It was a rare opportunity to film in Anhui, and I had been eagerly anticipating a trip to Jiuhua Mountain. However, after a heavy snowfall, many scenic spots were closed. Fortunately, the weather improved, and some of the attractions reopened. Coincidentally, my friends and I had some free time, so we immediately embarked on a drive up the mountain, a perfect blend of favorable conditions for our outing.
Another unexpected coincidence occurred during this trip. While filming A Year Without Work in Shanghai, I had met a yoga instructor who, despite having her contact on WeChat, I had not been in touch with for quite some time. To my surprise, I noticed that her WeChat nickname now prefixed with the words “Jiuhua Mountain.” Curious, I inquired, and it turned out that she had opened a homestay with her sister in Jiuhua Mountain.
The irony was not lost on me, as the protagonist in A Year Without Work ultimately left the big city to open a homestay. I had the pleasure of staying at her charming, serene, and clean abode, inquiring about the amusing anecdotes of running a homestay. This experience left me marveling at the wonders of fate.
From last year to this year, I have had the privilege of having more free time, whether actively or passively, to explore and travel. This has shifted my perspective on traveling. I no longer find myself drawn to popular tourist spots or meticulously planning itineraries, a shift that, as a Virgo, would have been unthinkable in the past.
Nowadays, I prefer the serendipitous joy of trekking along lesser-known paths, embracing the randomness of where each step may lead. The mindset shift has transformed even the simplest of landscapes into breathtaking vistas. Having ticked off Jiuhua Mountain, I am now eager to conquer Huangshan Mountain before wrapping up my filming schedule. ⛰️🌲
#HikingPhotography #NaturalScenerySharing #OutdoorTrekking #BeautyinJourney #JiuhuaMountain
