Space

    North Shore is my home away from home, a cherished escape. Everywhere your eye wonders there is always something beautiful and captivating to behold. From the crystal clear water that crashes upon the island’s shores to the lush greenery dancing in the fresh island breeze, the Hawaiian island of Oahu never seizes to bring me a sense of comfort and joy. 

   Almost every summer since I was eleven, I’ve traveled to the North Shore of the island to soak in the fresh air and bask in the slow pace of life. The North Shore is a sight to behold. Its infamous beaches stretch on for miles, and I often spent my time sitting on my bedroom patio staring at the miles of horizon where the sun meets the sea. Sunrises and sunsets are the most beautiful times of day and guaranteed I do not miss a single sunrise or sunset while I have the chance the appreciate these passing moments of utter natural beauty. While at the beach, I love to snorkel with the marine life until the salty ocean water becomes too much for me to handle and I spend the rest of the time laying on the sand entranced in a book. While the natural scenery allows me to lay back and appreciate the splendor around me, the people and the culture of the North Shore are just as beautiful and inspiring. Everywhere I go in the North Shore, there is always someone to strike up a genuine conversation with. Whether it’s fellow tourists or welcoming locals, there is never a lack of authentic amiability. Last summer visit outside a local shrimp truck, my family and stretch up conversation with another family from Virginia. It was a brief conversation - Where are you from? How long are you in Hawaii? What’s the best shave ice on this part of the island? - but I will hold the feeling of wholeness in my heart forever after talking to the kind family. 

   Having that special space where you feel at peace and authentically yourself is important to hold on to. It is so easy to feel swallowed by responsibilities to ourselves and other people. But to be able to escape to a place where you can focus on the beautiful parts of life should always be held close to our hearts and treasured. I hope someday soon I can return to my space, and hold onto the feeling and memories forever.