As I walked on the beach, my feet were sinking into the soft sand, and the water was splashing on my bear legs; how refreshing I thought to myself. I enjoyed watching the sea returning to its course and depositing small white bubbles on the edge of the beach. I observed pelicans plunging into the sea, fetching small fish for their nourishment. With the help of the smooth breeze, the seagulls were gliding in the air spreading their wings along the way.
When I was a young girl, I always thought pelicans were related to seagulls because of their similarity in colors and their long wings. However, pelicans are larger in size, with a pouch in their long beak for storing fish.
I decided to run a distance towards the mountain of sand dunes; when I reached it, I took an adventure in climbing the firm sand carefully. I could not resist the nostalgic experience of my childhood. As I ascended, the risen sun shimmered on my face. It felt warm and gentle. I sat on top of the elevated dunes, as high as fifteen feet. I was not doing anything, but breathing in the cool air around me, and looking over the enormous bodies of water that surrounded me on both sides. These hills divided the lake and the ocean. The illumination of the sun encircled the pattern of undisturbed nature. There were fruitful coconut trees standing firm, among other tropical plants.
While I was looking down the silent lake, I saw the natives of the village: men, women, and children. Some were swimming; others were traveling by canoes to their farms for a day's work. These canoes are specially designed for transportation and carrying farm goods. A few of the people waved to me. I rose up to acknowledge their greetings; I gently waved back. They seemed reduced in size because of their distance. The height only allowed me to see their physiques, and their gestures.
I wished to share their experience; I wanted to take a ride in their canoes and smell the aroma of the ocean. So, I slid down the sand dune. The elevation seemed endless coming down. The joy ride of the steeped hills brought me down to the bottom of the lake. I could feel the air wipe through my curly hair, smelling the salty wind as I zipped down the sand dunes. Since I was covered with sand, I immediately dived into the water fully clothed to cleanse myself. As my head plunged under the water I felt as if I was in another world, the fish, the taste of the water, I felt as I could stay here forever.
When I emerged, one of the owners of the canoe instructed me to climb in. I boarded the canoe with enthusiasm and excitement. It did not matter how wet my clothes were, because I knew they would dry with the heat of the tropical sun.
I was taken for a long ride. Above, I saw colorful birds, large and small. I saw monkeys swinging from gigantic trees, and snakes enjoying their habitats. Below the clear bluish colored water, I observed fish, crabs, turtles, and small crocodiles. Their territories were well kept by nature. We travelled for miles, appreciating the wholesome adventure. As we became hungry, we drank coconut juice and ate fruit from the banks of the river. I strongly felt a sense of belonging. I treasured its cotenants, its vegetations, and I respected and admired the people. Limon, meaning lemons, is my birthplace. Limon is my heart, my treasure, my soul. Its beauty is something out of this world. Paradise on earth is what limon is, and I am proud to call it my own.
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