The hot sun beaming down, glistening off the morning dew, covering the small cracks between the uneven stairs. The fresh scent of mildew rushing into your nose like rain to the ground. The distinct sound of people panting, out of breath, after climbing the thousands of stairs, as if there is no end. The ruins feel calm. Shades of blue, brown, and green all blending together to create a beautiful tapestry. The bricks look smooth, having been worn away by centuries of rain, wind, and people, constantly climbing and descending, yet still rough, the edges sharp enough to cut through wood like a saw. The walls resemble a puzzle, random gaps, waiting to be filled in by the correct piece; but unbeknownst to the wall, the pieces have been buried below tonnes of dirt, lost forever. As you reach the top of the stairs, your feeling of triumph is quickly replaced by a feeling of awe. The view is spectacular, almost like you can see the whole world around you. The view is pure beauty. The surrounding area seems untouched, lush forests, and a river, winding its way through it all. It feels like a time machine, taking you back to a time before man, and you can feel all of your problems start to drift away. You could spend an eternity just standing there, trying to take it all in, and still fall short. No camera could ever do it justice. All you can smell is the scent of freshness, the crisp cold air nipping at the tip of your nose, and surrounding your ears. The sounds of birds chirping creates a beautiful harmony. The time has come. You must return to the normal world. The journey down seems much shorter, and you feel like you have been put under a spell, all you can imagine is the top, and that, much like the wall, starts to fade away piece by piece. You finally reach the ground, but feel like you’re floating, trying to hold onto the magic you felt just a few short minutes ago.
Photo Credit: https://www.chasingtheunexpected.com/photo-essay-lebanons-ancient-ruins-evoking-memories-from-past-lives/
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