I love the sea. Maybe it’s because I was blessed to have been born in Barbados. Many people in Japan have never heard of it, but it’s a small British English speaking island in the Caribbean. The smell of salt water, the sound of waves crashing onto shore, sand between my toes; I missed those things when I lived in Canada. Of course there are beaches there, but because I lived in Toronto, the sea was hours’ drive east or days drive west.
Here in Osaka and in fact most places in Japan, it’s a short trip by train, even shorter by car. I really enjoy going as often as I can in the summer or even early spring. One of my favorite things to do is drive along the coast in Wakayama. Watching the palm trees overlooking the ocean as I drive is like taking a trip through paradise.
Recently I’ve finished writing my third book and made a promise to myself. I promised that if I get a successful publication, I’ll buy a second house or condo with an ocean view. Being able to spend holidays surrounded by the surf will be like a trip back to my first home. Perhaps I love living in Japan because it reminds me of Barbados. The palm trees, the beautiful flowers, much of the architecture and the friendly people are what both of my homes have in common. This summer I think I’ll take another drive to Wakayama and look for that ideal spot for my ocean view.
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