One rainy day, we drove to a medieval town named  Murat.  The clouds descended on the volcanic cones surrounding the city.  Resting at the heart of the Auvergne mountains, France,  this magnificent gem drew us in for an architectural walk under a drizzle reminiscing the life during the middle ages.

I came across this lovely plant in the mountains.  Still carrying and spreading the Hunger Games fever , I convinced my mother-in-law to read the french version of the series. Now, my husband  is very much glued to it. We spent our days hiking in the forests talking about Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.   

I still remember when I said, "J'ai essayé de monter un chameau, un elephant, mais jamais un cheval." (I tried to ride a camel, an elephant but never a horse).   That sent my in-laws in loud guffaws. I was born in the Year of the Horse.  I even designed a glass etched horse partition but I've never been on one until recently.

I would like to share one of the many special moments during our vacation. One of my ''firsts''.  I happened to be married to a very adventurous man who loves to push himself to his limits. He loves extreme sports.  I, on the other hand, am an indoor artsy ambivert with a love for traveling but has always been afraid of heights.

Through him, I have discovered my adventurous side. He often gets me into some adrenaline pumping activities and I always end up having fun.

Throughout our years together, he made me discover my love for hiking.  May it be in a tropical forest, a cacti cladded island in a salt desert or a deep green community of pine trees.  I have crossed steep paths (almost fell at one time) but have never reached a summit of a mountain.

There's always a first.  

 Puy Griou is a sharp volcanic chimney in the department of Cantal, Auvergne region in France.  1,690 meters altitude, located between the valleys of Cere and Jordanne.  It is accessible from both valleys.