A story for you

Today, for your reading pleasure, we offer two versions of the same story to illustrate 'difference in perspective'.


Background: fitness class hike to Monkey Beach and lighthouse beyond.


Shauna's version:
The first part of the hike went well. Tim and I led the way with the two other teachers going slower for those less inclined to physical activity. Tim wanted to use this as prep for his run/obstacle course next weekend so he and another young fellow began to run. The jungle path was muddy, uneven and slippery in places but a good workout. I arrived at the first beach in twenty minutes - a good time due to the fast pace I kept. The second stretch proved more difficult as vines were overgrown on the path and we almost had to crawl in two places. I had to jump down from rocks a lot and climb up slippery paths holding onto vines. I made it to the second beach with my partner, Abbie, ahead of most of the boys. The last leg was gruelling. Over 400 jungle steps, uneven, wet and rocky, to the lighthouse. We considered turning back, our hearts beating so hard we could barely breathe but decided that we would be highly disappointed if the lighthouse was just after the next hard climb. 40 minutes later, wet with sweat from head to toe, we made it!! Only four other guys were at the top - one of them Tim who had been there for over a half hour. We rested, took in the view of the ocean and then began the journey down which proved to be the most difficult of all. My knees gave out halfway down from the lighthouse and I hobbled for the next hour to make it back to the vans. If it weren't for this confounded competitive spirit I possess, I probably could have slowed my pace and waited for the slackers at the end. But no, I pressed on and now will not be able to walk tomorrow. So mature. It was a nice time, at least the first leg of the hike, maybe the even the second, but I'm definitely never, ever again doing the last part. Nope, never.

Tim's version:
I went on another fitness hike. I started to run. I kept running through the jungle, over roots, under vines, around rocks. I ran up a hill with 400 steps. I climbed up inside the lighthouse to see the amazing view of the Adaman Sea. I started to run again, all the way down, all the way back to the starting point. I had a blast! I will definitely go again, in fact this is my third time up to the lighthouse.