With no academic plans for the day we decided to go to the beach! I really wasn't too sure I wanted to go-I had no book to read, nothing to swim in, and didn't really want to talk to anyone. I mentioned this to Lucy and she asked, "Do you not like the beach?" Then I realized, I love the beach! What am I thinking? So I quick put together a back pack and headed out to the bus, happily settled on going.
Our bus driver, Freddy, though truly amazing, got lost, so it took much longer to get there than it should have. But that was okay-a group of us sitting towards the front sang Mamma Mia songs by Abba. These continued as we disembarked and waited for the train that would take us to the beach. It was not really a train because it did not ride on tracks, but the front looked like a little engine and our seats were arranged like train cars. It was kind of like going on a carnival ride, except we went far too slow. I tried putting my hands in the air as we went down hill, but it just was not the same.
First order of business in town was to find lunch. Baby bell cheese, bread, and a pear. I would usually get an apple, but the mere thought of eating an apple repulses me-I have had far too many in the recent past! Oddly enough, apple sauce is still okay with me.
We walked to the beach and enjoyed a picnic lunch. I walked down to the water, pretended to push Melissa in, and looked longingly at the beautiful blue waves. In a brief moment of stupidity I decided to leave my swim suit in America. It is the one thing I wish I had brought that I didn't.
I laid on the beach and listened to music for an hour or two after that, before a group decided to go kayaking! I was so excited! I love kayaking! Kayla and I shared a double, as did Liz and Jane and Ruth and Jill. Casey and Tyler were independent in their singles. I briefly envied them as they managed to quickly climb aboard their kayaks and shoot out across the water. But a double is necessary for me. I do not steer very well and have weak arms. I would not get very far alone and would take far to long to get back should I take a single. Having some one else with me is just more fun anyway!
Kayla and I took our kayak into the water, ready to climb aboard and head out. We went in a few feet, and I instructed her to climb aboard since she was in the back. As she worked to do so, the kayak turned parrallel to the beach and in line with the waves. A huge white cap rolled in out of nowhere! It forcefully pushed the kayak into me, knocking me off my feet. I laughed good naturedly and the sand in my pants as I stood back up, then dashed out of the way as another wave threatened to trip me once more. The kayak man then pulled us aside and gave us some instructions. We were almost doing it right, we just needed to be in deeper water. Kayla and I waded out once more, and she climed in without a problem. I had a few more issues. Waves kept coming and, buoyed by my life jacket, lifted me off the ground. I couldn't seem to stay on the ground long enough to jump in! Fortunately, a group of non-kayakers were nearby, and Julie came into the water and held the canoe steady so I could get in. Finally, bruised and slightly bleeding, we managed to paddle to the open water.
The sea breeze meant rolling waves were constantly threatening to topple us if we did not remain pointed in the right direction. Tyler was skimming across the water like a pro, until a wave tipped his kayak over. He had been the only one to declare falling an impossibility, and I couldn't help but laugh at his bad luck. In his defense, he was taking many more risks than the rest of us, so it wasn't too surprising that he was the one to tip.
Our little red and yellow kayak served us well. Under Kayla's excellent navigation, we never tipped over. She steered, I sang every single song I could think of that mentioned boats, water, and all things nautical. I sang about gin, the Virgin Mary, sailors, lazy pirates, lovers, and not worrying. Luckily, Kayla likes to sing to, or else she might have tossed me overboard as my cracking, scratchy, screeching voice belted out half remembered lyrics.
After an hour of ferocious paddling and several long breaks, we returned to the beach to gather our things and return to the bus once more. The ride back was much shorter, for which I was gratefull. I dashed through town in search of something fun to read, but met the man locking the door of the used book store as it closed for the night. Instead, I bought a few groceries for tomorrow and returned to the hotel.
It was a fantastic day-I am so glad I didn't let my mopiness keep me in the hotel. I may never get the chance to kayak in the mediterranean again! It was well worth the sunburn on my shoulders, chest, face, and even my calves. Luckily we have some great cream called "post helios" to apply after a sunburn. It is great!
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