There are some things that you have to do when you’re studying abroad. You should conquer a fear or do something you most likely would never do at home.
During my study abroad experience in South Africa, my friends and I decided to hike Devil’s Peak, which is part of the flat mesa of Table Mountain. Mind you, this was my first hike since I have been here.
Hiking just isn’t my thing. I heard that it was hard, but I thought that it was no big deal; it was probably just extremely long and exhausting. That morning, I dragged myself out of bed and made myself do it knowing that the view would probably be gorgeous and that I should go on at least a couple of hikes while I am here. I had no idea what was in store for me.
The beginning of the hike was fine. It was extremely exhausting but manageable. I was feeling good about it starting out. I had a terrible cough (I was suffering from a cold at the time), yet I was managing pretty well for about an hour and a half.
But then we came across two separate paths; one was the longer but the easier route, and the other appeared as though it required a little bit of climbing. I was about to persuade my friends to take the easier route when a group of about 5 people who appeared to be in their mid-50s started to ascend the harder route. One of the men heard me hesitating and exclaimed, “If I can go this way, you can too!”
It was then that I thought I would be alright. I mean, I must have more capabilities and energy than a 50-year-old man right?
So we started to climb…
At first, it was just a couple of high steps here and there. But then it kept getting harder and harder. The path started to disappear and before I knew it, there was no path in sight and we were in a high valley between two mountains with nowhere to go but forward.
I am not exaggerating when I say that at one point it was as though we were rock climbing without any harness. It was absolutely terrifying. The worst part was when we had to hug a rock to keep steady on a platform that was about seven inches in width. I made the mistake of glancing down and was horrified at the sight; if I fell I would literally fall off of the mountain. To keep calm I sang songs and tried to keep my mind off the fact that one loose rock or misstep would lead to disaster.
After about three hours, however, we made it to the top. This hike was probably one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.
The joy and pride I had at finishing was indescribable!
This is especially true considering the fact that I was very sick and had only done one other hike in my life. It is a little upsetting because no matter how I describe this adventure, the words do not do the experience justice. But I guess my new-found appreciation for life and the adrenalin rush make up for it.
To anyone who is facing a challenge right now on your life journey, be brave as you go forward, knowing that you can conquer and do anything that you put your mind to do.
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