The Lake Bled photograph reminded me of the time I was on a ship.  It was a small pump boat which our family rode to an island, where we celebrated Christmas in a tropical atmosphere.  My submission, "Journey", is a reflection of my experiences during that particular ride. 

Journey is divided into five distinct parts: 

My intention for the first and shortest part is to give a feeling of placidity.  Certainly, there are no waves on a lake, and the scene is calm, as you set out for the other side of the shore.  Only two instruments are present here: the harp and the flute. 

The second part is the most lively part of the song.  Having just recently departed, you would feel enthusiastic, and even invigorated by the journey.  Set to the tempo of a classical waltz, this part modifies the melody of the first part - injecting the playful interaction between the sun and water.  This playfulness is also reflected in your attitude, as you converse freely with your loved one. 

Immediately after the second part, the third utilizes most of the instruments I've set aside for this song - flute, ocarina, harp, violin, strings, and brass.  Exclusively in the minor key, this is another restatement of the main melodic line.  Here, the journey has dragged on long enough to tire the most patient or playful of souls.  The initial enthusiasm and vigor has been drained, and the only question now is, "When will we reach the other side?" 

Coming into the horizon, you see the magnificent castle and decorations on the shore.  Finally, the goal is at hand.  With a Christmassy atmosphere, the fourth part abandons the melodic line to simulate the newly-infused playfulness of the traveler.  Amid the backdrop of the bells, synthetic voices, and woodwinds, anticipation builds as you draw closer to the other side. 

Now, arrival is a certainty as satisfaction, anticipation, and relief all flood into the traveler.  This is the main melody as echoed in the first part, and modified in the other two.  All instruments come out with full force, and ever increase to fortessimo as the distance to the other side shrink. 

Epilogue: Finally, the boat touches the dock, and you gently into the stable ground.  The journey has been completed!