Sumwe Journal

On the Indian Ocean This place is so full, in the coolness of the night, billions of stars shower the sky, in the early morning it is still, the only motion is that of the sleepy waves. I have seen so many incredible things just in the short time that I have been here. Deep blue and turquoise colored crayfish, eagle rays that fly and glide on the surface of the water and baby turtles, just hatched from their nest and crawled out from their hiding place. It is so beautiful to see the new life of these tiny babies.  One of my favorite evenings was a fishing trip. We get onto the little dingy before the last bit of the days light disappears. As soon as we are out of the calm lagoon, we are drenched with some bigger waves. Holding on and non-stop laughing we go on, into the blackness that surrounds the island. After a while we get to the spot where we need to drop anchor, the waves aren't as crazy here.  But the stars out when there is so little light aroun...

M A L D I V E S 3.2028 N  73.2207 E This is a magical place, little islands sit perched up, off the oceanic plate, covered in palm trees and other tropical plants. Lying along the equator the air is steamy and hot. A unique pattern of corals and turquoise coloured water surround each of the islands, and then the eternal deep blue swallows up the horizon and everything in view.  Sitting on the soft white sand, i can see hundreds of frenzied hermit crabs, scurry around. Their little feet make tracks in the sand and the end result of all of them together creates an art work of nature. So many things to observe when you really look. Slow, small waves dance along the shore, tickling the sand and bring gifts of broken corals and shells with intricate markings. The sultry summer brings breezes that are heavy with moisture. It is salty and I can taste it on my lips, I can feel it in my sandy, knotted hair. The breezes goes on to shake the leaves of the palms, and t...

T he sky is black and clouds heavy with rain, hover just above the horizon. The first winds of the storm whisk up loose pieces of grass, dust and the first few raindrops. In a few seconds the full storm surrounds us. The air is full of energy, thunderous clouds shut out the last bits of light and it feels as though night has fallen. The sky opens and huge drops of rain slap the red dust on the ground, making an intense sound. The birds sing out an African tune, thankful for the freshness of the storm, a break from the blistering heat of summer. Driving along the now muddy road, I put my head out the window and look up squinting, as the rain drops sting my skin. Open mouth and open heart, I taste the rain, the smell fills my nose and it drenches my hair, making it stick to my face.