Today, Max and I hiked on the edge of paradise in Northern Catalonia. I have seen many beautiful places in my life, but this immediately lodged itself into my top 3. Despite the seemingly perfect, instagram worthy photos ops, this day was not as perfect as the photos indicate...this is what really happened behind the scenes.
But first: Can you believe that I have seen this place in REAL LIFE?!
My roommate, Max, and I were entirely unprepared for this trip. We arrived at the meeting point before sunrise for the scheduled 6 am departure without actual tickets, so we constantly had to avoid the guy trying to check people in. The bus itself was insanely uncomfortable and cold, and while some people had blankets and neck pillows, all we had was Max's raincoat and each other. I could not even tell you the amount of positions we invented trying to get comfortable in those chairs. NOTHING worked. We learned through word of mouth that the hike was relatively strenuous and took about 6 hours total to complete. The people around us seemed a bit concerned at our lack of provisions for a 6 hour hike, but luckily the bus stopped at a rest station and we were able to stock up. Finally the bus arrived, it was time to see this infamous place that we had gone through great pains to arrive at, but first it was waiting in line for the restroom, then waiting in line for the map, then trying to figure out where the actual trailhead was because both the map and explanation were in Spanish, THEN we were finally on our way.
There was about a mile total of elevation change, but we were so engrossed in the beauty around us that we hardly even noticed it. (That is a joke. We noticed it. We were out of breath for the next 6 hours straight.) The trail includes several suspension bridges, a cliff walk with an unconvincing chain for support on one side and absolutely nothing keeping you from falling into the river on the other, and a short tunnel, all of which culminated into what was basically a massive rock scramble up the side of the mountain, and extremely steep wooden "stairs" that were basically just planks drilled into the side of the cliff face. Yeah, we did that. All of it.
Despite the exhaustion, spirits were definitely high. We chatted with other people we met on the trail, and basked in the astonishment of our surroundings. I do not have the words to describe the humbleness and tranquility I am enveloped in when walking in nature. Max and I talked about everything under the sun. We appreciated that this is our study abroad experience, we are on the adventure that we were going to look back on and remember for the rest of our lives! It was thrilling! We yelled into the canyon and heard our echo bounce back at us. We ate rice cakes and pizza chips. We saw a great tit (the real life name of a native bird species). Every cliche that I had ever heard came to mind. We walked in silence. We appreciated ourselves and our journey. It was awesome.
Then the hike was over, and time for another cold uncomfortable bus ride that I cannot believe we survived, and home to our apartment. I went to bed thoroughly physically and emotionally satisfied, content. In that moment (as with many moments I have experienced studying abroad) I was without want. It was an unforgettable day full of highs and lows (literally and figuratively) and one that I will never forget :)
Comments