Recently, I was in the Philippines for around 5 weeks. The Philippines (as you should know) is made up of 7,000 islands. Being surrounded by water, you have no choice but to give in to the caresses of the ocean and completely embrace it.
The first time I felt like I really experienced the ocean was on my flight to the Philippines. It was dark, and the plane was quiet as I looked around to see most people with their sleeping masks and blankets covering them. I opened the window blind and was completely in awe of what I saw. The clouds had cleared, and the moon was like a lamp illuminating the ocean. The light flickered off the ripples of the water, and all I could see for what seemed like forever was that dark, endless pool of waves.
The ocean has this way of putting a sense of fear, yet curiosity in someone. Its vast unknown has a peculiar way of drawing you in and allowing you to be enveloped in its power.
It is a beautiful, scary thing.
Once, when I was on a boat staring down at the emerald waters that faded into dark rolling ripples.. I wondered.. how much is under me? This sense of unknown completely baffled, yet captivated me. What, did we not know about the ocean. There must be so much. And the scarier part... it takes up nearly three quarters of the earth.
I looked at the old man standing on the edge of the boat. I wondered what he thought of the sea. I wondered about his rough calloused hands from years of working on boats. I wondered about his dry feet, and the years of being abused with saltwater, and how they had conformed to the shape for working on a boat. But, What I loved most about this man was his face. His withered face seemed to almost depict the stories of the hard life he had. But, through his course, sea salt hair to the contours of his wrinkles, you could see contentment in the mans eyes. Standing on the edge of the boat, with the wind and sea water hitting his face, you could see, this, this is the place he wanted to be. The sea had won with this man... and he seemed completely fine with it. The ocean, the water... this was where he was meant to be. I wonder when was the first time he was bewitched by the ocean, but it was clear that when it happened... he let himself be completely enveloped by it.
The ocean is a peculiar thing. It is vast. Huge. Enticing. And I think, in an odd way, its not just beauty, but fear is what draws us to the ocean. The fear of the unknown. As humans, our curiosity can often consume us. Its our simple nature that draws us. Maybe, thats the reason why so many people spend their whole lives exploring the ocean.
This man will forever be ingrained on my memory. The memory of him standing on the tip of the boat. Letting the ocean surround him. He was safe in the presence of the water. Comfortable. Content.
I often have a hidden interest. That if I was to ever pick an odd career or hobby it would be sailing. Although, I have only been around and in the ocean a few times. I know that it is something I keep close to my heart. A secret passion I have.
The ocean enchants me. It is unpredictable, dangerous and unfathomed. And perhaps that is the very reason I wish to go back. The thrill of the ocean.
It is a dazzling, enticing and ultimately consuming. And I love it.
Til we meet again sweet waters of the sea.
Love, your sailor at heart, Shelby
