The electronic chiming bells played into the still air as I blindly reached for my alarm to put the ruckus to an end. Unlike most mornings, however, I did not mind waking up at three a.m. because today my family and I will soon be on the road to the Delaware beach. For some unknown reason, leaving is always so exciting despite the long trip ahead. After packing the van, we lazily climbed inside and found a comfortable position. Pulling out of the drive way, I glanced back and waved a goodbye to my precious puppy. Not ten minutes later, I quickly fell into a deep sleep, knowing I would wake up in a place I love.
Through the window, the sun’s rays warmed my skin and woke me with a silent hello. I opened my eyes to find myself in a completely different scene, and by this I know the beach is near. Excitement filled me, like a little kid, and I could not fall back into my sleep, but rather stared out the window at the flat roads, scarce trees, fruit stands, and the perfect morning sky. Nearly lunch time, we decided to eat at a restaurant which resembled an awkward checkerboard. Afterwards, my family checked into our new home for a week. The rooms bore a light, but satisfying theme arrayed with seashells, starfish, and other nautical objects. The new, clean smell refreshed my senses as we all settled in happily.
Just as the night before, I woke up willingly to spend a whole day at the beach. Gathering our essential items, we hauled ourselves to the shoreline. As we ascended the boardwalk over a hill, the shoreline slowly came into view and I smiled. It was early morning around ten a.m., and the sun shone and reflected off the water which gleamed a blue green color. I watched the waves gather strength and size only to be demolished at the shoreline. Perhaps because of the beach’s nature, it always made me feel at peace, and yet excited at the same time. I rose from my sunbathing and walked around in bare feet feeling the hot burning sand form underneath my feet. Then, I moved closer as I watched the ocean’s water creep up and smother my feet and retreat again. The waves repeated this process, and I spotted a large and intact seashell being pushed around with out mercy by the oceans power. I practically dove for the shell since such shells are rare now a days, especially around this particular area. Carefully, I took my prized possession back to our belongings and placed it safely away. The rest of the day, my sisters and I played in the waves and occasionally laid under the hot sun.
Coming back to the house to shower and get dressed up was something I looked forward to. Every night we would go out either to a restaurant, a boardwalk, or go kart racing. Walking along the boardwalk always had some entertainment to offer. Twice we past sand sculptures which portrayed the utmost detail that I did not think possible. Numerous food stores offered such delicious dishes and desserts. We were forced to weave through the massive crowds of people. Sitting on benches every corner or so sat young men playing away on their guitars hoping to acquire some money. Gift shops, too, displayed tempting objects to take back home. During the day, we ventured to the beach and at night we would explore the town.
Every day seemed better than the next and our time quickly came to an end. Sadly, I packed all my belongings up and packed them once more into the van. As we pulled away, I took one last look at the house we occupied for a short but sweet while. Once again, a deep sleep took over my body and mind for most of the trip home. Arriving home was bitter sweet. Missing the beach and longing to go back, I retrieved my rare seashell and placed it on my dresser to remind me of such a lovely and mystifying place.
