I was born and raised in South America, a continent with a lot of mountain ranges–ideal for mountain climbing and hiking-long winding rivers, lush forests, wonderful beaches, as well as valleys with breathtaking views. Based on experience, I can say that it is a tropical country; which was confirmed during my history class in sixth grade. In a country where it’s hot and humid, my fashion statement is sporting a large white (sometimes blue) t-shirt and a Hawaiian type shorts. A dark pair of shades is also an important part of my get-up as it protects my eyes from the sun’s harsh rays.
Being born in South America you might think that I have dark hair with brown eyes and a charming smile; a typical Cabana boy. Well, I am charming yes, but my hair is blonde and the color of my eyes are green; and this is because South America is a melting pot of cultures from Africans to Germans to Japanese, Koreans and many others. Music in South America is intense and up-beat. It makes you want to dance. Having been born in a family where every member enjoys music, I too share the same interest.
My favorite music is the music of the ‘80s because it is a classic – never goes out of style. It’s rhythm and lyrics make you feel and experience music itself through your senses. Even at 30, when I hear the ‘80s music, it brings back memories from my childhood. I can still remember, fifteen years ago, when my family and I lived in a backward peaceful town filled with palm and coconut trees, our house was built on wood similar to that of the huts and cottages you see at the beach resorts today.
One afternoon, my friends and I, along with my two younger brothers, sat at the yard to listen to Caribbean music. The music traveled throughout the neighborhood on one cool afternoon. When the sun finally went down upon the fiery sky, the natives joined us. We were all out in the yard, dancing and singing while some played the Tambores, a percussion instrument similar to that of a drum but you use your hands to make a sound and not sticks. We all formed this circle and some were dancing in the middle of it.
It was really awesome! I oftentimes dream of going back in time to enjoy the fun all over again. The allure of a simple, care-free life with Caribbean music you can’t find anywhere else, never fails to mesmerize me. That night, my brothers, friends and I, along with the friendly brown-skinned natives, shared dance steps, jokes and laughter for many hours; a luxury most of us can’t afford today. Many of the world’s beautiful beach resorts are found in this continent.
Clean cool breeze, white sand, and the charm of the Caribbean itself is the perfect get-away to relax, unwind and enjoy time either alone or with family and friends. No wonder, it is one of the world’s most romantic hide-aways. Summer is the most awaited time of the year because the entire family, along with our relatives and friends, goes to El Playon; a picturesque view of crystal blue waters, cool breeze and a fine-grained white sand beach situated in the center of the rapids of Caura River. We always spend our entire summer there.
The house where we stay is just a few meters from the shoreline. You can say that it is a coastal house. Since we are all boys in the family (except for my beautiful mom), I always race my brothers to the shore in search for crabs; and whoever catches the most number of crabs gets to own the hammock tied between two coconut trees for an entire day. I was 12 years old then; and because I’m the eldest, I still get to enjoy lying on the hammock by sending them both out into the shore again to look for seashells. Most often than not, they would gladly oblige.
Aside from catching crabs and collecting sea shells, my brothers and I play a game with our friends and cousins. It is the “sand castle game”. We group ourselves into three by counting off or drawing lots and then we will build the biggest and strongest sand castle. Which ever group wins enjoys the cheers and applause. All of these experiences taught me one thing: Relationships are the most priceless thing that you could ever own which is why we have to keep it in our heart…take good care of it…nurture it; because once you let it go, your life will never be the same again.
