Relaxing Rich...

During my adventures here on Terceira, I have seen many wonderful views and met numerous beautiful people. Working in the hospital during the mornings into the day, then from the day to the evening filling that time with hikes, explorations, and discussions with Azorean people on the street makes for, what ended up being, and exhausting bunch of weeks. As wonderfully fulfilling all these experiences are, the pace of it all can wear a person down. Thus, as important as it is to interact with the locals and learn about their culture, it is equally as important to take some time to neutralize. I did that a couple of days this past week at the local beach where many of the locals find time to relax and enjoy time with each other under the sun.

I've walked past and taken photos of this beach a hundred times already (and I mean that literally). I had yet to pull out a towel, grab some hydration, and just relax. Take a load off, if you will. The beach was replete with locals from a varied age range. Laughter from children and adults was like music to my ears. And observing the enjoyment they were all having in the simple moments they indulged with others, the sand, the water... I began feeling the same thing too. Simple moments.

A hot day, I chose to take a swim and float in the bay well away from the crowd. Lying back, I looked to the sky and in my periphery, the sights of the city structures. So well designed and beautiful. My ears under the water line, I could hear the sounds of people splashing in a muffled sort of way. However, the sounds of the ocean took precedence and was incredibly relaxing. So much so, that I could have easily fallen asleep if not for the occassional splash of salt water across my face. Sure, the water was cold upon entry, but once my body became quickly adjusted to the temperature, I began to differentiate between the warm and cooler currents of the incoming Atlantic waters. I was alone in the middle of the bay, surrounded by the elements of humanity and structure, and peaceful. I was at one with my surroundings.

Floating in the water, and returning to my beach towels that was placed next to my relaxing cohorts who were either reading, watching the sights, or taking a nap, I realized that we were in a precious moment. We were like rich millionaires in a resort town undiscovered by an overwhelming feeling of commercialism prevalent in many resort-like settings. Here, we were rich in culture and opportunity surrounded by locals who were here having the time of their life with simple pleasures. And, for me, it was also a time to not think about school, the hospital, paying bills, or anything else taxing to my mind. At that moment, I was in a glorious place I have connected with spiritually and culturally, and taking time to de-stress and breathe it all in. Yes, I am rich with the many opportunities to partake in all that wonderful place has to offer.

~Christopher