I went trekking to an ancient temple site with a friend and a guide. We started at 3 in the morning so that we could see sunrise at the top of a mountain in time.

The Earth was so dark and quiet when we started. It rained the previous night and the ground was still wet. Quietly we walked along the sleepy villages, silent forest, and serene hills. Soon our eyes were used to the darkness. We used flashlight to see the path, but even in the darkness I could see beauty around.

The sun was hiding from us at the mountain top. Instead, we were greeted by thick fog. Still, it was so lovely. I still could see flickers of lights in a village down there before it all swept by the fog, all was so white suddenly. It’so serene you could even hear the wind blew.

Then we walked again along the unbeaten track. I could see beauty everywhere. The simple village people, their simple houses, the river, the paddy field, the trees, the sky… until we reached the temple.

I’m so glad I made that journey.