Top News

The trees have all started to look the same. The wildflowers I had admired so much at first sight – captivated by their bright yellow, stark against the green and brown – have appeared along my path more times than I can count on my fingers.

I stop, lean against a tree for support, panting, and shift the bag on my back. It’s heavy. Too heavy. My shoulders ache. My lower back is screaming.

And my legs …

I hate how much they hurt. How even one more step feels like a huge feat.

During our conversation on Instagram yesterday, she had laid out what felt like a treasure hunt for me.

Get off the bus and start walking downhill. The land will start to flatten, and soon you will come across a spring. It’s not that far. And once you cross it, walk north until you find a tea stall. Tell the owner your name and he will give you a package meant for you. Inside, you will find the next set of instructions.

Happy hiking!

It felt exciting when I read it. Like a quest. Like something out of a National Treasure movie – Nicholas Cage on a mission.

But now, standing here, out of breath and alone, I...

Read more