Take A Leap Of Faith

by Loubna IFQIR (Morocco)

A leap into the unknown Morocco

How long can we ignore the fear of facing the unknown? How long can we wait under the bridge of comfort? Challenging yourself is what makes life interesting and overcoming challenges is what makes it meaningful. I used to hear this so much throughout my life, thus the craving of exploring new things and places started to grow within me and I wanted badly to delve into a new exciting journey. I knew that I had to take a leap of faith. The long-awaited day knocked on my door, so I packed my bags and took a step I couldn’t take back, having made the decision to uncover my deeper potential. As it was my first time traveling, I hid my nervousness with smiles and laughter as I said goodbye to my family. Inside the airport, it was a whole other world, I thought, as I worked my way through the checkpoints. Soon, all the passengers went over what was called the Sky Bridge, which looked like a giant tube. Finally, I was on the plane sitting next to the window and I couldn't take my eyes off the wings. I spent the next few minutes eagerly wondering how the airplane would take off and stay in the air before landing. The fluffy clouds were so mesmerizing that they inspired me to write a poem right then and there. The trip was longer than I expected, but I knew that the plane’s fuel couldn’t last forever and that our final destination would soon be in sight. Before I knew it, Paris came into view from above with all of her luminous lights. It was if I was landing in a city of shining stars. I had packed as many places to sightsee into my itinerary, beginning with the place that is synonymous with love: the Eiffel Tower. The fragrance coming from the river under the bridge was like a perfume filled with love and aspiration. Despite my acrophobia, I climbed the tower, which was even more unforgettable than I could have dreamt. Paris was small and could be captured only by sight. Eating my croissant while walking through the Tuileries garden, I felt captivated by mother nature and I couldn’t bring myself to rush through. I savored my long walk alone. The next day, I was a bit confused about where I should go, but my internal desire to learn more about the history of France and its many kings and queens brought me to the Versailles Castle. There were so many people waiting in a queue to get their tickets, but I could feel that it would be worth the wait. After what seemed like an eternity, I had this magical chance to get in that antiquated and romantic castle. There were so many things to see so I just took out my camera and started photographing everything. But, what fascinated me the most was the hall of mirrors where whenever you turned, you saw yourself. The ceiling had so many pictures and paintings of historical characters that led all the way to the queen's bedroom. Once I had arrived in her bedroom, I was speechless! The room had so many pieces of furniture and everything was so detailed! It seemed like everything was made of gold and silver! The ceiling again had so many paintings and there was a huge mirror facing the bed. I couldn’t grasp all of the decadence that I was seeing and then I realized that the headboard was in the shape of a crown! This decorative art brought me to another place and time and I could only imagine what it might feel like to be a queen. But the interior wasn’t enough. Outside was a large balcony with a fenced garden view, which had various plants, trees, and flowers surrounding a quaint lake. Before heading to my home country, I wanted to say goodbye to the shining star city, so I went to love lock bridge and make a wish to come back again one day.