“You have too much furniture on you” said Na, my rock climbing guide. He of course was referring to my ensemble. Straw hat, neck scarf, long pants, I do not look like your average climber. In fact, I’ve gotten more sun on this trip in a week then say the past five years. When I was seventeen years old, my older brother gave me some of the best advice of my life. “Stay out of the sun… from now on” he said. And I did.
I’m writing this from my front porch bungalow. We are still in southern Thailand. I just cracked open my third can of “Nescafe latte”. It’s cold and sugary. Who knows what’s in it, as the label is in Thai. I methodically polish the can top with tissue, and I’m reminded of another tidbit of family advice, this time from my Uncle Sal. “Always wash off your can tops. The workers like to piss on them”. I’m not sure why the Italians and the Jews are so suspicious. Well, I can understand why the Jews are – but the Italians? Perhaps it’s just the mistrustful nature of the human mind. Nonetheless, I take heed and wipe down every single can.
Sue Ann was in heaven yesterday. Climbing away like a masterful gymnast. Me on the other hand, I was a bit like Humpty Dumpty. On my third treacherous climb (this being my first “real” rock experience), I was screaming from the mountain top to Na. “Ok, I’m done! The harness is pinching my vagina, please let me down!!” He wouldn’t. “I can’t go any further, I’ve no where to put my hands!” Na says, “You pay 800 baht to climb, it’s 800 baht to come down!” It is a metaphor for life. You really don’t think you can go any further, you’re convinced, yet somehow with a little help from a new friend, you figure it out. I did finish the climb and touched the silver ring where the top rope attaches to the mountain top. I also screamed the entire way down, as I swooped through the air legs and arms flying free, suspended by my harness. When I touched ground, I ran to Na and gave him a hug. It was a lesson and a moment I won’t soon forget.
You can follow Cynthia’s stories, and become a “fan” at The Huffington Post.
She is also writing for Amnplify – the Australian Musician Network.
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