While on my recent trip, my mom and I walked a lot. According to my watch, we walked an average of 8 miles per day, which is a lot. We walked mostly in the city but there was a day when we took a trip up the mountain to the wild. As my mom walked ahead at her usual quick pace, I had to slow down and take in the scenery. At the same time though, I was having trouble keeping up. It was so hot that day that I was sweating bullets.

It was interesting hiking in a place like Taipei because occasionally, you will see signs warning you of the wildlife that exists in these parts, like monkeys, snakes and other terrifying creatures. Let’s just say, it’s not safe to linger.

For 3 days of the trip, we lived in a 5-star hotel. Behind the hotel was a popular trail that people often go to watch the sunset or airplane enthusiast go to photograph planes take off and landing in the nearby airport.

When my mom suggested we hike to the top to view the sunset, I didn’t think she meant a perpetual staircase. As I hiked, I wondered if this is similar to the staircase of heaven. With my face dripping with sweat, I forced my legs to climb one step at a time. As I climbed one step at a time, my ears were attuned to the surroundings. After all, I am in wildlife territory and here and anywhere, wildlife don’t judge.

So don’t linger!

For SundayStills