At the Khola!

see all photos »

The transitions between day and evening at the “khola” -the nepali word for river- was flawlessly stunning and I felt lucky that I was able to witness it.

The water flowed and lapped before me. It murmured and bubbled as it passed through. There was an abundance of fire colored dragonflies hovering above like a miniature army of red barron planes enviously observing the elephants bathing in a river that seemed to sparkle with bedazzling jewels under the hot afternoon sun.. There was wonderful symphony of splashes and sprays by the elephants as they bathed. Hot humid air entered my lungs as I took a deep breathe to record any scents. No scents were detected. A gentle breeze caressed my skin and cooled my sweat laden skin. The surrounding area was bright lush green, lavishly nourished by the monsoon rains. My only companion was the gorgeous butterfly that fluttered around me.

see all photos »

Hours later, the sun began to descend behind the emerald horizon as a burst of pinkish mauve tones streaked across the sky. The river’s rhythm remained constant. Fish danced beneath the surface. I didn’t see them but I saw the ripples they created as they teased the sunset’s pink hued reflection on the river’s surface. In a distance a crocodile peeked above the glossy surface to witness the beautiful sunset. The scenery’s colors which were brilliant and bright during the day began to fade as nature’s colors began to fall asleep.

see all photos »

The lush green horizon visible during the day became a black silhouette of shadows guarding the river. The river itself was no longer visible but the rhythmic lapping was confirmation that it’s flow was eternal. Fireflies flitted against silhouettes in the evening’s hidden horizon. Some danced high above against a sparkling diamond studded sky. I laid back and was mesmerized by these dancing diamonds performing pirouettes and glittered against the indigo sky. A sliver of the moon solemnly watched from above guarding the precious jewels.

I nestled more comfortably into my lounge chair observing the beauty of my surroundings as I listened to the befitting words of the song by Bob Marley that wafted in the air “Don’t worry about a thing cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” At that moment, I couldn’t be more content.

After witnessing the flawless transitions, I realized that if I dared look closely enough, heaven exists in different forms.