My feet sank and squished into the warm, wet sand at the edge of the waves.
I never felt more serene and peaceful...
But alas, I woke up from that vivid dream and sadly realized that we're still under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). The ban on interstate travel has not been lifted.
We have been under partial lockdown since March 18th.
My nearest weekend beach is just an hour's drive away but it is in another state.
It will be some time before I can hear the soothing sound of waves again.
From the archives
Port Dickson 2011
I miss the beach..
"A day at the beach restores the soul." - author unknown
Remember Penyu, the baby turtle I adopted and released back into the wild on a turtle-release excursion 2 years ago? Story and photos here.
Oftentimes, I still wonder if my little buddy ever made it after we sent him off into the sea.
It is estimated that only 1 in 1,000 turtle hatchlings survives to adulthood. Along with fishing gear and climate change, there are numerous human activity threats to sea turtles.
But for now, the fate of turtles may change and the Covid-19 pandemic could be playing a role.
Endangered turtles are thriving as global lockdowns vacate beaches across the world.
In Thailand and India's eastern coast, millions of endangered baby turtles were seen making their way on empty beaches to the sea!
From the archives
Penyu
Endangered sea turtles are nesting in peace — at least for now.
We were supposed to arrive in Milan for our Italian vacation on the 9th of March.
Just two days before our departure, our travel agent called to inform us that the trip was cancelled.
On March 9th, the government of Italy announced a national lockdown.
There is no refund for the trip, only a deferment . No date has been given.
We are still waiting for a response from our travel agent who is waiting for a response from the tour operator who is waiting for the airline who has suspended all flights until further notice.
It's a long waiting game...
It's a no-win situation for any party and everyone is a loser.
I'm not even angry, just frustrated.
Our Italian vacation is in limbo.
It's a torturous wait and at 58, I feel my life seconds numbering.
The corona virus has hit the pause button on my bucket list.
So many places yet to visit, so little time.
From the archives.
London 2011
According to Lonely Planet, international travel might not return until 2021.
A Malaysian classical group and global friends comprising 25 vocalists and 19 instrumentalists, performing on the flute, cello, piano, violin, etc from all over Malaysia and seven countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Sweden and the United States met online to record this uplifting Bach hymn on their cellphones.
Watching this video keeps my spirit up, knowing that although we are isolated and worlds apart, we are still connected.
Lockdowns, hospitals and morgues overwhelmed. empty shelves, xenophobia, a masked society, world chaos...
Our lives are thrown out of whack...
Surreal...
It's like waking up in the middle of the movie "Contagion"...
But....
I am inclined to believe that there is a silver lining when adversity knocks on the door. Things always happen for a reason.
I believe too, that God allowed this pandemic to return us to our true priorities — to the God who loves us, our families and the friends He has given us.
Mother Earth is given a chance to reboot — to purge off human pollution, to heal and to rejuvenate.
"Since the lockdown: Venice's canals have become crystal clear. Italy coasts have dolphins coming nearer and nearer. Japan now has deer roaming free in the streets, and Thailand: the same with monkeys. China has record breaking pollution cuts. The Earth has already began showing signs of amazing things that are happening from the absence of human pollution. What if- and hear me out..- what if the entire human population used this as an opportunity to restart society on a greener, more environment conscious foot. What we're seeing in the span of a couple of days is amazing. A pipe dream " - Gina Mayer
Swans have returned to the canals and dolphins have been spotted in the port.
In the meantime, sometimes the only things that can get you through these uncertain and tumultuous times are a little laughter and a whole lot of friendship.
Fortunately, here in blogosphere, we needn't adhere to social distancing rules — we can send virtual hugs and kisses as much as we'd like!
Sharing my go-to hymn whenever my head is in turmoil.
The words and melody never fail to sooth me.
Let's get through this together. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
