Gray Dawn

I sat up, refreshed, as the alarm clock rang at 7am the next morning. I had had the most wonderful dream of being part of the ocean life, swimming carefree like one of the many fishes I’ve seen, chasing and catching those speedy swimmers, as only could be done in a dream.

Splashing some salty water upon my face, I was ready for more action today. Cherlyn had been roused by my switching on all the lights of the room by then, and we both changed into tanks and track-pants to have our breakfast while peeking out at the remainder of dawn. We strolled carelessly along the small footpath leading from our chalet to the hotel lobby, enjoying the crisp morning air as the sun had not yet peeked out from above the low-lying clouds of the sky.

Beyond the palms that marked the end of the path was the beach, a pale ghost of its noon-time splendor, being illuminated only by the smoky light of the hidden sun. The silver waters lapped gently upon the gray sands whilst the horizon was defined by the margin of the mirror-surface of the water upon the dusky orange sky. It was nonetheless awesome.

Cherlyn headed towards the mid-beach where a row of tanning chairs were arranged, and sat down cross-legged upon one and closed her eyes. She was shutting out her visual senses in order to fully appreciate the beautiful sound of a fresh dawn by the sea. I cooperated and without a word, sat down in the chair next to her and listened.

A gentle breeze brushed against my ear and the pale light created a halo of brilliance within the darkness of my blocked vision. The sounds of water rushing and breaking out upon the shore played out a harmonious melody against the background of distant birds calling. I opened my eyes and turned to the high mountain on the left side of the beach. An eagle was riding a thermal in a circular motion in order to climb the air to fly above the mountain peak. It rose up high into the air with its wings outspread and at the desired high, flapped it powerfully, exhibiting the grace and magnificence that earned it the title “Emperor of birds”.

We got up and headed towards the restaurant located directly above the lobby, having first washed off the sand on our sandals at a small hose set into the ground beside the staircase. I sat down at a table for four, at the central projection of the restaurant that overhung the main building, while Cherlyn went to get her breakfast. I had rice flavored with spice and curry tuna, a local delicacy and a cup of the most salty and undrinkable coffee, while Cherlyn settled for cereals, sausage and eggs and a typical glass of orange juice.

With our stomachs filled and an hour before the morning snorkeling trip, we roamed about the beach, posing with the beautiful scenery behind to capture some photographs. Soon after, we headed back to change into our bikini, and this time, being wiser, wore nothing else so as not to encumber ourselves with additional baggage. Arriving at the jetty slightly later than 930am, we were just on time for the briefing explaining that we were going to a marine conservation island via a 25 minutes boat ride, and once there we can obtain bread from the guides to feed the fishes. Furthermore, two cameramen would be hanging around the jetty of the island to take underwater photographs of whoever approaches.