8 Comments
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Aaliya's avatar

This is such a beautifully written travel reflection. I felt like I was right there with you, watching the morning fog roll over the road and seeing that young elk by the Yellowstone River. The way you described the hotel, the lake, and the quiet moments of sharing salami and prosciutto on the porch really captures the intimacy of the experience. The comparison of locking eyes with the elk to meeting someone with a secret, like the Orthodox nun, is so evocative. It’s a stunning piece of storytelling—thank you for sharing it!

Rafaela Kottou's avatar

Thank you so much for the lovely words Aaliya. I really appreciate you reading and am glad the piece resonated

Isha Brahmbhatt's avatar

I feel like I can see the elk right in front of me! So captivating

Kate Howlett's avatar

Beautiful reflection! Thank you for sharing this with me.

Rafaela Kottou's avatar

Thank you for reading! Glad you enjoyed

Stephen's avatar

Hi Rafaela, thank you for pointing me towards this travel story. I especially enjoyed the connection you made at the end, I think that's a fruitful idea worth exploring, elk, nun, aging...

thanks again.

Rafaela Kottou's avatar

Thank you for reading Stephen! Absolutely; the ending, I hope, pointed to the captivating intimacy of exchanging a look with someone (an animal or a human) that you do not know but wish you knew. It's a meeting of the minds, except you are so far from reading the mind

Stephen's avatar

that's a noble subject to write about.