Saturday 4th June 2016
On Friday night, after a long four hour minibus ride full of
dancing, singing and multiple near accidents on the winding roads, we arrived
at base camp in the jungle. Dinner was very much needed, and we started on the
alcohol as soon as our plates were cleared.
There’s something to be said for bonding over drunkenness. A
half played game of ring of fire turned into never have I ever which was then abandoned
as the drunken desire to dance took over. It started to rain hard, and we were
all so hot, so we went out from under the canopy cover and danced barefoot in
the jungle night. I have never felt so free. We were soaked through in seconds,
but it was wonderfully cooling and refreshing. Deep conversations were had back
at the room. I swear it was one of the best nights of my entire life. I know
people say that a lot, but in this case it really is true. We were completely
and truly carefree. No worries or troubles, just fully living in the here and
now. In our modern society that just doesn’t happen. I don’t think I have ever
fully lived in the moment with a totally clear mind. I’ve worked out that’s why
I’m sleeping so well. Sure, I’m tired from the long and full days. But when I
go to bed, instead of having worries and anxieties, I have calm. Usually at
night I start to worry about everything. I start trying to make what seem like
life changing decisions in the dead of night, but are actually trivial things
like how I’ll have time to make lunch to take to work. I overanalyse every conversation
I’ve had that day, agonising over whether I said anything mean, or didn’t
respond how I should have to something. I stress about my future and what on
earth I’m going to do with my life. I ponder over how hard adult life actually
is. Here, all that is gone. Here, I go to bed and recap all the wonderful things
that have happened and look forward to the next day. I have wondered for a long
time how people can clear their minds so perfectly through meditation. But now
I think I see how. Because when I go to bed, my mind is clear. I feel at peace.
Today, I awoke in the jungle, so excited to start the day.
We travelled to the white water rafting site on an open top minibus, all
crammed in with some sitting and others standing. Someone helpfully pointed out
that if we crashed and the bus flipped, we would all be dead. We concluded that
actually, that would be a pretty good way to go. When we arrived, I was not
prepared for the barefoot, rocky downhill trek to get to the water, and nearly
fell countless times. Just as we were about to get into the water we spotted a
five foot(ish) water monitor (similar to a crocodile, but different). It was a
beautiful creature, but I was a little apprehensive about getting into the
water with it.
The rafting itself was incredible, and completely exhilarating.
It was beautifully sunny and it really felt like we were in the jungle book.
The contrast of the green trees against the blue skies and water was stunning.
I wish I could have taken photos because it was beauty like I’ve never seen
before. Towards the end of the rafting, we all jumped in the river and floated
over the final set of rapids, then let the current take us the rest of the way.
The water was the perfect temperature in the sun and I could have stayed
swimming around in there for hours. Within minutes of getting out of the water
it clouded over and began to pour with rain. We walked back to the bus, arms
outstretched, embracing every single drop.
Obsessed
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