Footprints, water, sand and sun – A radiant walk.

Every step I take in the sand as I walk along the beach, by the sea, is a step of peace and tranquillity, taking in everything around me: the sea, the trees near the promenade, and even the sand, which often forms patterns or reveals my footprints and those of others. They are like traces of many walks taken, but which are then carried away by the water or the wind, whispering stories of footsteps.

A walk involving hiking, climbing a hill, even if slowly, is not the same as a walk along the seashore, where the foam can touch my feet, as if that were to wash away any trace of worrying thoughts and leave me with boundless energy.

The other day my friend sent me a message about someone to whom I’d sent one of my posts, and that message said something like: ‘She always thinks of you.’ The thing is, Claudia loves the sea, even before I could appreciate that feeling myself. She told me before I moved: ‘Seawater and walking on the sand are very beneficial,’ and when I tried it, I knew she was right.

She can swim, I can’t, but even from a distance she teaches me to float in the water. The sea or the water is like an oasis of relaxation and such positive energy… whether I’m in it or letting it caress me as I walk along the shore, the renewal is palpable; it renews the soul. What’s more, it’s always very inspiring. I forget everything in those moments and all that exists is the sound of the gentle waves lapping against the sand and that smell of the sea.

That smell I’m talking about isn’t so present on very touristy beaches, but it is on the beaches I’m showing you today; they’re far removed from all that and the smell is delightful. At least I like it; it takes me back to moments in life, even those I haven’t experienced. My grandfather also loved the sea; he used to race motorboats and go fishing. Although I wasn’t able to enjoy those things with him, I’ve been able to visit the places he used to go to, places that hold his memory.

As I said, water is a source of positive energy, of life and health, and I sum it up in one word: immensity.

I love walking along these secluded beaches, especially when it’s not yet the summer season; there aren’t many people around. I enjoy the solitude; it helps me connect with myself, which is very important to me.

I also love exploring the nearby neighbourhoods right on the beachfront, which, sadly, have suffered severe storms this year that caused a great deal of damage. There was a lot of council machinery there, sorting out various problems, as the water had undermined several foundations and it’s dangerous to leave it like that; besides, everything needs to be in order for the tourist season.

The houses in those neighbourhoods are distinctive, usually two-storey, simple, as if it were a village, and I really like that. As I always say, these are more family-oriented neighbourhoods, where children are out on the streets, playing in the parks near the sea, or on the beach itself.

The atmosphere is different and the energy too, more pleasant, peaceful, like being amongst friends. Even the way they interact with one another, from what I could hear as I walked, is like in villages, more intimate.

That’s why I alternated between the beach and walking along the promenade, under the trees, resting now and then and taking in the views, taking that moment to really see what was around me, and that’s what you see in the photos.

Thank you for joining me on this Wednesday stroll; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.

All photographs are my own.