Rewind to a cool evening on the Burapha Withi Expressway, heading towards Bangkok. It was after work, and I was driving home while pondering my plans for the upcoming long weekend...


The sky ahead, which once cast sunlight so bright it forced us to squint our eyes shut, is now a dark, heavy gray, a clear sign that the rainy season is upon this country.

The lush green forests of Khao Lamnao are about to enter a period of renewed growth and vitality.

The Hustle and Bustle of Bangkok: Adapting to Frequent Natural Phenomena

In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, city dwellers must constantly adapt to the increasingly frequent natural phenomena that have become a hallmark of recent times.

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"Waterlogged awaiting drainage"

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"Perhaps during the rainy season like this, visiting a waterfall would reveal more beautiful sights than during the hot season when most people prefer to go."

I pondered back and forth, seeking reasons to persuade myself to become interested in visiting waterfalls, as I am normally indifferent to such activities.

...

And another thing that often comes with the rainy season….


I believe everyone would agree that the level of loneliness has increased significantly.

Watching cars pass by, sipping a light beer, listening to music, feeling a pleasant loneliness.

However, as soon as the rain started to fall,

Occasionally, tears may well up and flow. It's confusing, haha!

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Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

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"Who wants to come with me?"

Feel free to like, comment, discuss, praise, criticize, or anything else you want (except for online job offers, haha).

https://www.facebook.com/gohangaround/


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Let's get back to our topic.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm not a fan of hiking or visiting waterfalls. Many times, it feels like the same routine: driving to a parking lot, walking through swarms of mosquitoes to reach the waterfall, standing in the humid air watching the water flow, maybe seeing people jump in, and then heading back. It's always the same, and I don't find it particularly interesting.



Unlike the sea...

With beautiful, fair-skinned girls swaying gracefully, allowing us to walk around with our shoes in hand, dipping our feet in the water, gazing at the horizon, and the sea breeze fluttering our clothes, it's much more relaxing... like the picture below!

"Wait a minute…a white girl?"


"White sandy beach" - I can't believe I made a typo. Haha.

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Excluding the issue of comfort, let's focus on the positive aspects of our country. Aside from the fried scorpions at Khao San Road, the taxis that refuse to pick up passengers, and the sensationalized news headlines, we still have "Thi Lo Su Waterfall," the largest waterfall in Thailand and the sixth largest in Asia. As a Thai citizen, I cannot miss this opportunity, even though I am not a fan of this type of travel. Since I'm already here, I might as well endure the hardship to conquer it... by walking!

So cool!!!!!

Oh no...!!!!!

...

I don't have many options. From my inquiries, I found out that the best time to see it at its most beautiful is during the "rainy season". There will be a lot of water, so much that it will flow out of every hole. However, during the rainy season, vehicles are prohibited from going up. You can only go "on foot".


Oh my god!!!


Fine, let's do it!


Mother's Day long weekend...packing up my things...

Embark on a thrilling adventure and conquer the majestic Thi Lo Su!


Warning

1. Long post, those who skip reading might get tricked. Hehe. As for those who don't like to read...

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Translation:

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Please read it. Please read it for me. Please, I beg you. You can read it in installments, a little bit each day. Hahahahahaha.

Translation:

Pleading desperately...!!

Translation:



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Here's the breakdown:

  • <p>: This tag defines a paragraph element.
  • <br />: This tag inserts a line break within the paragraph.
  • <hr />: This tag creates a horizontal rule, which is a line that spans the entire width of the page.

Therefore, the code snippet creates a paragraph with a line break followed by a horizontal rule.


6:30 a.m. on August 12, 2016

As the captain gradually reduced the speed, the flight attendant's announcement informed us that we would be arriving at our destination in a few minutes. I quickly rolled up my headphones, grabbed the backpack I had placed under the seat, and hugged it close, indicating my eagerness to get up. After twisting and turning in my seat due to fatigue, my stomach began to growl insistently, demanding that I find something to eat. This was despite the fact that I had just devoured my last meal at 1 am at the rest stop.


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Hmm??

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Oh, I came by bus from the Northern Bus Terminal, not by plane. Haha.

A 10-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Mae Sot, Tak Province, is no easy feat.

