As I gaze the Monterey Bay 海を見ながら

Facing the South. I was told it’s rare to be so clear with no fog.いつもは霧で見えないという南側。 — Facing the South. I was told it’s rare to be so clear with no fog.
いつもは霧で見えないという南側。

It was on the way home from the little sprouts preschool. After passing through the fields, it leads to the bigger road that leads to the highway 1. I came to a big downhill slope with the beautiful ocean view and then, saw a large parking lot.I thought maybe I could stop and look at the ocean.

So I turned into the parking lot and found that it was a state beach entrance and thus a $10 fee applies to enter.

“I just saw a beautiful beach and I just would like to take some pictures. Would I still need to pay for a few minutes?”

The gate keeper said, “well... can you take your pictures within 20 minutes? Then I can issue a permit for free.”

“Yes, I can definitely be done in 20 minutes.”

“Sure! I will issue a permit. Ok, I just did. Go ahead and enjoy the view.”

So he just gave me a verbal permit to let me in. I thought it was so nice for him to trust me.

As I take in the gorgeous view of the Monterey Bay, a man who appeared to come here often to walk his dog came by and said to me,

“It’s not always so clear here. Especially that way (pointing South) is always foggy. You are lucky. Enjoy the view.”

So I did.

As I gaze at the bay, the wave curled to form perfect arcs in slow motion. The movement was so consistent and orderly. I felt the rhythm of the earth and the universe. I felt the gratitude for everything that made it possible for me to be there at that moment. Thank you, everyone!

先日の幼稚園の帰り道。畑の一本道から少し大通りへ出ると、なだらかな坂の下に大きな駐車場が見えました。

「もしかして海に出れるんじゃ？」

ドキドキしながら駐車場の方へ向かうと、そこは州管轄のビーチで、入園料＄１０かかるみたい。ゲートのおじさんに、「あまりにも綺麗なので写真を撮りたいだけなんだけど、やっぱり＄１０払わないといけないかなぁ」と聞いてみる。「20分以内で写真が撮れる？だったら特別に許可書を出せるよ。」「じゃあお願いします！」「はい、じゃ許可書は出したということで、行っていいよ。」「ええ？！本当に！！ありがとうございます！！」

という、なんとも嬉しく陽気なおじさんに通してもらって撮れた写真。海の空気を一杯吸って眺めていると犬の散歩で来ているおじさんが、「今日はすごく晴れていて綺麗に見えるよ。いつもは霧だから。特にこっち側がこんなに晴れるなんて珍しい。」と教えてくれました。

海を眺めていると、そこに見えるのは完璧な弧をゆっくり描く波。地球と宇宙の秩序を感じながら、その瞬間、自分がそこに立っているという事実。周りにいる人達のお陰さまでその日そこに立つことができた。ああ、私はなんて幸せもの。みなさん、ありがとうございます。