Ranked
on TripAdvisor as number one out of forty-four attractions in Luang Prabang, I
knew Kuang Si Falls was a place we had to visit. It is located approximately 45
minutes outside of Luang Prabang. Our
hotel arranged for a private minivan to take us to the Falls on the morning of
Friday, May 22. The round-trip cost was $60; a little steep for Laos but well
worth the freedom of not having to abide by a set schedule. Several reviewers
recommended going early in the morning to beat the crowds. It was a good thing
I followed the suggestions because we arrived at 10 am and people flooded the
park by noon. Crowds can definitely alter an experience.
There
was a Bear Rescue Center located a few feet past the entrance. The animals are
rescued from people who illegally poach them, trade them, or extract bile from
their bodies. They are housed in a large enclosed area that looks comparable to
a kids’ playground. Inside the space are toys, tire swings, a pond, and even a
hammock. One of the bears stood up near the fence, looking at all the people
standing on the viewing platform directly above the enclosed area. Its actions
mimicked that of a dog or cat when seeking attention. I have to admit, the
bears did look very cute…from a distance.
Not
long after walking in the forest, we set eyes on a stunning natural pool. Behind
a group of trees was a second pool. There were a few more as we moved further.
The forest was packed with these natural beauties filled with pretty turquoise colored
water. Signs were posted beside each large lagoon instructing visitors whether
or not the area permitted swimming. Some areas were designated as sacred sites.
Every bit of us wanted to immediately dive in and experience the beauty that
had us in awe. We decided to resist the temptation and wait until we completed
our exploration of the entire forest.
\
diving section |
We
came upon the main waterfall not much further from there. I had seen it in a
few photos on the internet, but no photo can capture the sensational feeling
that permeates through your body while standing in front of such a breathtaking
attraction. We took our time and marveled at its beauty. Since we were wearing our
water shoes at the time, we walked halfway into the bottom of the waterfall to
take pictures. Naturally, the girl who loves to have her photo taken went
first. Douglas inched forward into the water, hoping to find a better angle to
capture my photo. I quickly warned him to stay put, because the light brown rocks
he was gearing up to tip-toe on were especially slippery. Douglas conveyed a
look that said I got this. I shook my
head with complete disbelief but decided not to press the issue. I shared my
advice based off of me already standing on the same rocks he was about to step
onto. However, I reminded myself that he is a grown man and sometimes even
grown-ups have to learn their way (also known as the hard way). Douglas took no
more than two steps out and proceeded to fall backwards onto the rocks. His
legs and arms were pointed directly towards the sky. He then tumbled backwards
over his head and landed flat on his left side. As I went to help him, I lost
my balance on the rocks and also fell down on my butt. I didn’t feel any pain in
the moment because I was still concerned about Douglas (and the camera too).
I
guess it’s true that when your loved one is possibly hurt, you can become numb
to your own discomfort. I felt many things in those short few seconds. I was
scared that Douglas had been hurt from the fall; I was annoyed that Douglas
didn’t listen to me when I warned him not to step out there; and, as much as I
hate to admit it, I was concerned that our expensive camera was going to
slip out of his hands into the water. To my relief, Douglas kept his arm
straight up, preventing the camera from making any contact with the water. And,
he was not hurt, aside from a few cuts and scrapes on his arms. Thank God he
was wearing a stuffed backpack that broke his fall. Otherwise, I cringe at the
thought of what the outcome could have been.
A woman standing nearby got the
camera out of Douglas’ hand so he could lift himself up, and I followed behind
him. Our clothes were soaked, Douglas’ arms were bleeding, and my white shorts
were now covered in mud on my backside. Needless to say, this is not how we
intended on taking our first dip into the beautiful lagoons. After my eyes gave
Douglas the “I told you so” look, we dusted ourselves off and did the next best
thing – jumped into the lagoon fully clothed! After that fiasco it was
pointless to change into our swimsuits anyway.
Harmless fish at the edge of the water |
...and we changed into our swimsuits for the ride home! |
Prior
to our fall on the rocks and dip in the lagoon, we’d experienced another
adventure. As we were walking through the forest, we came across a sign that
read ‘This way up.’ I was curious, so I suggested we check it out. The sign
pointed to a trail that seemingly led to the top of the waterfall. The start of
this trail was off to the side in a wooded area. It surprised me that I even
entertained the idea of hiking a secluded trail in the forest. My mother has
asked me numerous times to walk with her through the woods in the country where
she lives. I have yet to ever consent to her request. Therefore, I could not
believe what I was considering. Douglas had zero hesitation about this venture.
He is from the South and is quite comfortable in the great outdoors.
Douglas
did not force or try to coerce me into taking this journey. He simply said,
“It’s up to you babe.” I realized I would need to use my hands, as well as my
feet, to maneuver along this trail – all while in my white shorts. It was clear
that this city girl had no desire, nor was she prepped, to get dirty that day.
