For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),
It’s always our self we find in the sea.
E.E. Cummings
The Swahili Coast is a ridiculously beautiful part of the world. White sand, tall palms, crystal clear blue and green ocean… when you find yourself gazing out at the dhows as they cross the horizon you can’t help but feel at peace.
I have always loved to be by water. Growing up in Scotland, I was never far from the salty smell of sea air. Trips to the beach were almost a weekly venture, and I loved nothing more than walking through the waves as they crashed against the sandy shore. I always found a sense of peace and calm when looking out at the sea and breathing the sea air.
She liked the sharp salty smell of the air and the vastness of the horizons bounded only by a vault of azure sky above.
It made her feel small but free as well.
– George R R Martin –
They say that salt water is a healer. Spending time in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean did feel like a time of healing and restoration of my soul. Your senses are exposed to sheer beauty – the stunning views, the sound of the ocean waves crashing, the delicious mix of smells of sun lotion, salt and sea air, the taste of the salty water, and the warmth of the hot, Equatorial sun on your weary body. Late in the afternoon, the ocean waters get really warm, like bath water, and the sunset sends strange bands of light through the clouds.
And as the stars come out, you can see the Milky Way in the velvety black sky.