When I go to the beach, there are lots of things I look forward to.
I love the serene reflection of the sun on the turquoise sea surface. I like the gentle caress of the breeze whizzing through the filao trees on my skin. I love digging my feet into the soft grainy sand and feel the latter sifting through my fingers. I get the amazing opportunity to be away from the city din, close my eyes and relax, marveling at the beauty and purity of nature.
I am finally at peace with myself.
However, this is a joy which is unfortunately short-lived, it seems. Gradually, the beaches I love so much are being butchered. And this is taking place in most parts of the island. Man-made structures are sprouting unexpectedly. Some inconsiderate people have restricted access to the public beaches. Well, they do love the privacy of their exquisite villas together with an extra serving of a slice of our beaches. Trees are being felled. When I walk on beaches flanked by hotels, I feel the suspicious eyes of security guards scrutinising my every move, though I am no trouble-maker. I am simply a Mauritian resident who wants to enjoy the beauty of the beach, which is public to all.
I do not go to the beach for an elaborate restaurant lunch or dinner. Nor do I wish to indulge in a shopping spree there. There are enough shopping malls and shops for that. The pleasure of going to the beach lies in having a simple picnic, sampling finger food, sitting cross-legged on a mat and taking in the breathtaking panorama of the beach, sun and sea etched across a horizon of unequalled beauty. Concrete jungles only serve to ruin this canvass. I am sure that many tourists will agree.
These are the simple things I love when I go to the beach. But for how long will this last ?