Nov 10th, 2022 Thursday Cloudy and unseasonably warm
I have never been a beach person.
This probably dates back to my first experience of the sea, when my parents took me on a trip to a beach resort area when I was seven years old. I was not able to swim back then, so they put a life buoy around me and told me to just hold my breath and float when the wave came. Then, I stood near the sea with both my hands clutching to the buoy, not knowing what to expect.
Before I knew it, a giant wave roared towards me and knocked me over. All of a sudden, cold salted water poured into my mouth and my nose, with lots of sands mixed in. While I did not sink due to the life buoy, I felt so helpless as the wave pushed me around. I wanted to scream for help, but my little voice was drowned in the thundering sounds of waves hitting the rocks nearby. Hours after I was “scooped up” by my parents, a choking sensation was still lingering in my nose.
Ever since then, I decide to stay away from the sea, this fearful monster with mysterious power that no one can really grasp.
During my recent trip to Sydney, my husband and I took a 4-hour hike along the Manly scenic walkway, ending with a short visit to the Manly beach. It was chilly and a bit windy, and the hike was nice but long. By the end of the hike, we were too exhausted to take a dip into the ocean. Nevertheless, I was struck by the beauty of this beach – clear blue sky, large yet slowly moving rolling waves kissing the soft white sand beach, a few seagulls hovering in the far horizon – just like a beach in one’s dream.
“What a shame we do not get to swim here!” said I.
“Well, I heard the best beach in Sydney is Bondi beach, so it should be even better than this one. You can go check it out if you want.” replied my husband.
Even better than this one? Is that even possible? If that is true, then I can’t miss it for the world!
The next day I got sick and had to rest in bed ? The day after was the only sunny day of the week, with gentle breeze, a perfect beach day.
Despite still being sick, I know I would regret it for the rest of my life if I did not go check out Bondi beach, so I took some medicine, grabbed my swim gear and towel, and hopped on a subway train.
There I was, in front of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with smooth sand massaging my soles, mesmerized by the sapphire-colored waves rising and falling, hugging the shoreline. I felt the urge to jump in, and to embrace the power of nature, as if being drawn to the origin of life.
This time I did not hesitate. Having changed into my swimsuit, I ran towards the sea to greet the waves, letting them rush through my body again and again. It was addicting. I played and played for who knows how long, until I got a warning from the lifeguard that it would be too dangerous to swim in this area, especially since I was alone 😛
I think I have grown to love the sea. The little powerless girl that was scared of the unknown tide has grown up to brave the challenge and face a world of colorful adventures beyond her. The sea awakened the explorer spirit in me, the spirit that could be easily forgotten in adult daily life.
Now I feel full again.