Word Art

    The art of words is a skill carefully worked towards. It is a pursuit that can not merely be dropped off and hoped to mature, much like any skill. Instead it is a jealous talent, seeking time and energy to flow together in a cohesive and effective way. To some people this merely consists of the functionality of the written word. Others though, the wilder artists, often spend hours trying to ease the words from the page - like a wood carver and his sculpture.

    I myself am an apprentice crafter, still searching for the best techniques and seeking the prettiest colors. I don’t suppose any master artist is himself truly ever satisfied either, so I don’t have myself up in a knot about my shortcomings. It is merely a delightful challenge to be undertaken, a journey across oceans of ink and thought, penned on blank sheets awaiting print.

    This semester has been a good stretch, a push from the coach who makes their athlete feel utterly exhausted, probably mostly incompetent and even like they are degressing, but who in fact comes out feeling a little more accomplished and ready to tackle the next competition.

    I began the semester with a limping attempt at fanciful wording. Stilted ideas tried to piece themselves together in my Assessment Paper, sticking with a jarring unpolish.

“I can’t even begin to conceive how I would know how to gain all that I have merely by myself - I couldn’t, it would be virtually impossible to include every particle. There would be no way to travel to as many places and go through all of those things in that short of a time period and still live the rest of my life. “

Till, further into the semester, my blog decided to take flight in luscious word choice and distinct imagery.

“Simple ropes clutch at a protruding pole, drifting down plainly to provide a board attached for a seat. It invites with a gentle sway. Take a seat, it says. One sits, hands clutching the rope, and the swing continues its lull, a gentle shush, a rock and a tip; breathing calm air into hungry lungs.”

    The slow evolving of text was appetizing. Granted, with certain instances, I did not improve upon my writing; but, those lapses are perfectly understandable, and therefore acceptable, when faced with the task of writing so much whilst maintaining other responsibilities and enjoyments.

    If my writing hadn’t had the subtle progression, one thing for sure which has evolved is probably my capability for better working with what I have. By that I simply mean: time - the ability to work quickly and efficiently grew ever more apparent; resources - which can be a real chewy task to undertake, but which is possible; and lastly, a mind stretched to the edge of my creativity, challenging my perspective and begging for innovation and originality.

    In all, my writing experience and maturity has improved throughout the semester, and despite the difficulty at times, I am ultimately glad for the experience. There is much adventure left for me to seek, and I relish the idea of hunting it down and carving it up with an expert flair.

Another Planet

ETHIOPIA'S VOLCANIC VENTS (mentalfloss.com)

    I must admit that when I first read the location, I had to do a double take in startled surprise as the name Europa, a moon of Jupiter, leapt into my subconscious recalled from my Astronomy class. With it came a keen remembrance of the picture of Io’s strange volcanic surface; stinking with sulfur accompanied by alien intrigue.

    Once my eyes and and brain were reinformed correctly, Ethiopia, I grew amazed that such a place was not in fact on a different planet, but on our own; Earth. Further research undergone revealed only more intriguing facts.

Two hundred and sixty-nine feet below sea level, caught in the Danakil depression of Ethiopia (geology.com) lies this amazing location, “Dallol Hydrothermal Field [,...] look[ing] like something out of a Seussian nightmare”(mentalfloss.com).

    The whole area is drenched in heat, claiming the status as the hottest place on Earth. (volcanodiscovery.com)

Colors explode against the plain eye, bursting with vividity and vitality.

    Salt is the magic fairy dust in this enchanted land. It builds itself up in mounds, crusting steadily into odd shapes, and affecting strange colors in the strange pool mixtures. 

Cascading Alleviation

         There’s a place higher up, secluded from the valley… Simply hire a Tuk-Tuk to make your way there(TripAdvisor).

         On the way tourists might find themselves passing natives dressed in traditional garb hawking their wares. Genuine! they might yell from across the road. Handcrafted! the shout might prevail. Pushed right up in tourists’ faces old women with determined barks might wave their goods. Some people will eat it up with their eyes, swiveling heads to take it all in. Perhaps I’ll buy this, perhaps I’ll buy that. A hustle and bustle here and there, getting drawn in with the plea for their purchase. Others might try to shrink back from the grasping hands and insistive voices; Hurrying through the colors and knick-knacks with a determined shoulder past.

