[ I'd just like to say now, this is for the theme is a bit depressing....]
For a few days i decided i'd skip it this week then i looked up the meaning of nature for inspiration. I found this extract from one definition: The forces and processes that produce and control all the phenomena of the material world....I instantly thought of a force of nature that had always been a subject i had struggled to accept.
The Tsunami that hit Boxing day 2004.
I was not traveling at the time and thankfully did not lose any friends or family. Due to the extensive gathering of video camera and media footage we all saw it though, we all felt it. That deadly silence of the people watching the sea pull back, a deep inhalation. Then breathing out, a huge surge of wave pushing forward, lifting all in its path. The aftermath of the trail of destruction, once mother nature had calmed even more unbelievable to see. Thailand's islands so savaged, endless footage of holiday makers and hotels.
But all i could think of was this place, Northern Sumatra, and a small family with three children. They lived here.
The west coast of Northern Sumatra. I stayed here in 2003 for several weeks when i was backpacking. A lovely family had five or so wooden huts with no bathrooms, on a literally deserted 5k of beach. They had approximately twenty guests per year and after staying there for a week cooking every meal for me, cleaning my hut and washing my clothes they asked for $25.
A beautiful, beautiful place with gentle, kind and simple people.
The earthquake that started the Tsunami was 3k off the coast of this beach. This would have been the first place hit by the waves.
I guess what i am saying is while Nature can be lush green grass or a vibrant ladybird. Its also a powerful force and it is not always pretty.
