Lake Bled, Slovenia – April 2011
There are two paths that lead to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint. I take the longer, less marked trail, intending to make a loop. It’s not yet high season, and the tourist hoards are nowhere to be seen. In fact, I am totally alone. I’ll be able to savor the magnificent view in relative tranquility.
When I step out to the viewpoint, a young man emerges from the other trail. When he sees me, his face hardens. He hurries over to the bench and sits in the middle of it. He crosses his arms and glares down at the beauty below. He is the winner. King of the hill.
I have just as much right to be here as he does, I remind myself. I can go and sit down, right next to him if he won’t move over. But of course I won’t do that, and he knows it.
I step forward and take some photos, pausing to feast my eyes on the fairy tale panorama, burning the vision deep into my memory. How lucky I am to be able to see this.
An annoyed sigh breaks my reverie. I am not obscuring his view, so it seems that he finds my mere presence upsetting. I snap a few more photos, and then turn to meet his scowl with a big smile. “Enjoy the view.” The smile stays with me as I descend. He may have triumphed, but somehow I know that I’m the one who truly feels rewarded.
Amazing!
It was like stepping into a dream.
It certainly has a dreamlike appeal. It reminds me of a tiny island in Glacier Nat’l Park… except your island has a human presence. Here’s some advice for dealing with nasty, selfish people: carry a cane. You’ll never have to hit anyone with it, but, since I’ve been leaning on one, people have been more polite to me. Why, that brutish young man might have offered you his bench if you’d had one. Love your work. Love your prose. I’m publishing a new wordpress.com story in December. I hope you enjoy it even half as much as I enjoy your work.
Thanks, Chuck. I will check out your new story when it’s posted. I enjoy your work, too.
such a cool view of a place i would have never seen if it were not for your pictures seems if the other person there had a camera and a blog there would have bin no need for the bench
Thank you! I don’t feel like I missed out on anything, even though I couldn’t sit and linger.
I love your storytelling tone and feel I made that climb with you too. What a great view, and what a true gent you came across on the bench!
Thanks. Yeah, he was such a charmer!
What an amazing view-even in spite of the other person, you clearly caught the magic of the place-
It’s one of the most amazing views I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t look real. He didn’t spoil my good time. 🙂
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What an amazing view , so beautiful and I am pleased you didn’t let Mr Grumpy spoil it for you 🙂
Haha. Thanks! Mr. Rainy Face was no match for that view. 😀
What an interesting little island. Imagine living there – very private and yet not private at all. A whole island to yourself and nowhere to go.
It seems like an enchanted place, for sure. Like something out of a fairy tale- both sanctuary and prison.
Such a beautiful view … and congratulations on being the real King of the Hill.
😀
It would be difficult to scowl at a view like that even with a thousand people jostling at the overlook!
A difficult feat, but he managed it. Impressive, isn’t it?
Well done! Forcing him to endure your presence is exactly what I would have done.
Haha. Yep what a torture for him. If I ‘d been in a feistier mood, I would have sat down next to him. But whatever. Thanks for taking the time to drop by. I enjoyed my visit to your blog and your blog header is adorable.
Wonderful – so surrealistic.
This little island looks like a toy.
What a poor closed young man – be glad about your sovereignty 🙂
Have a nice weekend,
Ulli
Thank you Ulli. It’s an unreal view for sure. A fabulous weekend to you, too. 🙂