         The adventure has just begun though; this is after all, only the road to the sweet spot.

         Included in the entrance fee is the chance to visit the sanctuary on the way to the falls(TripAdvisor).

         Past the hullaballoo at last the ascent continues. Perhaps take a breath before taking in the sight, for it might just steal it right back.

         Carefully stepping across the slick rocks in sturdy shoes is likely something to be held in cherished memory for quite some time to come. Traipsing through the greenery offers rich air let into gasping lungs; filling both body and soul with its natural glory. Precision and excitement; tumbling over each other in a smile. It feels like a real adventure; yet carefree and unoppressive. There is just light all around and a desire to climb and reach the top to see a sight never to be forgotten.

         Water cascades down in a raw type of splendor. Spilling down in a magnificent terrace, like an elaborate ballroom staircase. In other spots, pools of water ripple enticingly, setting a tranquil, yet alive, ambiance. With trees all around, they are offering green shade, and waters beckon, lending the location is a quite enjoyable ambiance. It is also a lovely spot for a picnic; a place to unwind, ready for people to lose some time frittering away in relaxation or exploration. (Visit Laos)

    Feeling hot from the day? Perhaps a swim in the refreshing pools will get the sluggish blood flowing again. Swimming is not restricted, instead the waters wiggle excitedly, offering itself freely to those who make the effort to visit. Little wooden huts are even skirting the area for a changing place. Slip into bathing suits inside the small hut and jump into the water for a happy time.

    Though time seems as if it could be changeable as the waters, stretching into a blissful year, or merely a few sparse carefree moments, the sun will eventually set, and away from the gorgeous location one must go. Slipping downhill with gravity, hearing and feeling the echo of a delectable afternoon.

References:

"Well worth a Look - Review of Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos - TripAdvisor." Trip Advisor. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g295415-d555731-r331408955-Kuang_Si_Falls-Luang_Prabang_Luang_Prabang_Province.html#REVIEWS>.

"Kuang Si Falls - One of the Most Popular Sites in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, Laos." Laos-Guide-999. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.laos-guide-999.com/Kuang-si-falls.html>.

"Kuang Si Waterfall near Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang Attractions." Visit-laos.com. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.visit-laos.com/luang-prabang/kuang-si-waterfall.htm>.

Brisk Plunge

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         Finding yourself in a cocky mood? Or more appropriately, an Irish mood? Well, there’s a place filled with grins and room for highly entertaining shocked faces to watch. Whether from the bitter cold water for the first few minutes, or on the potential chance that you caught the sight of a man going swimming like the good ol’ days when it was merely a men’s bathing area. (If it’s the latter and you’re not too keen on human mooning, averted eyes would be a good route to take.)

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         Historically, the location was a gentlemen's bathing location, where they could be free from prying eyes. Nowadays though women and children come join in the sweet swimming location.

         Down one side are old looking handrails. Feeling unsure one can steady themselves down some to the water; easing in for a slow acclimation to the coolness, until it begins to not feel unbearably cold and instead turns considerably tolerable.

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         For the people who prefer to bear risks and take an off chance, or slippery slope approach, an outcropping of rocks at high tide beckons. A worn sign warns of the danger of diving into the pool-like area, but plenty of people give a careless shrug or shift and take it head on, making the dive regardless.

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         The Forty Foot seems to be a place of smug faces ready to enjoy the view and brave the frigid water. Its charm does not fade during the winter, though logic would seem to suggest otherwise. In a self-satisfied defiance however, the Forty Foot has managed to convince hundreds of swimmers to join it for a Christmas morning swim.

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         Though many people call those who dare the deep winter water such things as crazy, or insane, scoffing at the tradition; there seems to be an underlying sense of pride for Dubliners. It’s like most people can’t stop grinning when their friend says they’re going to do something rather stupid but relatively harmless. It’s a duty to berate, after all “I wouldn’t do that.” Still, you’ll probably cave later and ask with a twinkle in your eyes how it went.

