Pathways

Pathways, roads, ways, paths — paved, unpaved, solings, bricks...

Tracks, routes, walkways, streets, lanes, thoroughfares, byways, avenues, passages,

Travelled, crossed, walked on many.

Some paths were too difficult to walk on, especially when wearing sandals. One didn't realize one was climbing uphill...

_{Towards Noori Top, Kashmir. Pakistan}

No, not this one. This was kind of paved, paved by feet of two legged and four legged creatures.

I recall that path, not a typical road, but a slender trail leading to a palace-like house atop a mountain in Skardu. Unaware that the day's journey would involve hiking, I set out in delicate, open-heeled sandals. Those beautiful yet fragile shoes nearly led to my downfall numerous times; a slight misstep could have sent me tumbling into the abyss below. I believe I've recounted this episode in my Skardu diaries before. Anyway, I've digressed... But still remember those deadly looks from my better half. Lol. We were a group of 10-12 people including children. And we were the last in the trail... Experiences, experiences...

_{Bursa. Park at Mt. Uludağ. Turkey}

Do these paths offer experiences, teaching us something new — some difficult, some easy? Do they make your life richer, more colorful, more fertile? When you reach the later stages of your life, when black ink is replaced by silver in your hair, perhaps then you can say you've traversed many paths...

You know, I love taking pictures of paths. There's a certain allure in them. One wonders how many people have passed through here. Even after we're gone, these paths will remain, won't they? And as long as the world exists, God's creations will continue to traverse them.

Metaphorically speaking, the paths you've traversed to reach this point are a distillation of your journey. Each path you walk, every step you take, leads you toward a destination — from point A to point B. Every route offers new experiences. The people, the travelers you encounter on these paths, are all part of this continuum. Some hold your hand, helping you cross bridges, while others may scatter thorns in your way, placing obstacles before you. Yet, such individuals are essential too; without them, one might never truly appreciate the value of good companions.

_{Bursa. Park at Mt. Uludağ. Turkey}

I believe there are no wrong paths; some are simply more challenging to traverse. Just like the one I mentioned in my Skardu travelogue. To be honest, I don't perceive difficult paths as destructive; despite the challenges, I remain where I am. While they may bring annoyance and frustration, these paths are not inherently at fault; it's just that we're not accustomed to them. Walking on stones, climbing mountains, and crossing large and small rocks along riverbanks have always seemed difficult to me. I've attempted to cross them (one can even judge from a distance, my lousy attempts), but I haven't practiced enough to master them. Being from the plains, we rarely encounter such paths, except occasionally during excursions. For that, there's no need to learn a new skill. However, one does gain experience, realizing that the path isn't inherently difficult; we're just not used to it. Have you ever observed mountain girls and children navigating these treacherous paths? They ascend and descend with the speed of a bullet. Even their elders and very old people cross these routes with agility and confidence.

_{Bursa. Park at Mt. Uludağ. Turkey}

Have you ever pondered this?

In truth, a person's entire life is like a journey along a path. Regardless, we must traverse it. There's much more to say, but I'll pause here. I hope that every path you take, whether easy or difficult, offers you experience, a new perspective, adds beauty to your life, and leaves you with stories to cherish.

Instead of getting lost in my words, take a moment to appreciate the images of paths below. I'm sure you'll find similar paths in your own surroundings. Stay happy, spread joy, and be a pleasant, helpful fellow traveler. 😊

_{A village near Okara, Pakistan}

_{Naltar, Pakistan}

_{Gilgit, Pakistan}

_{Muree, Pakistan}

_{Towards Naltar from Karimabad}

_{Naltar, Pakistan}