The Getaway

It was my first time doing something physically and mentally challenging: I climbed a mountain and reached the peak. Actually, it's not a real mountain, but still, the surface is higher than that of where I live. On top of that, nobody in my house knew I was going there; it was a secret mission to me.

Two days ago, my friend, along with his two other friends, and I were off to Gunungkidul to visit an ancient volcano called Mount Nglanggeran. I woke up early in the morning and my friend picked me up at my (former) campus. My lack of sleep the night before didn't bother me that much since I wasn't the one riding the motorbike--I can't ride it...yet. I sat at the back and waited for about 1 hour of winding road before I could see the mountain.

When it was visible to my sight, I felt like, "Is it even possible for me?" The cliff was all rocky and it did remind me of the setting of Kera Sakti in his pilgrimage to find his sacred Bible. Knowing that my friends had ever been there and done that, I killed all my doubts and decided to proceed.

I must admit that it wasn't easy for a real beginner like me. My feet were trembling because of the steep rock and slippery tracks caused by long rain the day before. Eventhough there were clear signs of which ways to go, it would have been possible for me to get lost had I been alone--basically I was terrible in understanding directions. The bamboo and rock stairs got me to move my thighs forcefully. There were also dark and wet narrow spaces to cross, which looked exactly like those in the movie 127 Hours.

There was once fear of falling down because of my being unable to stand still and, of course, my short of breath. My accomplishment was when I was able to make my final step to the peak. There I could see the beauty of God's creation that I hardly ever saw before. The vast forests and wide fields looked so green from that point of view.

It took a total of 2 hours to climb up and down Mount Nglanggeran. I was glad that I could make it through. I never thought I was able to do it. It's exhausting--I slept for 10 hours that night after the journey. Even my thighs still ache quite bad right now but it is worth it.

Since that mission was accomplished, I am looking forward to my next exhilarating (secret) missions.