Stepping out of the car, I wandered around, hoping to find something to satisfy my hunger and keep me full during the long drive to Umphang.


I guess it's too early, there's nothing to eat!!!...Damn it!!!

Translation:

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"Then let's hurry up and get on board, everyone."

Realizing that the kind-hearted driver, Eed, had been waiting since 5 am.

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From Mae Sot Bus Terminal, it takes about 3 hours to reach Umphang via the Sky Road with 1,219 curves. But let me tell you,

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I took a motion sickness pill at Mo Chit and another one when I arrived in Mae Sot. If I still felt nauseous, I was going to take a handful. Thankfully, I didn't get sick, or I would have surely died. Haha!

"Can I have some motion sickness medicine, please?"

Concerned about my companion's growing silence and paleness, I turned to her and offered motion sickness medication.


Good person, huh?....

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With a smile in his heart.

Translation:

Heh heh!!! "Serves you right! Good thing I saw it coming and took my meds beforehand." Hahahahahahahaha

Before I came here, I had read some reviews. Everyone said that whoever comes to this road will vomit. I have experienced it myself and I believe it. There are so many curves. The curves are not just simple turns, they are sharp turns like the letter A, F, or even T.

...

If you are trying to visualize the shape of the letters A, F, and T…

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You can stop thinking now. It doesn't exist. Hahaha. Thank you for your enthusiasm in reading.

The road curves dramatically, resembling the shapes of the letters C, U, and S. It only lacks the shape of the letter H to become a complete rollercoaster.

...

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Ugh... I'm choking.

After dozing on and off for a while, we arrived at the first rest stop. Actually, it was the only one, haha.


Thank you for having... just a little more and my butt would have melted to the seat.

"Alright everyone, we're halfway there! Let's take a break to grab some food, use the restroom, and stretch our legs."

The calm, slightly smiling voice of Brother Eed drifted through the back of the four-wheel drive pickup truck, whose high roof shielded us from the sun and rain on this brutal journey.

....

And of course… the "short while" I mentioned is an hour and a half!

I've been sitting here for an hour and a half, and I'm only halfway there!



Are you really trying to make us vomit?

I am prone to motion sickness, which can last for a long time and cause me to feel faint. It usually takes a full day of rest to recover. On this trip, we will not have much time to rest after arriving in Umphang, so I am particularly worried about getting motion sickness. It is crucial that I avoid getting sick.


..

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Until I got on the car... the sound of a fizzy can opening.

"Let's have another drink before we go, so you won't get carsick," said Ek, handing me a beer. Hehe.

"I almost bowed down and licked his face a couple of times. How do you know me so well?"

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It's better than getting carsick, haha. (You can scold me here, but not too harshly, haha.)

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Translation:

The atmosphere in the car grew quiet as the effects of Ek's trick began to take hold. Some passengers started to feel carsick, while I began to feel drowsy from the effects of the golden-yellow, foamy drink. Yawns became more frequent, and I noticed that one other person was still excited by the scenery passing by.

"Hey, could you take some pictures of the view for me?" I mumbled to the person sitting opposite me, my voice thick with sleep. Before I could finish my sentence…

...

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Snore… Zzz

Approximately one and a half hours after the rest stop, according to the time told by the driver, the car stopped at Boonlum Resort. It was almost noon, if I remember correctly. We had very little time to eat the food prepared by the resort and clear our bags. It is recommended that you only bring essentials, such as books for reading, multiple sets of clothes for changing and taking photos, or a laptop for listening to music or watching series to relieve boredom.


Translation:

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Ugh!!! That's too entertaining. Hahahahahaha

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Pack light for this trip. You can wear the same outfit for both the outbound and return journeys. Just bring a change of clothes for sleeping, a flashlight, toiletries, and a raincoat. That's all you need! It's best to leave the rest of your belongings at the resort.


2:45 PM on August 12, 2016.



The ground was a soggy mess, a mixture of mud and puddles that spoke of recent heavy rain. Imagine a Twix bar, with its chocolate coating clinging to the wafer. That's what the ground was like, not slippery, but clinging stubbornly to your shoes like melted chocolate to your fingers.

...

The more you walk, the more it accumulates, getting thicker and thicker. These flip-flops are really hitting the back of my head!

