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The islands of Galahd..
Home to many and a land full of many traditions and a rich beauty of its own.
But what about further can one find if they look into the rich culture and vibrant lands that is Galahd? Lady Lunafreya shares some entries of her traveling journal from her recent venture there!
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M.E. 76X September 2nd
Today I finally arrived in Galahd after the lengthy, yet comfortable trip by boat around ten in the morning. I had been told about the lands beforehand and tales had been regaled to me through Libertus and Nyx as they spoke of their homeland and what it was like, but what I saw upon stepping onto the dock was a place more beautiful than one could imagine. It was almost like stepping into a fantasy world. It was bursting with countless plant life and flora, the silhouettes of mountains in the distance painted the background, and the air itself felt clean and refreshing. Various sounds of nature called out, from the rushing waters of the waterfalls and streams to the animals that sang their tunes into the late morning. I was much in awe as I stood on the wooden docks and took in the sight before me that I nearly missed my two dearest friends who waited for me as they called out my name. I finally turned around to see the two men waving me towards them, apparently having already gotten my luggage as I gripped the strap of my shoulder bag.
Nyx greeted me with warmth, pulling me into a hug before Libertus did as well, both of them then speaking what I guessed to be a welcoming phrase in a language I assumed was a Galahdian dialect. It felt warm and familiar, like one would feel upon being amongst their family. After the pleasantries and making sure everything was secure, we headed to a colorful truck they had driven to get me, explaining we would head to the main town where I would be staying. As we moved along, they had shared that walking was the main form of transport around the towns aside from bikes and vehicles. While Galahd itself was a series of islands, the towns were more connected closer to one another. The people here believed that while they may have made the isles their home and built their lives here, they didn't want to overtake the nature that had been here far before them. To them nature was something to be respected. I found their beliefs to be different than the many other places I have seen over the years, yet nonetheless just as magnificent and important.
After some time we finally arrived in the heart of the main town. As I stepped out of the truck, I was amazed by the surroundings and almost wanted to start exploring right then. There were buildings made of painted brick in various sizes with many different colored rooftops. Intricate designs were carved or painted into the walls or made up parts of the entryways and windows. Even some plants seemed to have overtaken parts of the architecture, with vines or ivy growing along unbothered. Some stalls with vendors lined the streets, their calls for business mixing with the boisterous conversations that came from the many open windows of what I believed were restaurants and shops.
Everything felt so alive and yet, also felt close knit. As if the community and nature itself had a sort of synergy. It’s truly a beautiful thing to witness a place that was once ruined by war and monsters come together and be rebuilt because of its people and the environment itself allowing for a rebirth. And while I felt revitalized following my arrival and wanted to further survey the surroundings and meet the people, I had to settle into my lodgings and didn’t want to keep my companions waiting any longer. So for now, this is where I leave my entry. Until tomorrow!
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M.E. 76X September 3rd
I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. I had been told the evening before that today we would be learning about the local cuisine as well as taking one of the many hiking trails to reach our destination at the Galahd River. It was around eight in the morning when I met my guides for the day, a younger woman and two men, before we departed on foot. I had been told to dress comfortably, yet coolly to handle the still humid weather of September. I was quite looking forward to the adventure of the day and what it would bring me.
We started out by walking along the streets of the town that I was hoping to have explored the day before. I was told that oftentimes breakfast foods consisted of hearty foods that often were filling and got people through their day until it was time for the evening meal. Typical breakfast included rice or bean dishes served alongside with various relishes or spreads made with sugar and spices. Flatbreads and fresh fruits were also eaten and best served with tea or coffee. Tea was the staple beverage of Galahd and served in different ways, both hot and cold.
We soon arrived at a vibrant restaurant near the hiking trail we were planning to take after we ate. I had chosen to drink a tea blended with milk and spices and ate flatbread with a spicy yet sweet fruit spread and a side of a lentil stew. Everything was rather delicious and opened me to new flavors that I had not expected would pair so well together. One thing I noted in Galahdian dishes was the presence of heavy amounts of spice and vegetables or fruits in most things. The environment itself seemed as if it would be able to grow its own variations of produce and herbs. Perhaps this is how they maintained independence of their country and their own self-sufficiency.
After finishing our meal and giving thanks with a local phrase in Galahdian dialect (a language I was hoping to learn more of during my visit), we headed out to start on our hike. As we started along the path I noticed how patches of sunlight spread out among the trees. In some areas, the trees were dense while in others the canopies were open and one could see the azure skies. Small creatures roamed and birds called out to one another. One of my three guides walked ahead to keep watch on the trail for any possible threats, but it was the younger woman who informed me that the few hiking trails that went to the river were in safer territory and the more dangerous wildlife weren’t as present in those areas. Trails were often scouted for possible migrations of the island creatures that may be moving towards the towns. This kept a balance for both humans and creatures while keeping each safe from unnecessary harm. As we neared our destination, we briefly stopped as I was shown in the distance one of the native creatures to the islands, that of the white coeurl. Coeurls were most common in the Liede region of Eos while elder coeurls were common in the Duscae region, but it was only in Galahd where the white coeurl made its home. It was a truly remarkable beast that was not only alluring, but one could only imagine the power and strength it had. It was then shortly after we continued on our way.