I stared at the trail for a minute weighing each and every negative: It was a
secluded area in the woods; the beginning of the trail was steep, uneven, and
only had a narrow strip to climb; I had no idea how high up the trail went or
how long the climb would take; I didn’t see any walkable path; there was no end
in sight; and most importantly, I could die. Those were all the scary outcomes
that could arise from me choosing to take this isolated path. The only thing
that seemed certain was by taking this path, we would reach the top. Full of
apprehension, I could not shake this feeling inside of me that wanted to do something
different. I’d been having an itch to step outside my safe box for a while, so
this was the perfect opportunity. In that moment, I did not want to live in
fear of the unknown or base my decision on what I thought I could not do. I
wanted to see what the top looked like regardless of the journey it took to get
there. I turned to Douglas and said, “Let’s do it!”
The sign that started it all... To the top |
With
our backpacks and cameras strapped to us, I led the way on our climb to the
top. It was terribly hot that day, but we didn’t feel the magnitude of the heat
until after we started. Our bodies were covered in sweat. I really wanted to
use my dirty hands to wipe the perspiration from my face. Instead, I brushed my
forehead against my arm, only displacing the sweat from one part of my body to
another. During the climb, I peered down at my recently manicured nails shaking
my head at the dirt and green moss that lay underneath. I was quickly becoming
one with nature.
The
path became steeper and steeper with every corner we turned. I gazed down with
a brief thought of calling it quits because I didn’t think I could get myself
up the next set of rocks. The base of the rock was too high and uneven. But I’d
come too far to turn back; besides, climbing down seemed just as challenging as
going up. Instead of giving up I asked Douglas to give me a boost onto the rock.
Once he did, I was able to pull the rest of my body up to continue the hike.
The trail soon required us to get low and clamber up the next several feet that lied ahead. I kept thinking this is absolutely crazy! I am out here on my hands basically rock-climbing, and for what? This is not safe. There is not even another person out here. Perhaps I would have been comforted by a little more company on this trail. There must have been a reason why no one else was here. All these negative thoughts began returning to my brain. I had to reassure myself that I was going to be fine, and that I was out here for a purpose, even if the goal of that purpose seemed unreachable. I was already on the trail and there was no room for doubt along the way. I said to Douglas, “If I die out here at least I will have died trying to get to the top!” Although that was said in jest, I was serious. I convinced myself to take one step at a time, to think positive, and do whatever I needed to do to move forward without worrying about my surroundings. Immediately the strenuous hike became a little easier. I now only wish I took pictures along the way, but snapping photos was the furthest thought from both our minds at the time.
As
we turned what seemed like the hundredth corner, we saw a woman in a long white
skirt standing alone. My face beamed with joy to see another person present. The
woman explained that she was waiting for her husband who went to the top
because the climb had become too steep for her to do with flip flops. Yes, this
woman had on a pair of 99-cent rubber flip flops, not even the supportive kind
(if there is such a thing as supportive flip flops). I wondered how she made it
this far in those shoes. Whoever makes those flip flops needs to use a picture
of that woman on the trail as their new advertising poster. They would sell
quicker than chocolate on Valentine’s Day.
We
wished her good luck and continued our way up the arduous path. We were exhausted
both mentally and physically. I had only wished I knew where the trail ended. I
thought somehow I would be comforted by knowing the approximate remaining
distance. But knowing where the top was would not have changed the length of my
journey, so why was I focused on that? After a few minutes we saw a man coming
down the same hill. He told us the end was not much further. He was going back
down to get his wife and escort her to the top. Douglas whispered to me, “Babe
that could have never been us.” I said, “You’re right. I would have never
stepped foot on this trail in any kind of open-toed shoes, let alone flip
flops!” “True,” he said in agreement while nodding his head. Then he said,
“Moreover, there is no way you would have let me leave you by yourself in the
middle of the woods while I climbed to the top to scope things out.” If I
weren’t concerned about slipping off a rock I would have turned to Douglas and
slapped him a high five. I said, “You’re right about that. I would have been on
your back before left alone!” We laughed at the thought.
Finally,
there was a break from hiking when our feet stepped onto flat ground. We had reached
the top of the waterfall. I looked around bewildered to our whereabouts and unsure
of the next step, but I was going to take several minutes and bask in my
accomplishment. A feeling of victory gradually flowed through my body. I
couldn’t believe that Nicole Dorothy Bright-Hardee had this in her. In that juncture, I admired myself.
I was a sweaty hot mess! But, I did it! |
Without
basking in my success too long, I couldn’t help but think about the inevitable
obstacle of getting back down. As we observed our surroundings, it only took a
few seconds for Douglas and me both to ask ourselves, where is the water? We just hiked all this way and there was not a
waterfall in sight. Humph. Not exactly what I expected. I didn’t give it much
thought since I was more focused on getting back down anyways.