"If you could eat this, I would lick it all the way from the edge of the road to the riverbank, just like I used to suck on chocolate that got stuck on my fingers when I was a kid!"


Translation:

After the guides inflated the boat and checked everything was in order, we prepared to set off. Each boat could hold around 5-6 people (including the guide). And of course, someone like me wouldn't just blindly follow anyone's instructions.


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Ugh, ugh, ugh, ptooey!

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Even cycling every day, you still fall. How dare you steer the ship? Hahahahahaha.



The truth is that it is divided into two streams, but they will flow together. No one is left behind. Those who love nature and peace will jump on the same boat as me!



For those who are irresponsible and like to drink beer, tell jokes, and fool around all day, please board another ship with Dr. Jane and Jieb as the captains!!!.....

Translation:

(Please note that the original text provided was incomplete and only contained the phrase "…". As a result, the translation is limited to the provided text.)

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And after that, until we returned, we hardly saw the sunlight again….


Wow!

Translation:

The sound of a beer can popping open echoed through the forest. Big brother Ek opened a beer and handed it to me, offering a brief explanation to persuade me. (Big brother Ek again!!!)

"Just a little...before we get seasick."

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Translation:

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Please provide the text you want me to translate from Thai to English.


Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Who did you tell to go to the doctor with you? Was it the one who drinks beer with P'Morjen and P'Jeab?


Haha, just kidding... I intentionally wrote it in reverse to make myself look like a good person.

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A little bit would be nice. Haha.

"Hey, do you know how to use the Xiaomi camera? How do you set it up?"


"Dream's voice asked me (just yesterday evening, she was still calling me "you"), and she handed me the action camera to look at. But that's not the point. The point is..."

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Translation:

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"What the hell is that mushroom camera? The name is creepy as hell… I'm scared!"

Upon closer inspection, I discovered that it was an action camera, not a "bear" as I initially thought. It was a "Xiaomi" brand camera, not a "bear" brand. I was quite startled, haha!

As we sailed, we sipped beer and chatted, laughing and having fun. Our guide, Paul, played his role, pointing out landmarks along the way, some truthfully and some not, as befits a jokester.


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Most of which are untrue!


We spent the whole day and night together. It wasn't until we were about to leave that I found out his real name was Phorng! I had been calling him Paul, thinking it was his cool nickname. And that's not even counting the other hundred things he tricked us into believing. Haha!

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Oh... Brother Phuang!!!! (The picture below, the one with the blue and white striped shirt, that's our Brother Paul!!!!)

Normally, if you read reviews before coming, the waterfall you can't miss is Sai Rung Waterfall. But coming during the rainy season like this, just surviving to reach the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary is a blessing. Hahahahahaha.

"Jaemjan! Here's your beer," Dream called out, handing her another beer that she had received from P'Ek, passing it over to Jaemjan, who seemed to be sitting in the wrong seat.


Translation:

"Hey, uncle and auntie, they came to visit. I'm a heavy drinker, so I went to sit at the bar last night! Hahaha!"

After a long journey, we finally arrived at the hot spring. We didn't stay long, as it was getting dark, but it was a wonderful experience.

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It's incredibly hot! Damn it, my legs are burning up. If I sit down, I'll probably get burned.

"The egg must have been boiled."

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I suspect I may have rushed the landing a bit. The weather was rather chilly, likely due to the recent rainfall.


3:00 PM, August 12, 2016

Translation:



Note: The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Please provide the text you want me to translate.

After passing the hot springs, we continued for a while, but I can't remember how long. It started to get tense again, even more tense than when we reached the hot springs! Haha! However, I know that it took about 3 hours in total from the time we got on the boat to the time we reached this point. We arrived at the boat landing to prepare for our hike. The ground along the riverbank was now completely covered in liquid chocolate.

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Translation:

"When it comes to slippery things, we must talk about…"

"It's so slippery that I can barely stand still, let alone walk!"

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Translation:


It sounds tedious to get there, doesn't it? Three hours, wow.

The captivating natural scenery along the way, with its unfamiliar sights and exotic flora, piqued my curiosity, prompting me to pepper P'Phong with questions (though his initial responses were invariably misleading!). Far from being dull, the journey was exhilarating, especially for someone like me with an active imagination. I couldn't help but envision myself embarking on an adventurous voyage, much like the plots of childhood adventure cartoons, which further heightened my excitement.