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         The view stretches across the water pleasantly, and feet are not hemmed in by brushing a surface underneath. Instead coolness yawns deeper and deeper down, and feet paddle to stay afloat for the most part.

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         So if this Christmas you happen to find yourself in the area, you might want to take a moment to wonder if you’re the type of person ready to join a mad rush of people stepping and diving into a December sea, just because of tradition and spunk. Who knows? Perhaps it’s the next plunge for your life…

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References:

"Outdoor Swimming Ireland." Outdoor Swimming Ireland. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.outdoorswimming.ie/Co/Dublin/40_foot.html>.

I used these other sites to read some comments here and there from people who’ve actually been there. The mood and tone of my paper borrows some of the general feeling I gathered from these snippets:

"The 40 Foot - South Inner City - Dublin, Republic of Ireland." Yelp. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-40-foot-dublin>.

"The Forty Foot - Glenageary - Dublin, Republic of Ireland." Yelp. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-forty-foot-dublin>.

"The Forty Foot (Dublin, Ireland): Address, Phone Number, Body of Water Reviews - TripAdvisor." The Forty Foot (Dublin, Ireland): Address, Phone Number, Body of Water Reviews - TripAdvisor. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186605-d216538-Reviews-The_Forty_Foot-Dublin_County_Dublin.html>.

Swinging on the Edge

         Oxygen grows thin as mountain tops find themselves tucked in clouds. People’s heads seem to grow dizzy with a sense of reckless abandon as they breathe the thin air. It feels like they’re on top of the world. They’re invincible. It’s almost like they could scoop up their childhood fantasies rushing back in vivid clarity, take a step, and fly.

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         Someone in Ecuador decided to bring youthful imagination to a reality. After all, when you’re on top of the world, who’s to tell you otherwise? The invention hangs from Casa del Arbol, or “The Treehouse” (Atlas Obscura). The endearing structure is perched in the boughs of a tree ‘living on the edge’. It holds onto the mountain with deeply embedded roots, daring the wind to shake it even in the slightest.

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         Simple ropes clutch at a protruding pole, drifting down plainly to provide a board attached for a seat. It invites with a gentle sway. Take a seat, it says. One sits, hands clutching the rope, and the swing continues its lull, a gentle shush, a rock and a tip; breathing calm air into hungry lungs.

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         Dangling feet begin dancing kicks, impatience rising, beckoning movement, seeking motion. Fingers begin to hold the cord with more vigor as the swing begins to move, slowly at first, then faster as legs unfurl and begin to pump in eager excitement. Within minutes, moments, the fussy rock and turned into a sailboat on a frolicking ocean. It jumps about with liveliness.

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         Held suspended, with whitening hands, two life lines on a simple plank, the bumpy start is over and you realize you’re flying,... and it’s like you’ve reached the end of the world. It’s a fluid motion of in and out; a pulse, a throb you’ll feel long after you’re gone. Feet glide over tousled grass, and sweep out above a drop. It feels like one of those square globes, as if you could let go and fall in a thrilling leap. Heading down, down, down, just to pop back up into the vast blue sky.

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         The location has a simple charm.

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         Clumpy green grass hugs the mountainside, sticking up like restless hair on the crown of a person with their head in the clouds. Across the drop, billowing clouds kiss the top of the volcanic mountain, sliding the kisses down his face with the slinking fog. It is a gentle caress, diffusing the idea of dangerous heat into misty wisps. The sky is a soft blanket of blue cotton, tucking fussy children safely into a place where dreams take flight.

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         The experience encapsulated in a few words would be:

         Exhilarating,

         Thrilling,

         Boundless.

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         Finally, feet touch reality again, head spinning with wonder. All the cares in the world have taken flight and flown away while sitting on the swing at the edge of the world.

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References:

"Swing at the End of the World." Atlas Obscura. Web. 7 Dec. 2015. <http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/swing-at-the-end-of-the-world>.

I read these others to get a feel for the place, but can’t really cite them specifically. They’re here for credit though as they were still very helpful:

Morton, Ella. "The Swing at the End of the World." Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/11/27/the_swing_at_the_end_of_the_world.html>.

