By Fanomezantsoa Randrianarisoa, Madagascar
I must have been seven years old when my parents decided to take my three sisters and me on a seaside vacation. It was our very first seaside adventure, and I could never have imagined how the trip would be memorable.
We arrived in a small seaside resort in the eastern part of Madagascar called Foulpointe, and which at the time was still a fishing village with traditional hut houses which lined the golden sand beach, under the coconut trees with the heat of the tropics. The first thing I noticed was the salty smell of the ocean, mixed with the scent of dried fish wafting through the air. The sound of the waves gently crashing on the beach was like a soothing lullaby.
We rented a small wooden house, located a few steps from the beach. It was painted blue and white, with shutters that slammed in the ocean wind. The house was so close to the ocean that we could hear the waves from our room.
In the morning, I woke up early, eager to explore this new land. My sisters and I were running around the beach, collecting fascinatingly shaped shells and bits of dead coral washed in from the ocean. Our parents often joined us in building sandcastles that rivaled fairy tale palaces.
The days were filled with discoveries. We spend hours trying to catch up with the little fish swimming along the seashore.
Foulpointe Beach is a stretch of golden sand that stretches for several kilometers along the coast. It is lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, creating a spectacular seascape. Here are some characteristics of this beach, that I can still remember vividly:
Fine golden sand. The sand of Foulpointe is soft and fine, ideal for walking barefoot, making sandcastles or simply lying down and relaxing in the sun. Its golden color contrasts magnificently with the azure of the ocean.
Calm, crystal clear waters. The waters around Foulpointe Beach are generally calm, making it a safe place for swimming. The clarity of the water makes it easy to see fish and coral, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling.
Palm trees and lush vegetation. The beach is lined with majestic palm trees which provide shade to visitors seeking refreshment. The surrounding vegetation is lush and green, creating a striking contrast with the blue of the sea. Afternoons were spent tasting fresh seafood in small local restaurants. I remember the taste of grilled shrimp and fried squid with golden fries.
In the evening, we would light a campfire on the beach and listen to stories from our father, who recounted fascinating sea legends. The stars twinkled above us, and I wondered if the mermaids and hidden treasures mentioned in the stories could really exist.
On the last day of our vacation, I took a small glass bottle, slipped a note in it and threw it into the sea, hoping it would reach a distant land and another child would discover my message.
This childhood memory by the sea remains engraved in my heart as a time of discoveries, adventures and family bonds strengthened by the immensity and beauty of the ocean. Every time I hear the sound of the waves, I am transported back to that magical time of my childhood.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature photo: Nosy Iranja © Stefano/Unsplash
