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I found Paradise on Earth (yes, with capital letters!) when I visited Grand Cayman in the Spring of 2011. At the time, I was a college student living in the north of Florida. Although that state is considered a paradise too, I lived in the northern part of it, which resembles more Georgia than the rest of Florida. I was longing for real sunshine and peace, and that is exactly what I found at that small island in the Caribbean.
My first impression when I arrived there was how clear the air felt. No pollution, no traces of a big city with big traffic jams, just a jewel in the middle of the ocean, left alone. Of course, there are buildings and shops and restaurants, but nothing that interferes with the absolute queen of grand cayman, Nature herself.
The ocean was warm, calm and transparent. The sand, a very light beige. The sun burned my skin just the right amount. To make the trip more perfect, I was in love at the time. As I watched the perfect waters and sipped a fruity cocktail, I closed my eyes, let the wind touch my skin and daydreamed about my loved one, whom I'd be meeting again in a few days.
Although the entire trip was remarkable, there was one particular experience that I will keep forever in my heart: the first time I went scuba diving.
I was so scared that I almost changed my mind at the last minute. I am not a great swimmer; at most, a mediocre one. But I knew I wanted to experience the inside of the sea, to uncover it in my mind where it had always been a complete mystery. At the time, I had never lived near the coast. I grew up among concrete and glass, not among nature. I was intimidated beyond belief by the vastness in which now I'd have to enter. What if it didn't want me there?
However, as soon as I dived, the feeling of wonder took hold completely. It was really like being in an entirely different universe, one where the rules of ours, even breathing, do not apply. I saw colorful schools of fish, chorals, even a sea turtle. I was pointing at everything, I could barely believe my eyes. It was so beautiful, and it had been there the whole time and I had no idea.
As soon as the boat that took us arrived back at the beach, I immediately ran back to the ocean. I felt a strong desire to be one with it. I swam for hours and hours, my fear having completely gone away. I felt at peace, with myself and with the world around me. For the first time, in complete harmony with nature.