasons, and I’m sure they had theirs as well, to complete the journey quickly.
I was attempting to recall a poem I had read in college while taking my final break, which it wasn’t. It was quite relevant, and everything made sense to me. I didn’t understand it at the time, but it all meant a lot to me.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor live this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
I wasn’t lying when I said I was fatigued. I hadn’t anticipated it. But I suppose I wouldn’t have had as much fun if I had come prepared. I began to wonder when I would be walking there again as I took my final steps before reaching the mysterious location.
