The jungle morning is alive with the sounds of the natural world. In this land of steamy heat and dense foliage, the early hours of the day are a precious gift. The serene, clear air carries the promise of adventure and discovery.

As I wander down the road that leads through the jungle town, I am greeted by the locals riding their elephants to work in the fields. Women with brooms are sweeping the outside, as if to invite the day to enter.

I reach the river's edge, which marks the boundary of the park, and follow it along its winding course, mindful of the creatures that share this space with me.

Suddenly, I spot movement in the grassy meadow a few feet away. A magnificent rhinoceros grazes contentedly, seemingly unaware of my presence. I stand still, breathing in the moment, watching the rhino's every move.

As the sun begins to rise, the air is thick with morning mist, and dewdrops glisten on the leaves. The diffuse light paints everything in a warm, soft hue.

I walk along a path, scanning the surroundings for the perfect shot. And there it is, an old boat left to the elements and the jungle's whims, but so full of character. I capture its essence, the way the light plays off its rough-hewn edges.

In this place of wonder and enchantment, where the jungle meets the river and the sun rises over the misty landscape, I am reminded of the power of nature and the importance of experiencing it firsthand. For it is in these moments, these brief glimpses into the beauty of the natural world, that we can find peace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Jungle Mornings by Ina Grischau