Tikal ruins are super duper tall.
The view from Templo IV is quite a sight, with the tallest temples sticking their their heads out amongst the gigantic tropical trees. All you can see from there are lush greens, tips of temple tops, and the horizon. What a view.
Magnificent place really, but I cannot help but think of how amazing nature is, over any artificial creation. The ruins had to be dug up from under the soil, leaves, and trees that covered the structures. Some are still kept without being touched, and all that's visible are unnatural looking hills covered by awkwardly grown trees, sprouting diagonally towards the sky. Ah, the life force!
We meet Junko Tokushima, a sweet lady from Osaka, traveling solo. My father sits with her throughout the 2-hour bus ride back to Flores. I'm happy he is able to communicate with someone other than me. We both find relief from Junko's sudden appearance.
As promised the day before, now accompanied by Junko, we meet Miguel at the closest dock to take a 30 minute boat ride and watch the sun setting from within the lake.
The photos will explain how beautiful this ride was, but more beautiful was Miguel's aura. So tender, so smiley, all the while holding his sick 5 year-old son with the utmost care. His eyes, looking at his poor kid, were so dear.
I almost teared up saying "bye," as he left us at a dock closer to where all the restaurants were. How is it that I, who's so used to saying "hi, bye, see you again," can be so sad about parting with a 30-minute encounter?
How many people like Miguel are out there in this world? Not that I really need to know numbers nor to actually meet them all, but I feel like I'm a better person after encountering Miguel. There are great, diligent, smiley people hard at work in this world; living and taking good care of their children.
I miss Miguel.
I want to see him again.
Maybe next time, I will know what being a father is like.
Thank you for reading and commenting Audrey...
ReplyDeleteIt really helps me to write.