"The Crazy Swing at Casa Del Arbol in Ecuador | Oddity Central - Collecting Oddities." Oddity Central Collecting Oddities. 4 July 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://www.odditycentral.com/travel/riding-a-swing-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff-in-ecuador.html>.

"The Swing at the End of the World." EMORFES. 14 Sept. 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://emorfes.com/2013/09/14/the-swing-at-the-end-of-the-world/>.

"A Thrilling Swing That Sits At The 'End' Of The World." A Thrilling Swing That Sits At The 'End' Of The World. Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://designtaxi.com/news/359055/A-Thrilling-Swing-That-Sits-At-The-End-Of-The-World/>.

CAUTION: Before proceeding - must have Strength of Spirit and Sense of Adventure

          Indonesia stretches across the sea in hiccups and yawns. Zooming in on the island Lombok Indonesia, breathless exploration awaits travelers. Rinjani National Park is resident there with the second highest volcano in Indonesia (TripAdviser) perched impressively; Mt Rinjani.

 

Rijani National Park

         The pictures are astounding. It really truly is an amazing sight. There it sits; a fortified castle among the water encircling it like a moat, then a towering wall of mountains acting as the sentinel walls. The rest of the island stands guard, acting as provinces to the fiery ruler, cultivating people and goods who live their lives either remembering the looming presence, or shrugging it off effectively to live with a freedom all their own. Around the island, the ocean laps at the edges, an army beating against it, but unable to summon the roar to consume. 

         

Rinjani National Park

          The island is probably in more danger from the lording Mt Rinjani though. Simmering with his lofty head, he is an active volcano. 

Rinjani National Park

      His dominion was rather remote, and so he went uncharted until eighteen forty-seven with his first recorded eruption. In nineteen ninety-four and ninety-five, he built himself up stealthily. In two thousand nine he stirred from his slumber and the paths were closed off as he was deemed unsafe. In two thousand ten, smoke plumes, and ash plumes, were sighted seething from his cap; a four kilometer berth was given for him to blow off his steam. Ash affected crops, and lava pooled into a lake, while smoke slunk away. (RinjaniNationalPark)

Rijani National Park

         All the while, there he sits; still breathtakingly gorgeous, drawing travelers in with deadly ease. 

Rinjani National Park

         The experience must be one to remember. Different travel sites stress the importance to have a waterproof windbreaker, dry clothes are also mentioned along with sturdy hiking shoes, that ideally should keep the hiker from slipping on the potentially slick paths. They also note that there are many different options depending on how long one wants to spend on the trip, and how rigorous the hiker is willing to expend him/herself.

Rijani National Park

     The official Rinjani National Park park website relates some of the things to expect when hiking Mt Rinjani… and not all of what is said is delivered in a particularly comfortable way. 

           “It is very climbable by visitors with a high level of physical fitness. Critical is to understand and respect this great mountain: sadly, visitors have died here through failing to follow sensible procedures and make all necessary preparations.” 

Rijani National Park

     With sweet character they also say, “To make the extra 1,000 m ascent to the very top requires a considerably higher level of fitness, not to mention strength of spirit and sense of adventure.” Then, a touch of disdain for hired guides leeks through as they say with contempt, “Serious accidents including fatalities do occur on Rinjani treks when led by these accredited guides.” 

         Truly, though, it must mean something special to some people, otherwise they’d just remain silent and sell tourists to guides galore. Sometimes though, they seem to be saying, fewer with respect, and  “strength of spirit and sense of adventure” is more valuable than all the fat wallets. Perhaps Rinjani will not toss his head so spitefully if daring feet continue to pay homage in his shadow with their sturdiness of foot, and determined heart. 

Rijani National Park

Resources:

"What You Might See in Rinjani National Park – Lombok Island – Indonesia." Rinjani National Park. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.

"Lombok: Mount Rinjani." - TripAdvisor. Web. 31 Oct. 2015<http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g297733-d386938/Lombok:Indonesia:Mount.Rinjani.html>.