Upon reaching the Galahd River, I noticed the branches of some trees extending out over the water. Tattered yet somehow still brightly colored strips of triangular ribbons hung from some of the branches while some others hung from a thin rope. I was curious as to why such things were near the water as I asked my guides for a culture lesson. I learned that every colored piece was put up during a special festival per year.
The festival itself was a way to unite the people while also bringing gratitude to the Gods for their protection for another year. Each new year, a colored cloth different from the previous year was hung up by a chosen individual as the remaining people of Galahd gathered in the center of the town to offer up a moment of silence as a sign of respect to the Gods. The remainder of the festival included dancing, eating foods only served during the celebrations, music performances, and special mini-events to help reconnect individuals to one another in the community.
While celebrations through festivals were not quite as common in my own country, the idea of a society coming together in such a way with a common reason in mind sounded fun and seemed to give way to establishing traditions. It was only after that lesson, near the river where I stood admiring the ribbons, that I almost missed the sounds of splashing and the screams of laughter of those around me who hopped into the water for a swim. I then took off my shoes and with my own joyous laughter, joined them.
For the remaining afternoon, I had taken my time exploring more of the various hiking trails, learning even more about the local flora and taking pictures of some of the animals I saw.
I have much more to share, but I am quite tired from today's adventures. Hopefully tomorrow’s adventures are just as beautiful!
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M.E. 76X September 4th
The previous day’s schedule helped me fall asleep and rest well as I awoke for another day of exploration. Much to my surprise I was greeted with a knock upon my door by Nyx. He handed me two boxes that held what he said to be “special garments” and told me to meet him outside after getting ready as today was a special occasion.
As I opened the two gift boxes, inside the bigger of the two was a blue colored sleeveless top made of silk with golden ornate swirls and flowers embroidered along the borders. The top was almost like a knee length dress, except at the waist there were slits on the sides. Among the top in the box was also a slightly darker blue colored sash with strings of beads, slim gold chains and multicolored braids attached. A note left inside informed me the sash was to be tied around the waist and the remaining fabric adorned with the beads and chains left to hang from the hip.
The second box was thicker as I then opened it. Inside was a knee length brown skirt alongside a pair of matching blue ballet pumps with the same flower embroidery as the top. Another note explained that the included accessories, an array of beaded bracelets and golden bands were to be worn on the arm instead of the wrist.
I had carefully then taken the intricately crafted clothing and went about to get ready. I had been rather intrigued about the necessity of such a colorful outfit and what the special occasion that had been mentioned was about. Therefore, after getting fully dressed and styling my hair, I left my lodgings.
As I had met up with my friend, it was then that I was informed today was a celebration in honor of my birthday, which I had honestly forgotten about. Nyx told me that the clothing was traditional to their homeland, typically worn during special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and even anniversaries. He then explained that birthdays were less about a big party and more about giving thanks for another year of life and wellbeing and meant to be spent among friends and family.
I was taken to a cafe nearby owned by both Nyx and Libertus where the celebration was being held. As I walked inside, the familiar scent of spices and breads filled my nose. At a table near the kitchen, two of my guides from the day before waved before greeted with warm wishes and compliments onl I looked in the traditional garb. Nyx had retreated to the kitchen as the woman guide asked me if I would like to light a set of candles and incense on an altar nearby. Typically candles and incense were lit at home during one’s birthday as a way to invite another healthy year of life.
Moments later, Libertus, Nyx and the other guide came out from the kitchen carrying an array of dishes. From curry to flatbread to semur skewers and even a small strawberry shortcake, all the dishes were made to share amongst my friends and myself. As we all sat down to eat, Nyx brought out from his pocket a small box that he opened to reveal a chain headpiece with small gemstone discs hanging from it. It was worn across the forehead and crafted by hand to gift to a family member on their birthday and worn daily afterwards, much like braids with handmade beads were worn as a symbol of the Galahd people.
After that heartfelt gift, the remainder of the day was spent with food and conversation, as I was taught more about the birthday traditions and the meaning behind them. Pictures were taken and many laughs were shared. It was a wonderful birthday celebrated in a rich, vast culture.
While I have much more to write and so much more to say, I will be ending this entry. It’s still only the beginning of my visit, but the warmth of the people of Galahd and their openness to share their culture with me has truly touched my heart. I do really look forward to learning more. Until next time!~