Reaching New Heights

Part of going traveling is discovering things about yourself. Some focus on the body- like how many hours I can sit on a bus before it drives me crazy or how spicy is too spicy? Other discoveries are related to the mind: When it rains for 4 days straight I get depressed and I really do enjoy reading; I should do it more often at home. And then there are those discoveries that have both both emotional and physical factors- like rock climbing.

I have never been crazy about heights and rock climbing always looked so daunting to me, but when Ariel and I arrived in a town called Krabi, in Southern Thailand, we decided that we would give it a shot. Krabi is famous for its karst rock formations jutting out of the water and its rocky cliffs that hug the side of the beach. Physically it was challenging since climbing rocks is not like strolling along the beach; however, it was even more of a mental test of strength and endurance. All through the climb I had to think and feel like I would make it to the top or else my feet would not move. I never thought I would actually reach the top the first time, but when I did, and gazed down (just for a minute,) I was shocked and impressed that I actually did it. 

Physical pain and discomfort are unfortunate side effects, but it is nothing a little Neosporin and a couple of Thai massages can't remedy.