I miss my daily visits to Datong Mountain in Shu-lin City.  This lovely little mountain is located a few short blocks from my apartment and I love making the hike up to the summit and running along the footpaths with the city of Shu-lin at my feet.  On this particular day, spring flowers were in full-bloom and the mountain was erupting in clouds of butterflies. I miss the feeling of being able to escape from the busy streets to find solitude and a quiet place to think and reflect.

I climbed up a set of stairs extending up the mountain and emerged at a mountain temple tucked in amongst the trees.  I stopped to wander the temple grounds and pay my respects to the guardians of this mountain retreat, who keep this sacred mountain so quiet and serene.  I gazed upwards in awe at painted skies and god-folk staring down.

Further, further, up I climbed, until I hit a mountain road that diverged.  Both roads lead to quiet places that are perfect for escaping the heat and the noise of the city.  I’ve been fortunate to have the whole place to myself and I often take my journal with me to write in.  Sometimes I take a deck of cards and play solitaire.