World Tourism Day in the Maui Surf

You've encountered her many times before, but she's always changing, so each time you meet she's like a whole new person.  In truth, you just have to get your toes wet and feel around for what's changed since last time.  Descending into the water, you're plunging into a mysterious deep of unknown possibilities.  Immediately, you want to get close to her again.

She's alive.  Within seconds, the bold stranger rushes to greet every inch of your body.  She's in constant motion, and you're forced to confront her and dance with her as you paddle out and duck dive to the line-up...  Out in the pack it's obvious how many other men vie for her attention, but you're not vexed.  You turn at the familiar sound of her next move.  With heightened senses you make a swift reading of her speed, direction and wave behaviour, and respond quickly.
She moves you, urges you, resists you, pushes you under, and sometimes even bleeds you.  But it's all worth it.  She's the reason you float, she let's you fly, dares you to soar, and celebrates alongside you as you ride.
When you've left her, and have headed for home, you can't forget her.  Her smell lingers on your tanned skin, and her salt has drawn the waves out of your hair.  She's left memories of her lips* in your dreams for days.
(*a lip is the tip of a breaking wave... or not...)

I've always dreamed of surfing Hawaii.  So earlier this year I overlooked my fear of sharks (eeeek!) and headed to Maui.  Let your wanderlust inspire you, and go where your heart takes you.  Happy World Tourism Day.

Hint: click the first photo to enter the photo viewer.

Get in touch with nature.

The legendary painted bark.

Fishing for dinner.

Head home.

Now on to the other islands...

Chloe Golightly
...on holiday.

chloelnlam@gmail.com