Nevertheless, We Persisted!

Alma, Adna and Nataša on top of Srebrenik Castle.

I was feeling the mental fatigue this week more than usual. My eyes were twitching from constant screen contact and I knew I had to lay off the phone for a while.

So I called my friend to see if she was up for an adventure to the castle that sits in its glory at the top of the highest hill in our town.

She was a little skeptical that we could do the hike, as it was easily a 2+ hour hike uphill, and something we have never done before. The castle seemed so far away from where we were standing.

Nevertheless, we persisted.

We packed our bags with water bottles to hydrate and sandwiches to eat along the way.

The incline was heavy- even steeper than most San Francisco hills.

As we walked we noticed all kinds of bugs peeking through the grass. Some were friendly and some not so much. The trees were shedding red and yellow leaves and the sound of birds singing glazed the air, as if they were only singing for us.

Step by step, we climbed further and further from the starting point.

Then halfway through our journey, we stopped. We looked at each other in disbelief that we even made it this far and then looked at the castle which seemed like a miniature toy from where we were standing. With sweat dripping down our backs and cramps knotting in our leg muscles, we both wanted the other one to say “let's go back”.

Nevertheless, we persisted!

We got in the habit of stopping often to wash our face with water from natural springs, greet flowers and pick fruit from trees, which uplifted our mood and pushed us to keep going further.

We decided to put ourselves in a power position to continue, even though we didn’t really feel like it. This motivation gave us an energy boost which felt incredible. It was like a superhuman high that made the rest of the hike seem quick and effortless.

When we arrived at the castle, we were both out of breath but oh so excited and proud of ourselves.

I watched my friend's reaction as she stood tall at the top of the hill gazing at our surroundings, smugly smiling and pointing at the place we started walking from.

I noticed my eyes acclimating to the greenery and no longer twitching. I noticed the wind gently blowing through my hair and the smell of freshly cut grass entering my lungs.

I felt invincible.

We walked over to a nearby cafe with the most beautiful view. We took a coffee break and waited for another friend to join us on our castle adventure.

Home made refreshments from Lejla and Omer Mujić terrace restaurant.

The castle itself was breathtaking and very worth the long hike. We climbed every part of it and sat together to talk and stare at the scenery.

Everything seemed so small while looking at it from the top. We laughed over our painful path and teased that from up here, it looks like a quick walk up the hill.

When it was time to return home, our friend led us through a different path, which immersed us in the greatness of the forest. This path was verrrrry muddy as it rained the day before. Oftentimes we got stuck and slipped, but the trust we held in our legs from the hike before helped us remain balanced, without falling flat on our rear.

We zoomed through the forest, excited to get home and tell our families about our adventure.

The feeling of freedom coated my pounding heart as I ran down hills chasing the sunset.

This adventure taught me that with the right company, proper nutrition and strong will- anything is possible. It will stay a dear part of me for years to come.

To think, we almost gave up halfway there.