Submitted by Kaitlyn Cirrito on the 2019 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
Hiking is something that I have always loved to do, but it became very evident that this hike was going to be like none other. The “mountains” I hike at home are mere foothills compared to the Mulhacén, so I knew that I was in for an astonishing experience. The hike definitely proved to be difficult at points, which can easily be explained by the combination of the thin air and acute incline. I definitely wasn’t expecting to struggle as much as I did and I wasn’t expecting to be so exhausted by the time we reached the top, however when we reached the top, none of that mattered anymore and I was immediately rejuvenated. The views from the top were like nothing I have seen before- absolutely breathtaking.
Humbling. That is the only word I can use to describe what it was like to look out onto the landscape from roughly 11,000 feet up. Being completely surrounded by utter natural beauty is something that will surely remind you how Lilliputian our problems really are. Far too often people focus on their lives and problems solely, which can lead them to missing out on the bigger picture in life. Hiking this mountain with some of my closest friends was something that reiterated this idea for me. It is important to take time away from worrying so much and use it to enjoy your time on this beautiful earth.
