A Perfect Day To Journey and a Perfect Day To Learn - Part 2

A Perfect Day to Learn We took our late lunch in a wooden cabin at the foot of the mountain where exotic foods in sumptuous meal were served. I enjoyed immensely the fried fish and the native chicken soup which were so familiar like sort of foods I immensely enjoyed few years back in my country. While nibbling daintily, I enjoyed the ambiance and the panorama of the long, wild river. After an hour of lunch and rest, we all set off canoeing. I didn’t have any plan to join since I was aquaphobic but my friends’ enthusiasm was such a magnetic pull on me and so, I joined. first time to paddle not clever I remember it swivels, jerks side to side drives crazily, wild My colleague and I were first timers, so we’d a hard time to maneuver and paddled along with the flow from upstream. Usually, we got struck or overtaken by other canoes nor stocked somewhere on big rocks and when part of the river was shallow, one of us had to get off to redirect it. The river was eight kilometers long, winding through the verdant mountains and forest and no one could find a grassy river bank unless one had to reach its end. let’s sing rowing songs when we’re exhausted and bored no rescue will come along go on with the flow At a moment, we lost direction and capsized at one side of the river, so deep that we could not reach the bottom. My friend plunged herself at the speeding canoe passing by to save herself. In a while, I was left hanging, gripping tightly the vines of willow tree at the side of the river. Another friend of mine passed by and she asked for rescue. A man from Satun helped me out and we swam back to my canoe. I found myself paddling again. now alone I go taking the flight and risks paddle a boat side to side strength will amplify Singing and rowing I went on although running water pushed me away to the side or kept me stranded sometimes. I just kept alerting everyone with scream to drive away my fear and draw courage. At last my friend saw me passing by and she joined me once again. Despite muscle pains, we paddled alternately, racing and catching the late afternoon time. When we were at the river bank, we walked together back to the cabin feeling exhausted and hungry. In long silence, we smiled and raised our thumbs gesturing “okay”. July 20, 2016 11.25am -not for a contest. just a try of haibun, i'm not good at prose but i wrote this as my souvenir from my unforgettable experience 3 yrs ago. hope i've another chance to experience this again.