The story about the Travel or what is there inside the gift you got?
Michael Cook - The weary traveller
Once upon a time there lived a man whose greatest ambition was to travel to the country of his dreams. His dreamland was far, far away and there was always something to do which made him postpone the expedition. You know how it is: exams, jobs, family and thousands of duties - just big and small obstacles which make our dreams can't come true.
The time was passing by and then one day he decided: it’s either today or never and... he set out.
He ran in the street just with a little rucksack and a map. He didn't need any guides as he knew absolutely all about the place he was going to. Throughout all of his life he studied everything about his dream country: the language, traditions, history, culture, cuisine... . And now it was the time when he was going to experience it by himself. He felt so happy and free.
Just at the beginning of his journey, next to his home he met a strange looking man. The man said that he knew how important that day was for our traveller and gave him a gift. It was a little box. The stranger also asked him not to open the gift before arriving to the destination. The man thanked for the gift and started the journey - his long-awaited adventure.
The first day was just fantastic. He was going past beautiful places and he knew that he took the right direction. It was a wonderful day.
On the second day, he entered the forest. At the beginning everything seemed to be ok. But the further he was going, the thicker and more frightening the forest was. What's more, he wasn't sure if he was on a right path as the way was splitting. It was getting dark and to tell the truth the surroundings were a bit fearsome, with some strange voices and red eyes in the dark. He was scared to death when suddenly a thought of the gift appeared in his mind. He took the little box and started guessing what was inside. Maybe there was a gun for self-defence? But then, he remembered that he promised not to open the box until the end of his journey. So he only hugged the gift and fell asleep. It was a gloomy and dreadful day.
Fortunatelly, on the third day he woke up in a good moon. He didn't know how but he was optimistic and merry again. He was able to admire the beauty of the nature around. He found the way out of the forest. Now he was in the countryside, dotted with a lot of charming villages and hospitable farms. That was a day full of joy.
On the fourth day he was walking through the mountains, heading up and up all the time. It was hot and sweaty. At the end of the day he was exhausted and ran out of water. Again he thought about the gift. Maybe there was an energizer to strengthen him up. And again he knew that there is a long way ahead and he remembered about the promise he made... So he only hugged the gift and fell asleep despite the thirst and tiredness. It was a hard day.
When the man woke up on the fifth day, he noticed that he was almost on the top of the mountain. He climbed up quickly and, believe it or not, but there was the most picturesque view he had ever seen in his life. What's more on the horizon he noticed the beautiful country he was going to. Now he was walking along the path among heathered hills and streams with crystal, fresh water. That was a delightful day.
The sixth day was tiring and boiling-hot again. He was wandering across a desert. Everything was dry and there was nobody around. Although, he realised he is quite close to, he felt lonely and miserable. He kept walking having in mind that at the end of the day he will finally achieving the aim of his journey - the place he dreamt about. But guess what?
When at last he came to the walls of the country the gates were closed. Although, he knew the rule that the gates are being closed at 10 p.m., he was so disappointed. It was only five past ten. But what else could he do? Again he thought about the gift. Maybe there is the key. Maybe he is able to open the gate by himself. The idea was so tempting but he knew he couldn't give up on the finishing line. So he only hugged the gift again and fell asleep dreaming about the destination he was next to. It was a dispiriting day.
At the dawn, the sound of the opening gates woke him up. The guards greeted him warmly. They invited him for breakfast and offered a place at the best hotel. He felt that people around are as kind and hospitable as he expected. He was so happy to be visiting all these places he read about. That was the best day in his life - he finally fulfilled his dreams.
Everything was so exciting that he even forgot about the gift.
Late at night he found it at the bottom of the rucksack. Curious he opened the box slowly....
Wow, he couldn't believe his eyes. He looked at it once again and once again. That was something really extraordinary.
Do you already have an idea of what could have been there?
P.S. At this point of telling the story I always let my students look into the box I hold in my hands. Believe it or not, they are so surprised seeing the content. And they always smile. I can't tell you what there is. You have to check it yourself. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I heard this story on the workshops for teachers on the University of Canterbury in 2005.
Here on my blog you can find its Polish version:
Brak komentarzy:
Prześlij komentarz