When I arrived at Shymbulak, it was a rainy day, with drizzling rain and thick fog enveloping the entire mountain. My heart sank as I thought, “That’s it—tomorrow I’ll only have half a day to explore, and in the evening, I’ll be flying back to Malaysia.” A few days earlier, I had joined a local tour group, but an unpleasant argument with the guide left a sour taste. Now, even the weather in Shymbulak seemed to be against me. I felt disheartened, thinking that this trip was doomed to end on a disappointing note.

But to my surprise, the next morning, the sky cleared up. Even more exciting, it had snowed on the mountains the night before! Yes, early September marks the transition from the heat of summer to the cool of autumn. In the end, the heavens did show me some kindness, granting me the chance to marvel at the majestic snow-capped mountains. The breathtaking scenery made me imagine how wonderful it must be to hike or ski here in winter—surely an unforgettable experience.

Shymbulak Resort Hotel felt like a mountain cabin, perfectly complementing the snowy landscape around it. To my delight, the food at the hotel’s restaurant was at least a third cheaper than outside, and the chef’s skills were exceptional. Every meal I had was delicious, rich with local flavors. If you can stay a few more nights, don't forget to check out the fascinating books on the table in the center of the lobby. They cover the history of Kazakhstan, its wildlife and plants, as well as legendary tales of the nomadic peoples—definitely worth a good read!

Now that I’ve been back in Malaysia for over a month, I occasionally think about the unpleasant incident with the tour guide. When I do, I like to comfort myself with Longfellow’s poem Rainy Day: “Into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary.”

Whether in dreams or daily life, whenever I feel stressed, the image of Shymbulak’s snow-covered mountains always appears in my mind, gently reminding me: “Enjoy life—truly enjoy it. If you can embrace nature with your heart in the short time you have, you’ll discover that happiness isn’t far away.”