Over the course of two weeks, I have experienced so much in all aspects that I cannot easily pick out one single event to represent what I have learned. But if I had to summarize all my experiences, I would say gladly I am able to see so much hope and many possibilities in the future, both mine and the world’s. Through multiple challenges, physically and mentally, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to genuinely listen to others, to connect with the wilderness, and to feel the relationship with the outside world.
Hiking at Reykjadalur was technically the first time I really climbed a mountain. I was nervous yet excited at the same time the night before, picturing how difficult it would be to catch up everyone else or to breath in the cold air. The beginning of the journey was not too bad. Caught up by the extraordinary natural scenery, I could not even spare time to worry about the surroundings. However, I cannot deny how nervous I was when we hiked over a steep slope. The barely visible pathway was right on the surface of the slope, off which if you fall, you will get to rest among this magnificent nature in peace forever. With my heart pounding heavily, I replicated others’ pace and slowly made it through. When I was right on the steepest part, I could not help but look down into the abyss, beautiful yet deadly. I fell like a helpless creature, begging nature to keep me alive, because only she had that power. Later, I thought about how we behave in more urban regions where we live. We plant trees wherever we want, we change flowing direction of rivers’ course, we fill up oceans for more land to use, and we kill animals for many selfish reasons, as if we are ruling the world and have the ultimate power to manipulate everything in our own favor. After actually being in the nature, I am in awe There is an old saying in China, water can float a boat, it can also overturn the boat. Similarly, if nature can provide that much resource for us, she is also capable of leaving us to doom. We have to respect her needs and limits as well as appreciate her generosity and beauty.
As we made it to the hot spring on the mountain with my broken ice cleats, I felt empowered by what I accomplished, even though it was not even really that difficult. By the imaginary interaction with the mountain, I felt more connected to it. I appreciate this opportunity and others’ help, and I cannot wait for next big journey.
(The title is quoted from Axel’s first introduction to me about Iceland.)
-UB Qiu