Happy 2021 to me and me and me...
It was a whirlwind of a new year. I refuse to say it was a wrong start altogether but it was an experience to remember. We had a sunny last day of the year, and it was supposed to be a nice way of welcoming the new year. Except that nature did not so called agree with us. Of all time of the year, due to some "technical issues" as always, we decided to go to an island. Something that I had wanted to do at a different time of the year, with different group of people. But what the heck, just go with the flow though I had warned (to deaf ears!) them of the usual wet year end weather, particularly the monsoon.
So off we went, happily as the sun looked bright and blue enough. The boat ride, it was horrifying.. the small private boat of 20 people practically 'flew off' the water once in a while.. it was not a smooth ride at all. At one point I thot we were all gonna be thrown off the boat. Towards the end of the half hour rise, I noticed Eussuv, who was sitting across me, was sweating profusely and his eyelids dropping. We somehow reached the jetty. As everyone got off the boat, Eussuv slumped in his bench, drenched in sweat. I thought he has passed out. I asked him to get up, he was awake but he said he couldn't move his legs. He couldn't move his body too, he couldn't get up. Somehow I did not panic. I did not think of anything at all. I was so calm. I thought it was just seasick. At this point, the boatman had to carry him up to the jetty. He really couldn't move. He said he couldn't feel anything neck down. They put him down on the platform of the jetty and I splashed water on his face, massaged his face and neck, and give him water to drink. One of the boatmen massaged his feet. He looked better. After 10 mins or so, he managed to get back on his feet and they carried him on a motorbike carrier. Alhamdulillah. One hurdle passed without any major calamity just some panicky moment. I really didn't know what it was but I was so glad he was OK.
We checked in and was pleasantly surprised to see that we had an upgraded chalet. Alhamdulillah. Again. The island was indeed beautiful. A splendid nature Allah has created for us, and granted us the access. It was so so beautiful.. we stayed at the beach until sunset. The kids enjoyed it the most. Alhamdulillah.
Little that we know what was in store for us. Rain started after dinner. And it rained the whole night! I knew something was not right. It was kind of scary when you know the type of rain, the sound and the smell of it. Having lived in the area where it flooded almost every year, I recognised this type of rain, not the kind that won't go away soon. It will be for at least 3 days. And we were supposed to be in the island only for the next 2 days.
As the island is one of the biggest item in my bucket list, I refuse to let the rain dampen my mood. I have set in my mind that regardless the rain, I'm going to enjoy my time there. Indeed I did. When it rained, we stayed indoor. When the rain stopped, we went out to explore the island. It was great. The sea was raging, the wind was strong, the rain came on and off. The sun peeked shyly once in a while. We savoured every moment. Even the naps was heavenly as the temperature was of a temperature of a highland, not at all of an island. It was heavenly. What could be more heavenly than to be in a tropical island but with a highland temperature, it just didn't make sense, but it really did. I love the fierce sea, I love the strong winds, I love the rain. I had no complaint! We even went up to the jetty under the rain and the strong wind to experience the sensation. It was scary, but amazing.
When our two nights was up, in the morning I looked at the sea and instantly I knew, there was no way we were getting out of the island. The sea was too rough, the tide was high, the rain has yet to stop, the wind was strong. And true enough, the resort owner came to us herself to inform us that no boat could come in at this moment. We might have to stay another night or more, depending on the weather. Alhamdulillah. Allah granted me a stay in an island, and even better, he prolonged my stay! It was a gift to remember. There's not much we can do under the weather condition, but hey, I will not pass this great opportunity. I see it as an opportunity. I refuse to think of what's next, I just wanted to enjoy the moment.
As much as I didn't mind staying longer, there were matters that worries me like the limited medical supplies that we brought and our poor kitties at home. But the more pressing matter was the journey home, where we understood there was flood everywhere which may hinder us from getting home even if we managed to get off the island.
Alhamdulillah they managed to get a green light from the relevant authority to get us, and the rest of the resort patrons (about 60 of us in total, yeah we were not the only ones crazy enough to go to an island during monsoon season!) out from the island. Alhamdulillah. Though it was still raining, the sea was a lot calmer than the days before. But the weather, seen from the boat, looked like a Jurassic Park scene. Misty, gloomy and scary. Only God knows our feelings were when boarding the boat. But since there were assurance from the authority and the local sea people, we were less worried.
We safely 'landed' on the mainland after somewhat a smooth ride. Much much better than the ride to the island. It was actually very pleasant. I really felt like I was in some kind of a mystery boat ride, like a twilight zone! What an experience it was. It was great, magical! But most, most importantly, we were so so grateful we made it to the mainland. It was drizzling the whole time. All our luggage were wet, and we were wet. Alhamdulillah everything was intact though.
This was the experience of a lifetime. Do I want to go again? You bet. Am already planning another trip to an island during hot season, like middle of the year. I can never get enough of it. Though it happened late in my life, it will not stop me since I have started. I shall add more to my bucket list. The pandemic will be the only hindrance for another trip, but hey, it will be over someday. And if God wills, if I am still breathing, I shall take that trip.
And that, is just the beginning of 2021. It was just beautiful. Put aside all the anger or disappointment, if any. I just want to remember the good feelings. And I shall bring this good feelings all throughout 2021. May 2021 be a good year for health, wealth, peace and joy. In shaa Allah.
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