Consistency is Key

I love this picture so much. Steven and I were in Prizren, Kosovo. This a place that is 100% off the map of most tourists; yet it was the most beautiful city. It was here that I had my first jaw drop experience at looking (and being on) a fort. We have seen many forts throughout our travels, but that one was super special. It felt like a whole little town could survive up there. Maybe they did once upon a time. 

Now, I have a slightly repugnant attitude towards climbing or hiking. I want to love it. I really, really do. And, when I get to the very top of something, I wonder why I don't want to do it all the time. Buttttt I cannot in good conscious say that I love it. 

Steven is the total opposite. He grew up climbing some of the most impressive mountains in the world. He was a scout for most of his adolescence, and his mom and dad kept him as active and outdoorsy as possible. The kid breathes adventure. I tease him when I see a mountain or a big hill by asking, "you look at that and want to climb it, don't you?" He says, "of course I do. it looks like a blast!". To this I laugh quietly and secretly envy his constant energy. The boy just doesn't stop wanting an adventure. 

I, on the other hand, grew up in a small, American city. if you know anything about America, you know that if you live in the suburbs you drive everywhere. You never walk. Walking isn't really something that's enjoyed by most. At least not by anyone that I've ever met. We lived in an area of the state called the sandhills. It's flat. Very flat. And we don't have much excitement around us. There isn't a quality of life in terms of outdoor activity or adventure. So, I spent most of my childhood playing with toys and staying indoors. The only outdoor experience I really had was when my dad forced me to do yard work with him for hours. I really developed a hatred of being outside. 

We've been traveling for almost 2 years, and I can confidently say that I've done more hiking, climbing, and adventurous things than I've ever done. That's thanks to Steven. He pushes me. I'm grateful for that. 

Now that I've been focusing a lot more on my photography, it gives me an extra edge to climb more. I love taking photos of wildlife and brilliant landscapes. We are traveling the world after all, so I might as well take some bangers that I can blow up and put on our flat's walls one day. This photo right here was a result of a short, but steep hike up the fortress. Golden hour was approaching, and as we climbed the very steep, rocky hill to the top for sunset, I saw this view of the mosque. It had a very Blue Mosque feel... It was quite extravagant with its blue dome and rapunzel like minaret, while at the same time being very old and revered by the community. It was a privilege to be in such a beautiful moment. And THAT'S why I will keep hiking and climbing. It might kill me, but I'm determined to love it. 

Steven and I are on our way to see the real, famous Blue Mosque here in Istanbul, Turkey. And just as I write that, I realize what a cool life we have.