GIFTS

Words are Gifts

Up, Up, Above

Sometimes you just have to take the plunge.

I’m so glad I joined my colleagues on a hike to the top. I’m normally an introvert or is that the right word for it? Scared could work here. I have been known to be scared of heights and never volunteer on any such expeditions. These days I just ‘go for it’ as long as my might can take me.

I’m so glad I did. I even coped on the cable cars that took us to different heights. It was a trek walking up the very steep, worn, stoney stairs. Holding on tight to the carved banisters, struggling to find a grip to move up, but I made it. I stopped after a few stairs to breathe, supported by my tiny but powerful, mechanized fan, I proceeded.

Part of my pink T-shirt soaked, I kept at it. After the second cable car I thought we were almost at the peak, but as we saw Bhudda’s statue I felt so elated I knew I had nothing in me to move on. Fortunately I had company to descend. I’d made it almost 1,000 metres up with the help of the cable cars and the steep stairs. This was a first for me and I’m grateful I joined.

Walking up to the Yen Tu Mountain, Northern Vietnam

Views on my walk up!

Juliette Awua-Kyerematen's avatar

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Juliette Awua-Kyerematen

4 responses to “Up, Up, Above”

  1. Fran McCrackin Avatar
    Fran McCrackin

    Clutching the bannister, feeling the sweat, your writing took me with you! (And the photos are very much appreciated.) it seems as if by embracing this new country you are opening yourself up in many ways. And I love the moment you saw the Buddha! Imagine how hard it was for them to create that statue at that height…

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. cmhutter Avatar
    cmhutter

    Thank you for writing about this adventure. I really enjoyed reading about what you are up to in your new home. Also, you are one brave woman- you faced your fear of heights and found joy at the top. I have this similar fear and don’t know if I could have done that. The photos are stunning.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. Leigh Anne Eck Avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck

    Oh Juliette! What a wonderful experience for you, despite the fear and the stamina it took. I look forward to seeing more photos of your adventures and your new corner of the world.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. cherylcurbishley Avatar
    cherylcurbishley

    What a beautiful view! Cheers to you for overcoming your fears and staying the course!

    Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I am an Elementary school teacher , I taught at an International IB School in Accra, Ghana. I am now teaching in Hanoi. Writing is my passion and I try to write daily, at least in my sentence a day journal, to capture all the blessings around me. I write with groups of writers, such as Teach Write and sometimes Ethical ELA. I also encourage my friends to write , so I created a platform to make that possible -Writing Run.

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