Mountains and Me

 Mountains and Me

Janpha Thadphoothon

I love mountains and I I also love the beaches and the islands and the sea), but mountains have always fascinated me.

I used to think about the reasons why - why mountains seem to draw me in or keep haunting me. When I was in a middle school, I had to ride a bicycle up the hill where my school stands. Could it be the case? 

I had a few chances to travel to the province, about 40 kilometers to the west and I was stunned could not stop looking at the distance at the only mountain located near the city. It was a sensational experience for me. Oh I loved every chance I was given to see that mountain. It is not a significantly high mountain by any standard, but it is perfect for me. Whenever I look at it, even today, I feel calm and my imagination runs wild and alive.

I used to dream of climbing the mountain and standing on top of the mountain. It might have something to do with the song "Top of the World". I am not so sure. It a combination of many memories and feelings.

My feelings (positive) towards mountains have put me in a state of calmness and deep reflection - the feeling of 'going to explore the wider world' - 'something over the mountain' - and I have always been wondering about what it would feel like to get closer to feel them and to touch the feelings of long-lost ones.

Later in my life, I have come to experience several great mountains, including the Southern Alps and the Himalayas in Nepal. I have seen so many of them near and afar. Later I have learned that not every mountain is worth climbing, some are not meant to be conquered, but distantly admired and looked at.

On reflection, I guess I like looking at high mountains as they are huge and you can see them from afar. 
They remind me that there are other things - other places, and other peoples. They would is not limited to your vision, it can expand further than  where you are.

Another aspect of big mountains is that they belong to no one. They are greater than a single human or any person - you cannot own a mountain. Mountains make us think deeper about our fate and how insignificant we are.

Consequently, I like to sip tea and coffee looking at high mountains. When cold wind is flowing down from the mountain to the cafe, you can feel the joy of the wind and the friendliness of the mountain.

I guess these are some of the reasons why I like mountains.