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Furthermore...

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"Yong Yong Yod Bua Ngam"

Translation:

Ugh! How much "more" can there be?

Before we begin our journey, allow me to briefly recap the initial situation. As you may recall, I had initially inquired about potential companions for this adventure. However, much to my surprise, a multitude of characters have emerged, seemingly out of thin air. I understand that this sudden influx of individuals may have caused some confusion and raised questions about their origins.

Translation:


English:


...

Translation:

"There's not much to it, really. As I mentioned, I didn't know who to go on this trip with. Plus, knowing my friends, unless it's a relaxing resort trip with card games, no one would join me. So, I decided to open an event inviting my page followers to join a shared-cost trip. I'm opening it up to 8 people in total, as that's the maximum group size allowed by the tour operator."

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The results showed an overwhelming response from friends, causing the Facebook website to crash.

All those who have agreed to come with me...


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6 people in total!

Overflowing, isn't it? Splash! Hahahaha

Upon arriving in Mae Sot, we were joined by two individuals, P'Jeab and P'Mor Jen, who had booked the trip separately. This brought the total number in our group to eight, a serendipitous coincidence. It was remarkable how quickly we bonded, despite being complete strangers. The group was incredibly fun-loving and easygoing, making it easy for everyone to feel comfortable and connected.

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Translation:


If we hadn't asked, I would have assumed everyone already knew each other. Haha!

Note: As the provided text is empty, I am unable to translate it. Please provide the text you would like me to translate from Thai to English.

Let's go! It's time to walk.

Translation:

To provide a brief summary for those who have never been there, let's paint a picture of where we are heading, what's going on, and why we need to move forward. Here's the gist…


...

Our destination is Tee Lor Su Waterfall, which is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary office. Typically, for those who visit during the summer or winter, after getting off the rubber boat, the tour we purchased will have a car pick us up and take us to the sanctuary office. Once we reach the sanctuary office, we will have to walk another 1.5 kilometers as mentioned above. It is possible to go and return on the same day.

Due to the need for the conservation area to allow nature to recover, the road is closed during the rainy season. All vehicles are prohibited, except for official vehicles transporting supplies. However, tourists who wish to enjoy the beauty of the area can still visit on foot. Given the distance and time involved, it is impossible to make a round trip in one day.



From the drop-off point, we had to trek for approximately 9 kilometers, which took an average of 3 hours. This was a long journey, especially considering the bus ride from Mo Chit to Mae Sot, the connecting bus from Mae Sot to Umphang, and the 3-hour boat ride that preceded the 3-hour hike.

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Translation:


"Oh my god, am I on vacation or am I following Tang Sanzang to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures? Hahahahahaha!"

And as I mentioned, since we got on the rubber boat, we haven't seen the sun again.

It's raining all the time....


The path is a vehicle track, as shown in the picture. You don't have to trek through a harsh jungle. However, there are some slippery sections where you might need to crawl, and some muddy areas where you might sink up to your ankles. But these are just a few minor obstacles, nothing to worry about. The real challenge is the steepness of the path. It's incredibly steep, so much so that it takes hours to walk just 2 kilometers. We even had to count our steps and take breaks every thousand steps.

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Initially, I walked casually, ignoring everything. I didn't count anything. I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't get anywhere. I took breaks too often.

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After the steep section, the trail becomes smooth and gradually slopes downwards. At this point, the hike becomes a breeze, allowing for swift and agile movements. However, there are occasional slippery patches that can lead to unexpected falls and bruises.


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However, I forgot to consider that the gentle slope of today's path would become a steep climb on the return journey.

"Oh my god, the person who just walked by is so hot! They must be worth eight billion baht."



Oh no!

(This photo was taken in the morning because everything was dark when I arrived.)

6:30 p.m. on August 12, 2016


And then... we finally arrived at the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. If I remember correctly, we arrived around 7 pm. We were all exhausted. The first thing we did was put down our belongings and eat dinner. I believe the stir-fried curry we had for lunch on the rubber boat in the rain had been converted into energy and had served its purpose completely. Because now...


