…JiUhUaShAn – ThE TeMpLe MoUnTaIn

As we often hear the quotation, “The only constant in this world is change,” we should try not to be stagnant, we should keep on keeping on. Since life is a journey, we should always attempt to keep on moving on. As for me, I don’t want to be stuck in one place. I always want to wander around and see the beauty that the world has to offer because it’s unfolding and welcoming us to reminisce its grandeur.

Eight months ago, I and some friends went to Jiuhuashan – a temple mountain. In fact, there are 99 temples and the montain is very famous especially to the followers and believers of Buddha. It was known since 719 AD during the Tang dynasty in China. We spent two (2) days on the mountain.

I just couldn’t imagine why we were having that experience without a meticlulous plan, no preparations at all. It’s just that a friend of us mentioned when we were eating at McDonalds that she and her student were going to that mountain the day after. We jokingly said we want to go with them. She immediately phoned her student to book for two (2) more people to the agency. We were just lucky that it was not peak season. So we went there early the next morning.

As we approached the mountain, we were shocked seeing the green and picturesque mountain on top. We landed at the middle of the mountain and put our things in the hotel where we stayed in. After lunch, we started climbing and visiting those temples that the mountain is known for. I highly appreciated how splendid the temples are. They are highly preserved and taken cared of by the monks who are living there. We went in and out from one temple to the other, and each has its beauty to present. They were built thousands of years ago. It was really a fascinating experience. We were very exhausted as we went down and proceeded to our hotel and restfully slept that night.

We were awaken by a hard knock at our door saying, “Please prepare because in few minutes, we are going at the back of the mountain.” We were surprised for we didn’t know our schedule. But actually, instructions and activities for the next day were given after our dinner but we were not there because we went out to buy some souvenirs. It was also our fault. We hurriedly prepared ourselves and took a shower hastily. Unfortunately, they had gone as we went out from the hotel. The guard told us that we can wait for the next bus. Anyway, there were many visible buses around.

As we were on the bus to the other side of the mountain, I was enjoying capturing pictures for it’s astonishingly magnificent, and clouds were just directly under the mountain. After reaching the endpoint for buses, we still had to walk for about 20 minutes to get to the cable car station. You could actually climb to the top with 1000 steps if you have that vigor to reach the topmost. We had a very great moment seeing the beauty of nature seen from the top.

There, as we wandered around, we saw the Phoenix tree – the

oldest pine tree in China. It was planted around 1400 years ago. I was overwhelmed with great joy watching and taking pictures with the tree. We didn’t want to leave the place for we are surrounded by nature, clean and green tress, fresh air, water, temples, cable cars, hotels and well-developed road system, such a comfortable life in there. We took another route to go back to our hotel for lunch. Then, we packed our things because we had to leave a short while after.

I can truly say that my two (2) days there were perfectly spent. Experiencing the glorious beauty of nature is such a wonderful page added to my short stay in this passing life. I just wish that all of us, dear friends, treasure every single minute of our lives. Brilliantly spend each day for tomorrow is another day. Once again, thanks a lot for passing by and remember, everything happens for a reason. Have a joyous day to all of us. Have a good time and more powers.

…aN uNaNtIcIpAtEd PrEsEnT…

Life is so magnificent that it is to be treasured every single minute of the day. As the expression, “Live life to the fullest.” With the presence of all pretensions, drudgery, misfortune, aridity and broken dreams, it is still so wonderful and worth living.

After a backbreaking weekends, I got up happily, did some exercise, jog for 20 minutes and went to work. I was astonished upon entering the office. A present caught my eyes on top of my desk, a white traditional Chinese shirt. Looking around wondering from whom it came from, I saw a brilliant smile from a Chinese teacher. She explained, “It is bought from Jiujiang Province. A friend of mine went there few days ago and I told her to buy a traditional Chinese shirt. I can still remember the time when I asked you about the meaning of souvenir, and you explained it very well and cited some examples. It’s one of your practice when you go to somewhere. So I think you can have this as a souvenir.” I heartily thanked her for the fantastic present. I highly appreciate it, amazingly beautiful.

I immediately went to the washroom to fit it. As I appeared in front of the mirror, it perfectly suits me well. So I showed them my attire. They commented, “It’s awesome. It looks good on you.” I was overwhelmed with happiness. In fact, I wore that for the entire morning in the office. I thanked her a lot of times.

Does that define that in life, if you are good to all people, they, in turn, be good to you? Does it best explain the golden rule, “Do unto others as what you want them to do unto you”? If so, dear friends, let’s strive to be fair and good to everyone and it will come to us a hundred times. Thanks a lot for your time. I do hope I once again touch a part of your valued life. Come and learn from me! Let’s always remember, everything happens for a reason. Have a good time everyone and more powers to all of us.