Here’s the thing. I have a mixed marriage. My husband can swim. I can’t. Not even a little bit. It makes for unique Caribbean vacations.
No couple snorkeling, parasailing, paddle boarding or scuba diving. You know, all the water sports that look like a helluva lot of fun in those Sandals Resorts commercials.
The mere thought of dunking my head under water is paralyzing. This is old news. I had the audacity to walk away with an A+ in my high school swim class because my teacher said I showed effort and wasn’t a troublemaker.
It was the 70’s, folks. Low expectations. Yep, I was a real shark with that flotation device. Well-intentioned family and friends tell me, “It’s never too late.” Trust me. It is. I have nothing to prove at this point in my life.
I don’t want to cheat death.
Beach, please
Oddly enough, my favorite place to relax is the beach. Seasons don’t matter; an unorthodox place in the rain or snow. I bundle up and go.
Living in Connecticut, for the past thirty years, has spoiled me rotten. It is inundated with gorgeous beaches along Long Island Sound.
However, tropical destinations really make me swoon. After rave reviews, my husband and I chomped at the bit to visit Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Thirty minutes after we checked into the resort, he gleefully said, “I’m ready for a nice dip.” A dip? Already? I was ready for a long nap. But, I headed out with him for all the frolicking.
In awe, I watched him slowly emerge from the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea. The water glistened off his chest. A sense of freedom was etched on his joyful face.
And there I was, perched on my beach chair. Rubbing sun screen on my legs, sipping a yummy Pina Colada. I wasn’t a total wuss, though. I did muster up enough courage to tip toe into the water up to my ankles.
But, I must tell you. I’m no beach wallflower. It’s my happy place where I get inspired, seek solace and let the sea breeze run wildly through my hair. My husband and I weren’t at each others throats!!
Speak up
The real reason I love it? It’s my playground to meet people. I can’t help myself. Yes, while many tourists were dripping wet from swimming or jet skiing, I was talking to the resort staff; pool side waiters, bartenders; towel attendants and concierge. Every damn body!! LOL!
I enjoyed brief, but, compelling stories about their culture, families, jobs, sacrifices and challenges.
All it takes, sometimes, is a warm hello. If you lend an ear, most folks want to connect. I met a vibrant, 23-year-old woman, who works as a concierge and gives tours of the resort. Life is not easy, as she puts in ten hour days and works two weeks straight, before she has a few days off to spend with her toddler daughter.
While strolling the beach, I met a young man in his early 30’s from Port Au Prince, Haiti, eight hours from Punta Cana. He sold beautiful Larimar bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Larimar is a blue stone found only in the Dominican Republic. Of course, I jumped on it. I had to buy all three pieces.
He was very pleasant and talkative. He went to college in England; spoke Creole, Spanish, English and Russian. Yes, I did a double take on the Russian. LOL! He was a real hustler, in the most respectful way.
Read that book you’ve put off
So, what if you aren’t a fish. Don’t put your head in the sand. There’s lots to do.
- Listen to a podcast.
- People watch.
- Get a pedicure.
- Get an aromatherapy full body massage under a thatch hut.
- Take a nap on a beach bed.
- Chill with a cocktail.
- Write in your journal.
- Take pictures.
- Look at tour brochures.
- Eat local food you haven’t tried before.
- Write postcards.
- Or, meet some interesting folks along the way.
Be forewarned. Your hubby might get a little jealous!! LOL!
Great story…felt like I was there while reading it…way to go Viv.
Thanks so much, Leonard. More to come.
I live a mile from the beach, yet never go into the water. I can swim, but don’t like to get my hair wet. I can’t imagine you dunking your coifs in the water. Anyway, I walk the boardwalk a lot and love the beach but only to walk and hang out, but never to get wet. 🙂
Hey Michele: It must be such a liberating thing to be able to jump into the water and relax. Enjoy the boardwalk, girl.
I love this story sweetheart. I couldn’t have described it better myself and I am in it…LOL. Your writing is meticulous. You are truly the BEST! xoxo
Thank you, honey, for all your support and love.
Alright Viv, listen hear. We all spent the first 9 mos of our existence completely enveloped in water. Our planet is 71% , our bodies are 62-65%…it is the most abundant resource we have. Not to mention that there is an ENTIRE PLANET of God’s wonderful creations under the ocean surface.. So get that life vest on, grab your snorkel and let Q take you on a true life changing experience…TRUST ME…
Hi Christian: Thanks for cheering me on, but, it’s too late. I’m good with loving the water from the shore. lol
Love this….I also have an absolute ‘draw’ to the ocean…Like you Viv…I feel most at peace on the beach watching the waves & amp; listening to the sounds of the ocean…this goes back to our water astrological signs….BUT… I Love getting into the water..and actually feel that I’m communicating w/ the power of the waves….
Viv you are so right about the beach being that place which calms and relaxes one. Girl, you’re missing such a wonderful treat in not embracing the big blue sea with a snorkel adhered to your head and some fins on your feet! Exploring what’s underneath the water, beautifully colored fish and the coral reef is an adventure you’ll never forget. C’mon Q needs a water partner! Girl, jump back in time to us splashing around in that Humbolt Pkwy. swimming pool and remember how much fun we had. The YMCA has adult swimming lessons….:) You can do this!
Hey Linda. Thanks for your feedback. You know how much we love connecting with nature. It’s so relaxing. I like walking in the woods, too.
Thank you so much for sharing your blog. I just received the link from Rene’. Been going through tough times recently, thank you for the smile! Enjoyed!
Well…I too belong to the “non-swimmers” club. I say water is for water animals, land is for land animals. I am a “land animal”
The ocean is beautiful to look at, but there are those of us who prefer trees, grass, flowers, mountains, and the land animals who share this precious space.
I like how may girl found so much enjoyment in speaking with the other land animals she met at the beach that day…sharing her space near the water, but very much on land!
🙂
Thanks, hon, for understanding how I roll on land. LOL! You know how I love talking with other humans, while observing all the beauty around. But, I would love to be a fish. LOL! Thanks for reading.
Thanks, Yvette, for reading. I hope things get better for you soon. Glad I could make you smile.
Beautiful story.
Thanks for reading, Rita.
I could smell the salt water/sunscreen scented breeze. Thanks Viv! That was a nice little psychation!
Sabrina, isn’t that the greatest scent? LOL. Along with a nice, frosty Pina Colada. Thanks so much for reading.
HEY VIV,
BEACH IS ALWAYS GOOD!!! I live a good adventure. I am not a real good swimmer like my hubbie or adult kids but I REALLY LIKE A GOOD PINA COLADA!!! you know the song by christopher cross .”Sailing takes me away to where I’v heard it could be. just dream and the wind to carry me. Soon i will be…..best of me. When I’m sailing.
thanks for the ocean view!!!
Hey Liz: You and me both, sis, on that Pina Colada. I love that song, too. Soooo pretty and soothing. Thanks for reading my stories.
Hey Liz. Thanks for reading. Love that song. I just close my eyes and relax. I do a lot of my writing at the beach; very inspiring.
I loved this story Viv! I felt it. You’re a great writer.
Now I really want to go to the DR and relax on the beach.😊
Hey Lena! Thanks so much for reading and thanks for your nice comments. Love ya.