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Short and sweet.

"Soooo hungry!"

Translation:


Dinner will be prepared by the chef, and your tour guide will assist and manage everything, so there's no need to worry.

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The only concern is... will there be beer for sale? Hahahahahaha

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After a hearty meal and a refreshing bath, the group gathered for a formal debriefing session, reflecting on the shared experiences of the past day and night.

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A gentle rain falls amidst the flickering candlelight (they cut the electricity after ten o'clock).

Translation:

A fresh atmosphere, new friends, and cool air.

and

Translation:

...

Translation:


Warm beer!!!!!!!!!! No ice, can't bring it up, the path is difficult!!!!

We drifted off to sleep, intoxicated by the warmth of two beers each, as the gentle rain pitter-pattered on the roof throughout the night.

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I will finally get to see Theerathon tomorrow!!!!!!


7:00 a.m., August 13, 2016.



At dawn, Phi Phong roused us from our slumber, urging us to wash our faces and brush our teeth. A steaming bowl of rice porridge, lovingly prepared by the kitchen auntie who had risen before the rooster's crow, awaited us.


Translation:

The light drizzle in the morning made the air cool, almost chilly.

Translation:


No one seems to be talking about bathing...


Translation:

Before setting off to the waterfall, we want to give you a glimpse of the tent-pitching experience. Many people might think that they can pitch their tents in open spaces and choose their preferred scenic locations.


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However, it is the rainy season now... If it is as you said, we will definitely sleep soaked all night.


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For those who come with their partners and are thinking of.......


I don't think I have enough energy left. Hahahahahaha


For this trip, the fact that we have made it this far to the wildlife sanctuary is already a success.


Translation:

After this, it will be a leisurely walk, enjoying the birds and trees for another 1.5 km. It might sound like a lot, but considering we just hiked almost 10 km yesterday, it's a breeze!

...

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The rain continues to drizzle, and the trees and grass are truly lush and green.

The closer I got to the waterfall, the less I had to say...


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Despite not being a fan of such excursions, I found myself eagerly striding towards our destination, my heart pounding with anticipation.

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Translation:

Even though it may not be anything grand or spectacular, we are starting to feel that everything we have worked so hard for, from Bangkok all the way to this point, is finally starting to show its worth.


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However, it was not easily obtained.

Had I chosen to stay home that day and wait until they allowed cars to enter, I'm not sure how I would have felt about seeing Teelosu....


And finally, we all made it.


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The question lingered in my mind: would I be as moved by this waterfall if I hadn't endured such hardship beforehand?

The arduous journey of over 30 hours that we have endured to reach this point has made it impossible for me to resist the urge to descend and greet the majestic Ti Lo Su Waterfall, rather than simply admiring it from afar.

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Brrr... it's freezing! Well, I guess it was inevitable that we'd finally meet, "Telozu".

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Translation:

.


We spent about an hour and a half here, if I remember correctly, after battling for more than 30 hours as I mentioned earlier, before having to go back to pack our things and prepare to walk back the same way.

Translation:

...

Translation:


Is it worth it to go through all this trouble just to see a waterfall for a short time?

Focusing solely on the waterfall... it's not worth the effort. The journey is tiring and arduous, only to be rewarded with this underwhelming sight...

Translation:


This is a simple and short translation of the original text.

Note: As a journalist translator, I am not able to answer questions or evaluate the task from the input text. My primary function is to translate the provided text accurately and concisely.

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However, focusing on the entire journey… the strangers who shared my fate completed this trip in a way I cannot describe.

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Despite the short time we spent together, the moment we parted ways, a profound sense of loneliness washed over me. This feeling permeated our entire journey, which was filled with joy, laughter, and a burgeoning sense of camaraderie forged through shared hardships. We are grateful to fate for bringing us together and to each other for creating such memorable moments amidst the challenges we faced.

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I hope that one day...we will gather again with new strangers again and again.

As a final note, for anyone considering visiting Tilosu during the rainy season...


...

Translation:

Memorize this by heart...

"The steep path today will be a gentle slope on the return journey, and the gentle slope today will be a steep path on the return journey as well."

Good luck to everyone.


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Until we meet again... Farewell.

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