I'm not a beach bum - nor could I ever be, but there is something spectacular about the sound of waves lapping at a sandy beach.
I imagine this is how some people imagine paradise. A clear sky. Full moon. Calm water. Sandy beach. Coconut trees rusting in a warm breeze.
I find my own search for paradise quite amusing. With seven unplanned days at the end of my long journey, I anticipated spontaneous (the irony is not lost on me) adventure. My altitude sickness having taken alot out of me - I instead resigned myself to spending the remaining time 'relaxing' (as one should - on a holiday). But where?
Its not enough for a location to be beautiful, I discovered. But to be a true paradise, it must be cheap (or at least of good value for one's cash), unspoiled, and (most importantly) have readily available internet access.
I've been incrediby lucky to find the location I have, and when I say "find" I really mean "accept", as I believe I have transformed this simple but clean accomodation into what it needed to be to facilitate my current needs.
And a sandy beach ain't bad - right?
I understand the context of paradise as a reflection of the inner state. Milton clearly thought so, and in this a sandy beach is not quite enough.
I've not found the peace or total relaxation I sought (or found last year in Thailand) although I don't blame Malaysia. There are any number of reasons why this year is different (not the least of which being - this is THIS year and not LAST duh!)
All is not lost however. I no longer seek perfection in this. I've never been much of a beach person. Perhaps I'll find what I'm looking for tomorrow.
