Seasons

Beaches have always meant seasons to me. The winter beach in the north is empty; it is a time of hibernation; it is a time of renewal. Often the sand washes away and reveals rocks, only to return for the summertime. The Caribbean beaches do not have this ebb and flow so have provided winter warmth and sunshine more than reflection.
My current 'beach season' is one of endings. My current work life finishes with a contract end today. My current volunteer commitment comes to an end after four years. The next few months will be a time when I seek renewal. As I go to explore the Middle East, I will come back with new views of people and the world - as well as new beaches. I will immerse myself in history; it is daunting to read of Egypt and its thousands of years of civilizations. The rock, stone, gold, pyramids, buildings, sculpture, art that have survived will outlive this blog and all of my other accomplishments. Travel is a timeless experience; days linger but in retrospect pass very quickly. In a sense travel is seasonless. I look forward to new beginnings, to renewing energy.