Page 150 - Manual Vol 1

149

English
Caraiman
By Dana FILIPEANU
On the peak of the mountain, it was She: The Cross of Caraiman,
standing, watching the horizon like a careful sentinel that transcends time.
Her beauty captured my attention from stories and photos. So, all I
wanted was to get there, up there, to touch her, to gaze at her greatness and
splendor. I wanted to be with her, to find shelter in her shadow, and, more
than anything, to see what She, The Cross sees!
Besides, it is still reminding me of them, of my parents, mountain people,
lovers of nature and beauty.
My Mother had a serene face and her eyes sparkled with the vivacity
of a squirrel. She was organized, lively, calculated in making correct
decisions. Nothing was ever missing from her luggage and there was no
surplus either. Her children, meaning obviously my sister and I, were dressed
in comfortable clothes: Jackets and mountain boots, and everything we needed
to feel comfortable.
When it came to hiking through the Bucegi Mountains, my parents
were in perfect sync.
Dad took the mountain seriously and taught us everything we needed
to be safe. He used to calculate the routes so that we don't get lost / do not
miss the way at night.
On the way, we sang and shouted to drive away the wild beasts.
Together, we roamed the winding paths that lead to the Cross.
And what scenery to see!
Sometimes the path narrowed, and we had to walk in Indian
line.
My mother was in front, then my sister, me and behind me, my father.
On one side of the road there was the slope and on the other, the
precipice!
The scenery can take your breath away. I was looking at the clouds,
fluffy white miniatures like cotton candies. They seemed to be hanging on the
ridges of the mountains.