It Was More Fun Going Up The Mountain

Melissa Smith
Jul 20, 2017 · 5 min read

June 18 — Last night we were told not to miss breakfast. It is only served from 8am-9am. Having still not been able to get over my American thinking I thought it must be a buffet. Silly me. Here it’s more like what the kids used to say to one another when someone didn’t like what was put in front of them, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”

One of the Roamers was already downstairs eating. He didn’t seem surprised at what was served. Or rather what was on the table already. There was a basket of bread, not freshly baked or right out of the oven. However, there were a few different types to choose from. The saucer in front of me had a few slices of what I think was Swiss cheese, a few cucumber and tomato slices, and some sort of pate in what looked like a mini cat food container.

Of course, there was also coffee. Actually, maybe I shouldn’t say “of course”. Nothing should be a given while you’re traveling internationally. The breakfast could’ve been worse. Bread and cheese isn’t bad. The pate was gross. This is the only meal (I’m using the term meal lightly here) we’re not going to be eating for a while so it’s best to enjoy what we can. I packed snacks, bars, nuts, and water just in case so the situation isn’t completely dire.

When I first came down for breakfast it was a white out still. In a very short period of time it has completely cleared and looks like a beautiful day. We packed things up and started back up the mountain.

The weather quickly became rough. Not unbearable, but the white out and cold along with the terrain made us be very careful hikers. We reached a lookout point and could see nothing. A little further up and we saw that we were basically on the side of a cliff. I bet it looks spectacular in the sun. Does the sun make it up here though? It’s June, but it feels more like winter. Not a Prague winter. A winter I could survive.

Another spot on the hike up were these cool rock formations and four giant circles. At first we thought they were architectural. They weren’t too far from us, but we couldn’t see. Upon closer inspection we found them to be huge satellite dishes and we laughed!

Things did eventually clear up as we started down another path. We listened to more music, sang more songs, and I think genuinely had people thinking, What in the world?. When we came to the part of the trail when I could feel us going downhill there was a hotel and restaurant with outdoor picnic tables for us to rest and take it all in.

No clouds to block our view. Rather the sun to illuminate a forest of trees and the beautiful things we were about to see up close. Then I became a little sad. Going back down meant going back to my apartment and the feeling of being alone again. Heading out of town and up the mountain felt so good because I was escaping everything. Now I’m going back to it.

What a beautiful way down it was. There were so many trees. So green. The path had both sunny and shady patches and it felt like a scene out of a children’s book. The green seemed greener, the flowers seemed more beautiful, and the morning dew more like crystals. Everything was magnified. I’ve never been surrounded by anything else like it.

Coming down to the bottom is the waterfall. Not the kind you’ll see in Hawaii or coming off of large cliffs. Still, it was beautiful. It was strange to think some of our best views and sites came from the bottom, not the top. Isn’t it just the way?

When we made it into town I spotted an ATM and we got some cash and went to lunch. I’ve gotten used to the salads being just okay. It’s not the produce, it’s the lettuce. The texture is not crisp. This salad, even with the lettuce, is actually very good and has tons of flavor.

We enjoyed ourselves and a nice leisurely lunch. We talked about how many steps we took and how many flights of stairs the app tracked. I wasn’t sore at the moment. I did wonder if it would come later. Assuming it would, I already have a Thai massage scheduled for later in the week.

On the bus ride home we didn’t get to sit together. Probably for the best. As we got closer to home I became more sad and then sadness turned to anger. Anger into hate. I was furious and not at all able to relax and enjoy the literal ride.

By the time we got off the bus I had gotten over it. It’s not worth anything to hate or be angry. What I felt I never want to feel again. In fact, what it left me was exhausted and emotionally drained. During the short period of time I wasn’t myself and would have to had changed so many things about who I am. I wasn’t willing to do it.

After the bus was a train ride home. The guys live in a different neighborhood than I do so they told me where to get off and how to get home. Somehow I got lost. My phone is dead too. I had brought my charger, but I forget the adaptor. I had money for a cab, but I didn’t have my address with me. My hope is that I would recognize something.

I haven’t spent much time out so nothing looked familiar for several blocks. When I was about to stop and ask for directions, although I don’t know to where, I saw buildings and a street which looked familiar. Sure enough they were. I wasn’t too far from home. I wasn’t that close either.

By the time I got to my door I was completely worn out. It was only the late afternoon or early evening, but I was done for the day. I took a shower and spent the rest of the day wishing everyone I could a “Happy Father’s Day”. One thing I was happy to share was a Father’s Day article I was quoted in. It was about what our dad’s taught us about business.

My dad taught me so many things. I miss him so much.

My end of day gratitude:

  1. Having a wonderful weekend hike with Roamers.
  2. Making it home safely.
  3. Being able to be quoted in an article about fathers.

Support my travels.

My Year As A “Roamer”

The daily life of a human while working and living in 12 countries in 12 months in 2017.

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Melissa Smith

Written by

World traveler. Virtual Assistant Matchmaker. Remote Work Consultant. Entrepreneur. Bestselling Author. Mother. Sister. Daughter. Human. Everybody is somebody.

My Year As A “Roamer”

The daily life of a human while working and living in 12 countries in 12 months in 2017.

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