Marina Ristic
HUP 102.7625
Essay # 2
Prof Susan Dougherty
THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN ALPS
Mountains are amazingly beautiful and inspiring. Spending time in nature
enriches our life. Not only is it valuable for our physical health, but also it is important
for our mental health.
The Alps is one of the greatest mountain range systems in Europe. The Alps
were the first mountain system to be extensively studied by geologists and many of the
geologic terms associated with the mountains and glaciers originated there. It stretches
from Austria and Slovenia in the east, through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and
Germany, to France in the west. The highest peak of the Alps is Mont Blanc at15,774 ft
on the French-Italian border. The landscape of the Alps seen today was mostly formed
by glaciations during the past two million years. Glaciers have been retreating, leaving
large granite erratic scattered in the forest region. It is believed that the climate changed
so rapidly that the glaciers retreated back into the mountains in a span of about two
hundred years.
I was fortunate that I grew up in a country where we have the beautiful mountains
Alps. When I was a child, my family and I used to go skiing in Slovenia, almost every
year. I will never forget that incredible, euphoric feeling, as I stood on the top of the
mountain; that vastness of natural mountain terrain. I think those are divine moments,
when I was struck and overwhelmed by enormous beauty. There is nothing like getting
up at down to hike as the early morning sun is rising over the mountains. That peaceful
environment is so contagious that would calm down even the Wall Street businessmen.
No mater how nervous or stressed out you feel, walking the mountain and breathing the
fresh air makes you feel at peace. That fresh, seductive smell of pine, oak and sycamore
maple trees can not compare to any aromatherapy and endlessly stretched sky cannot
compare to any skyscraper. I believe that every moment spent on the top of the
mountain is precious .But for me Alps are much more than just a mountain. They
reminisce the most beautiful childhood memories. They bring me back to the time when
life seemed to be so wonderful, carefree and perfect. My passion for hiking the
mountains and skiing has not changed. Even though I can not go to Alps, my boyfriend
and I are going almost every weekend hiking in Connecticut and Maine. I enjoy myself
very much, while searching for a new hiking trails that take my breath away. There is
nothing more beautiful than being in nature. Above the tree line, the bareness and the
silence of the mountain taught me that all individuals must have their own direction. All
hikers know that they must carry maps to reach their destination. Similarly, surrounding
by mountains, silence and sky, I recognize the need to remain focused on my own goals
in life.
Even though most of the people are obsessed with work, career and prestigious
jobs, they should never neglect the quality of life and time devoted for relaxation
because that balance is necessary for both, mental and physical health. What good is
making a lot of money if we loose our health? In order to maintain our mental and
physical health it is necessary to let nature nourish and empower our body and soul.