The first time I visited a desert, it overwhelmed me. The vast sand dunes together with the blaring sun was enough to make my whole body feel weighted and somewhat parched. I never imagined how immeasurable these layers of sunbaked morsels could be. There was no beginning and no end. I remember standing amidst the openness and thinking, I couldn’t have taken this trip to the middle east and not experience this drought driven territory. Then as I stood half stranded in what seemed to be the middle of no man’s land, I questioned myself, exactly what was I expecting?
It’s definitely a vision, a place to set your eyes on at least once. There are no words to explain how I felt. The desert is alarmingly deserted, or at least it seems that way. I realized very quickly, it wasn’t attracting me. The colossal mountains that loosen while we drove over them in our jeep made for one terrifying ride and the scorching sun has no mercy. It’s a lonely escape, you feel the wonderment of despondent isolation. Your eyes begin to seek life, another human perhaps.
On that very same trip I sat by the ocean. It was a different experience altogether. Serene and calming, so like the desert but yet so different. There is sand here too but this sand is forgiving, it’s moist and inviting. I’m thirsty here too but there I was parched for more than water. The infinite sea just like the desert is endless but here I feel somewhat secure and why is that? Water has that effect on you, a sedative soothing effect. Perhaps it’s the tranquil sound of the ocean or the salty sea breeze or the mere smell of life. The desert seemed as if life had abandoned it, as if it was neglected. The lifeless blanket lay waiting in anticipation for existence. Here in this somber surrounding you seem untethered. The desert made me feel extinct. I can almost quench my thirst here just watching the waves rolling. The desert engulfed me in dehydration of sorts. I lost myself there and here I’m free. I’m free here but I seek to be left alone.
I learned that one must experience and explore both worlds to come to a truce. It’s better to have taken the risk than not taste at all. No doubt nature is beautiful but if I had to choose the sand, the sand by the sea pleases my senses a little more.