It’s amazing how adaptable human beings are. After two weeks in the Alexandria I had become used to seeing the sky in block shapes through buildings. The constant assault of city sounds had dimmed in my consciousness to a dull background buzz. Darting through traffic as I made my way through town was a daily occurrence. I didn’t even realize how accustomed I had become to the city’s onslaught on my senses until Friday.
Friday we went to the beach.
The teachers (and families) at the British School have a wonderful week-end routine. On Fridays (week-ends in Egypt are Friday and Saturday) we pile into a mini bus and head to the Iberotel Borg El Arab Resort on the Mediterranean coast. There are several pools, green grass, lounge chairs and a restaurant. The kids play in the pool, adults play water polo or chill or chat and we all have an enormous lunch.
The beach at the Iberotel Borg El Arab Resort.
This Friday was my first beach experience. In the afternoon I took an hour to myself and sat on a lounge chair looking out at Mediterranean Sea. All I could hear was the crash of waves. All I could feel was a gentle breeze and the light salty spray of the sea. All I could see was the shifting blues and white foam of the waves and the unbroken blue of the sky.
I sat, almost completely still and time lost it's meaning. My mind slowed it's normal hectic pace and I almost felt like I was in a meditative state. I could have sat there for several hours but for the strong sun on my still-pale skin and a mother’s worry about a child out of sight.
The beach at the Iberotel Borg El Arab Resort.
Back at the pool I spent hours playing with Oscar in the pool. I don't think I glanced at my watch once. It’s carefree day - or for those of us with children who can’t swim, it’s an almost carefree day. In any case, it’s a welcome reset button for the week. Looking into the endless sky, worries tend to drift away.
To the next week, I say “bring it on.” I have this to look forward to.
To the Borg El Arab Resort, I say this, "Resistance is futile, I have been assimilated." (If you get this - high five, let's be friends)