When I was younger I was very afraid of the sea and I think that feeling was very normal as I lived nowhere near it (although, on second thought, the Amazon resembled an ocean in some respects). Our summer vacations with the family in Lima would always include Sunday trips to the beach but I never considered the Pacific Ocean a friend, since to me it was rather intimidating with its darkness, cold temperatures and big waves.
My perspective about the sea certainly changed as an adult when I visited Playa del Carmen for the very first time and I got to meet the Caribbean. My summer affair with the Caribbean would turn into a more stable relationship later on and I’d end up living there for seven and a half years. That was one thing I had never expected or planned, but it certainly felt like as very natural when it actually became a reality.
I enjoyed my years in Playa at the fullest. Of course, this town’s laid back atmosphere (especially the first couple of years I spent there), its cosmopolitan flare and the friends I made there definitely contributed in that sense. There’s no question, however, that the calmness of the warm Caribbean waters and their amazing turquoise colors in combination with the softness of the white powdered sand had much to do with that.
Now I see myself as an Amazonian turned caribeña… and although I do not live anywhere close these days, I am very fortunate to be able to travel to the Caribbean several times a year due to my job. Most of the time, I am so busy during these trips tough that I am not able to enjoy it as much as I’d like to…but I have found the perfect solution!
Since it is not always possible to extend my stays by a couple of days so that I could spend time to enjoy my beloved Caribbean I always make a point to go down to the beach at least once while I am there. Even if I have to do it on the day I depart before leaving to the airport, I find that the best time to do it is very early in the morning. Depending on where I am I’ll do it between 6 and 7am when there is barely anyone on the beach.
I watch the sunrise and the birds fly, I go for a quick dive in the Caribbean calm waters or I just stand there barefoot on the beach while I feel the sea breeze touching my skin…what I get out of these precious moments is just priceless. After these brief escapes (they usually last only 15-20 minutes and never for more than an hour) I feel totally re-energized and my mood is certainly boosted. It is true quality time with my soul and body!
Its effects will usually last until my next trip down there. I certainly make sure this ritual and personal time with my self is part of every trip’s agenda. Making it happen is certainly a must!
