Surreal Beauty

There i sat, on a tightly packed pontoon boat, in awe of The Milky Way reaching from horizon to horizon. As the lingering swells lulled me into a sleepy and unsuspecting dizzy haze, i struggled to focus on any one star. Maybe it was my need of glasses, or maybe the daunting task of choosing just one, but my eyes wandered from place to place in search of that one twinkling light that shone brightest. There are many "life" parallels that i could draw from this, but i'll leave that up to the reader's imagination.


As the moon began to peak over the horizon, i gazed at the palms leaning out over the sandy beaches. Inadequate dreams of waking up in your June calendar spread wafted through my head as i pulled my hammock over my face. The most surreal calm settled over me as i let my surroundings sink in; the kind of surreal calm you can't describe to anyone, not even to someone who was there with you.


i awoke to the faintest pitter-patter of rain falling on the leaves overhead. i longed for the lack of stars overhead to be just another dream, but off in the distance i could hear the ever too familiar sound of pouring rain headed our way. The cold drops made their way through my hammock and began methodically falling on my already goosebumped skin. I willed myself to fall back asleep, but was soon aroused by a violent gust of wind as the heavens were opened above me. My heart sank as i reluctantly lowered myself to the ground. As i ran across the beach, i paused to take in my surroundings. A lone lightning strike in the distance lit the beach just long enough for me to see the sheets of rain falling across the sand. Though partially hypothermic, i couldn't imagine a more beautiful scene to wake up to.



It's hard to imagine that in less than 24 hours, the exhaustion and monotony of my every day routine can turn into the most surreal experiences i've had in a long time (maybe the most surreal i've had in a days, but that's not the point).


Updates: Ben Howard is a musical genius, that man's voice is incredible. Trekking barefoot through the jungle in the middle of a monsoon using a machete to cut a trail and then climbing a coconut tree is most fun i've had in days. Yes i know i said we'd play a game next time, but i'm still getting together pictures for you. I'm actually excited about being evicted and having to live in a local house (the local house we stayed at in Walung was the perfect size for us). I had my first fleeting twinge of homesickness. When dealing with kids, always undersell yourself, it makes it easier to live up to and exceed their expectations that way (i don't suggest this for job interviews). Our second 2.5 bag of candy corn lasted an astounding 4 days.


Stay inspired,

Tyler