The
other couple on the trail had now made it to the top. The man informed us there
was another way down after crossing the large rock-filled lagoon that was in
front of us. Douglas and I both had on sneakers. I cringed at the thought of
wearing wet socks for the remainder of the hike. Fortunately, we did pack our
water shoes. We slipped those on and proceeded to move forward through the lagoon.
The couple we befriended chose to take a log boat across for an unknown amount
of money. After the climb we just did, walking on those rocks in the water
would be a breeze!
The log boat that the Italian couple opted to use to cross the water |
The
hike down the trail on the opposite side of the waterfall was not nearly as
intimidating as the climb up. The path at least had portions that allowed us to
walk instead of climb. We carefully maneuvered ourselves through the hanging
tree branches and rope swings found in the forest. At one point we turned
backwards, again clambering down the trail. Then we saw something that would
have never made us smile before this laborious endeavor. It was a lengthy set
of stairs. What a beautiful site that was to see! Any other time I would have
sighed with distress. Instead, I sighed with relief; happy to walk down, and
even up the stairs if necessary. Before we knew it there were picnic tables in
sight. It was good to recognize our surroundings and return to leveled land. We
had completed the trail.
I wasn't sure what was happening here...??? |
We'd never seen a whole fish grilled before. |
When
we returned to the hotel, the manager happened to be sitting in the lobby. We
told him about our hiking adventure at Kuang Si Falls. With both eyebrows
raised he said, “Oh, really! That is pretty dangerous you know.” Well now I do. I am certain that if he
shared his opinion with me prior to our trip, I would have never elected to
climb that trail. It was a good thing we left before seeing him; otherwise I
would have missed out on a life changing experience.
Later
that evening as I watched the sunset while in the hotel pool, I reflected on
the day and suddenly had an “Aha!” moment. It was not by happenstance that we
stumbled upon the trail. I believe God puts things, situations, and people in
our paths to send us specific messages. This is always happening to us every
day, but too often we are focused on the stress from our busy lives, the battle
of weighing the odds, the time spent considering the doubt, the energy placed
in focusing on the failure, the need to always have company, and the comfort
found in being close-minded to stop and allow ourselves to see and receive the
message. Therefore, we miss the message that was always present. On that day, I
can humbly say, I got it.
I
was afraid of what I could not see. I feared the possibility that anyone of
those negative outcomes could have actually occurred. I simultaneously had a
tiny feeling of capability. It was minuscule, but it was there. Although
several times I contemplated going or not going, the fact that I was so drawn
to the idea, I knew it was a feeling that could not be ignored. I then realized
nothing was stopping me except me. The message was succinctly clear.
One:
We say no way too often. As we get older, the concept of doing only realistic
things makes the most sense to us. In my teenage years and in my early 20s, I
was fearless. My feet were planted in my faith. I knew no matter the outcome, I
was going to be okay. All I was left to do was focus solely on my current
endeavor while living my life intentionally. However, with age and an increase in
responsibility, we can start placing a ceiling on our visions and begin living
more cautiously. We subconsciously tell ourselves no by thinking: that is not realistic; that is too risky; that
is not affordable; there is not enough time; that is not a priority; that is
too hard; that is impossible. The list can go on and on with the things we
say no to without even realizing it. I
believe if we say yes more often, we will unleash our own potential that once
sat dormant inside of us.
Two:
The convenient path is not the only path. I believe we are born capable of
doing many things. But at some point in our lives, we allow negative and
cautious thinking to lead us down a common and secure path that is overcrowded with
people who find solace in settling with what they know. I believe the Universe
is constantly trying to show us other paths, but we’re too afraid to blindly
take the road that appears desolate and difficult beyond reach. The paths that
we travel the most are the ones we need to take the least.
Three:
I don’t have to rely solely on myself to get to my destination. Being
independent is seen as strength. But I would challenge someone to expand their
perspective on that notion. I believe there is great strength in displaying the
ability to not only do your part but also ask for help along the way. No
successful person, in their personal or professional lives, reaches the top
without some type of assistance. My husband aided me with a boost onto a rock that
I could not reach on my own. A spouse is not our only source of help though. We
don’t need a significant other, parent, relative, or friend to be our support
system if they are not present for whatever reason. When we look closely, we
can see there are countless people and situations in our lives that exist
purely to help us along our journey.
The
answers we are seeking surround us in everything we do. I believe we simply
have to open our hearts and minds to receive the message that comes in so many different
forms. In that moment, we will have freed ourselves from residing in our own
negative captivity and begin embracing the paths that are completely unknown.
You never know what is waiting for you at the top until you decide to make the
climb.
I love everything about this!! I am so guilty of fear, comfortability and saying no so much. I've really been trying to work on it and this entry is such an inspiration! Continue to be blessed and stepping outside of your box! Love it!
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