by Joshua Amboga
PureTravel Writing Competition 2023
As a wanderer in search of extraordinary moments, I have traversed the globe and reveled in the splendors it has to offer. Yet, among all my breathtaking travel experiences, there is one that remains etched in the deepest recesses of my memory – a surreal encounter with the majestic Northern Lights in the heart of Norway’s Arctic wilderness.
It was a cold, clear winter’s night, and I had ventured to the Arctic Circle with the hope of witnessing this natural marvel. Armed with warm clothing and a sense of anticipation, I joined a small group of fellow travelers on a guided tour to chase the elusive auroras.
As we left the city lights behind and ventured deeper into the wilderness, the excitement in the air was palpable. Our guide, a seasoned expert in Northern Lights hunting, regaled us with fascinating stories about the lights’ mystical significance in Nordic culture. The anticipation only grew as the sky became darker, and we were all eagerly hoping for a glimpse of the dancing lights.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the guide suddenly stopped our minibus in the middle of nowhere. He stepped outside, looked up at the sky, and his face lit up with excitement. We all scrambled to get out, and that’s when I saw it—the most mesmerizing display of colors I had ever witnessed.
The sky was a canvas of vibrant hues—shades of green, purple, and pink twisting and turning in elegant, ethereal patterns. The Northern Lights swayed and undulated with otherworldly grace as if nature itself were putting on a magnificent light show just for us.
I stood there in complete awe, feeling humbled by the grandeur of the universe and the beauty of our planet. At that moment, all the worries and stresses of everyday life melted away, and I was lost in the majesty of the Northern Lights. It was as if time stood still, and the only thing that mattered was being present in that very moment.
I exchanged glances with my fellow travelers, and we shared a collective sense of wonder and joy. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional gasp or whisper of amazement. We were all captivated by this cosmic spectacle that seemed to stretch beyond the boundaries of the world.
As I stood there, marveling at the Northern Lights, a sense of unity with nature and humanity washed over me. It was a moment of profound connection—knowing that people from different corners of the globe had come together to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.
The Northern Lights danced in the sky for what felt like an eternity, but eventually, they began to fade, bidding us farewell until the next time. Reluctantly, we returned to our minibus, our hearts filled with gratitude and an indelible memory that would forever remain etched in our souls.
That night under the Northern Lights was more than just a travel moment; it was a transformative experience—an encounter with the sublime beauty of our world and a reminder of how vast and wondrous the universe can be. It left me with a profound sense of reverence for nature and a desire to explore more of this incredible planet we call home.
Photo by Matt Houghton on Unsplash
