This past Summer, I feel like I have seen and witnessed more eventful days than I ever have in my life (though this is a slight exaggeration). It all started off with a one week vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico. How many people are lucky enough to stay at a beautiful resort with its own private beach? I spent halcyon days just sitting on the beach in front of the bluest water I have ever seen. It was better to witness the beautiful sights myself instead of just seeing it displayed in simple pictures on the computer screen.
There was one specific night that I remember so clearly in my mind. It was around 11 p.m at night, and the beach was quiet. All one could hear was the crashing of the waves, but I could see so much more. I saw the stars so clearly in the sky, the lights reflecting off the dark water, the smooth sand on the ground, and the palm trees swaying in the cool breeze. Desultory thoughts seemed to jump at me all at once while I watched the waves at night. For once, I didn't mind the random thoughts or ideas jumping into my head. I finally had the time to think everything through, without being interrupted by daily life. The tranquility of the moment just seemed to overwhelm me. This aberration from my normal, crazy life was a perfect break. I momentarily felt free.
Sometimes there would be activities in abeyance, especially when it rained (though this didn't happen often). Occasionally, we'd have to postpone a snorkeling trip or a trip to some other famous beach in the area. Even though these activities were fun, I sometimes just enjoyed staying around the resort. In actuality, in a place like the Grand Mayan (the resort), there really was no need to leave. It was paradise in itself.
Although I miss the trip to Mexico, I felt like I was suddenly thrown back into reality. My paradise was gone, and I was back in New Jersey. It was as if my moments of drinking potable substances was over; my paradise was gone. I was now welcomed back into reality where I was smacked in the face with something new: a poisonous drink called reality.
