Write@Home
Winter 2015

Travel (Outside of Canada)

Aerial view of sandy beach on the island

A growing number of people believe that the first time that you see the sea is one of the most memorable moments in their life. However, for others it is just a part of the trip, and the experience is reduced just to the first meeting of a natural miracle, as part of a vacation package.

I completely agree with those who keep the most memorable memories of their first trip to the sea. An example of this is the clear memories of the wonderful weather in the place, the time shared with my family and the sensation of the sand on my feet for the first time. Even though this trip was 29 years ago.

I was 3 years old when my parent decided to plan a family trip. It was planned with my uncle’s family who, coincidently, has two sons whose ages are very close to my sister and me. All of my cousins were on the sea and the beach for the first time. The place is called San Andres Island and is one of the most gorgeous places on earth. It is located in the San Andres and Providencia Archipelagoes. This place has the most colourful sea that I had ever seen. It is called “ the sea of the 7 colours “. The topography is variable and shows up a wonderful variety of blues and greens on the ocean. San Andrés is a coral island in the Caribbean Sea. The colour and the smell of these places is attached to my memory. I used to play for a long time with my relatives, building sandcastles, digging gigantic holes and putting sand in them all day. Regardless, of my age, my parent decided I was ready to have contact with the ocean and enjoy all the miracles.

Additionally, this paradise is located in the rich zone of fishing. For instance, tourists enjoy one of the best sea cuisines, with native flavours and the traditional culinarians technique. The preparation is unforgettable. More specifically, coconut shrimp is one of my favourite dishes to this day. I remember this specific dish served in the side of a pineapple. There is a growing body of research which demonstrates how early memories have a deep impact on today’s preferences. I am a seafood lover, and I assume it is because I tried this wonderful food an early age.

To sum up, I believe this trip is one of my most memorable memories. I will grateful to my parents for building these incredible reminiscences of my childhood. I sincerely wish I can make the same spectacular memories with my own children.