A Perfectly, Relaxing Sabbath

"The mountains! Roo, look! We can see the mountains now!" I excitedly exclaimed as we drove in the direction of the green and lush mountains ahead of us.

"Where, mommy, where?" Roo caught my excitement and craned his neck, leaning towards me as far as his seat belt would allow. He had been just as excited at the beginning of our drive, singing loudly along with Veggie Tales, raising his legs alternately to the beat of the music. But as time passed and no sign of our destination appeared, he had mellowed down, settled in his car seat, and quietly gazed at the passing scenery.  

MY man has been driving for more than an hour. My heart rejoiced when I caught sight of the mountains! My landmark. These mountains tell me that we have reached the countryside! The city is far behind us now.  

Ahhh. What that thought can do to my countryside-hungry soul. My mind cleared in an instant. Worries and cares slipped away. Happy endorphins filled my whole being. Now I can relax. Now I can enjoy the Sabbath in peace.

Seeing and being amidst nature on Sabbath day. Perfect! God’s beautiful creation has its way of making me forget the normal routines of everyday life. It is refreshing to be far from the hustles and bustles of city life. Nature allows me time to think. Time to listen closely to the still small voice of God.

About midmorning, we arrived at our favorite hang-out. The hotel we usually stayed at is just about a couple hundred meters away, but we usually played at this beach either in the early mornings, or late evenings.  This is the first time we're there in the middle of the day.  The sun was shining bright above us.  We grabbed our umbrella, adorned our little Roo in his long sleeved shirt, hat, and sunglasses, and headed towards the chairs.

At almost every beach in Thailand, you will find these reclining chairs, set under huge and shady umbrellas.  Depending on which beach you go to, the rent ranges from Bht.20 - 40 ($0.60 - 1.30). And if you get hungry, food is not a problem.  The people renting the the chairs out usually hand you a menu the moment you sit down. You can choose to order food from them, or you can bring your own food and just rent the chairs.

Roo was soon engrossed in his own imaginary world with his beach toys. He lost no time in scooping sand into his bucket and molds, looking up every now and then to show us what he was making. MY man took out his camera and started clicking away. I silently praised God for this wonderful opportunity of spending quiet time with Him and my family at my most favorite place in the world: the beach.

When I finally settled in my chair to soak in the view, I couldn’t help but breathe out a “Wow!” The sight of the ocean never fails to take my breath away and today was no exception. The ocean waters sparkled blue and green in the bright sunshine. White, fluffy clouds dotted the clear blue sky that stretched above the waters for miles and miles like there was no end to it. Every now and then, a white seagull would swoop into the waters then soar back into the sky oh so gracefully! The sound of the waves lapping on the shore soon loosened up all my tense muscles, making me drowsy and sleepy!

Vendors walked by every few minutes.  You would not believe the things they peddle on the beach!  Sure, there was the usual fried seafood packed full in styrofoam plates. Some vendors sold fruits and nuts.  A masseuse with her son tagging along sauntered by  and offered her services to the tourists.  A man approached us with a folder full of tattoo designs and asked if we wanted one.  If you forgot your sunglasses, you need not run back to your car, or your hotel for that matter, for they were selling those too!  In case you did not bring your watch, and would want one right now, you bet they had those for sale too!  And would you care to buy paintings of beautiful sceneries for your living room at home?

The beach was practically deserted although we were not alone. There’s this group of friends chatting and eating together right behind us. A couple of umbrellas to the right behind were a dad and a son preparing to go for a dip in the waters. At the far end, there were a few tourists either relaxing in their chairs or sunning themselves on the sand. A couple was enjoying themselves swimming in the ocean. Other than that, the place was surprisingly (and wonderfully!) peaceful and serene.

We talked to the lady renting out the chairs and asked her if it was always this quiet here. She shook her head vigorously and said that business is bad for them now. She related that usually at this time of the year, tourists flock the place. But because of the political unrest, tourists have chosen not to come and now their business is down.  Bad for them, but good for us.  One man's loss can truly be another man's gain.

How I wished the day would not end.  But like the narrator in Roo's favorite video says, "All stories must come to an end."  Here's the perfect ending to our perfect Sabbath day at Pattaya!

More beach pictures on MY man's tabblo.