Having been born and raised in South America, a continent abundant in mountains, rivers, forests, beaches, and valleys, my upbringing exposed me to the hot and humid climate of my tropical country. To adapt to these conditions, I have developed a personal style which consists of wearing a considerable white (sometimes blue) t-shirt paired with Hawaiian shorts. Furthermore, I always remember to wear dark sunglasses as essential protection for my eyes against the intense sunlight.
Contrary to the typical image of a Cabana boy in South America, I break stereotypes with my blonde hair and green eyes. This unique appearance can be attributed to the diverse cultural influences found in South America, which include Africans, Germans, Japanese, Koreans, and others. The continent’s rich cultural mix also contributes to its vibrant music that inspires one’s urge to dance. Growing up in a musical family with an unwavering passion for music has naturally guided me towards the same musical path.
Despite being 30 years old, my love for ’80s music endures due to its profound influence. The melodies and lyrics possess the ability to evoke emotions and establish a strong connection with the core of music. Every time I listen to ’80s tunes, it brings back memories from my childhood. Specifically, I can clearly remember a moment fifteen years ago when my family and I lived in a tranquil countryside area filled with palm and coconut trees. Our house resembled the wooden constructions often seen in modern beach resorts.
One afternoon, my friends, my two younger brothers, and I gathered in the yard to listen to Caribbean music. The music filled the neighborhood on a cool afternoon. As the sun set and painted the sky with its fiery colors, the locals joined us. We all gathered in the yard, dancing and singing while others played the Tambores, a hand-played percussion instrument similar to a drum. We formed a circle and some danced in the center.
The experience was truly amazing and I often dream of reliving it. The laid-back life and unique Caribbean music always captivate me. On that night, my brothers, friends, and I, along with the warm-hearted locals, danced, joked, and laughed for hours – a luxury that is rarely possible nowadays. This continent is home to many stunning beach resorts.
Clean cool breeze, white sand, and the charm of the Caribbean itself make El Playon an ideal setting for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway. Whether alone or with loved ones, this location is considered one of the world’s most romantic hideaways. Every summer, our whole family, along with relatives and friends, eagerly anticipates the opportunity to visit El Playon. This picturesque destination boasts crystal blue waters, a refreshing breeze, and a beautiful white sand beach situated in the heart of the Caura River rapids. Without fail, our entire summer is always spent there.
The house we stay in is located just a few meters from the shoreline, making it a coastal house. Being all boys in the family (except for my lovely mom), we would often have a race to the shore in search of crabs. The winner of this competition would earn the privilege of using the hammock tied between two coconut trees for the entire day. At the time, I was 12 years old and as the oldest, I would take advantage of my position by sending my brothers back out to search for seashells while I peacefully lounged on the hammock. They would usually agree without hesitation.
Aside from catching crabs and collecting sea shells, my brothers and I engage in a game with our friends and cousins known as the “sand castle game”. We divide ourselves into three groups either by counting off or drawing lots, after which we compete against each other to construct the largest and sturdiest sand castle. The victorious group is rewarded with cheers and applause.
From these experiences, I have gained a valuable insight: Relationships hold immeasurable value and should be cherished. They should be held close to our hearts, cared for diligently, and nurtured consistently. Once they slip away, one’s life will never be the same.
