There is something about the ocean that strikes a latent chord within. It moves me infinitely, makes me want to turn poetic, urges me to relax and bury my feet in the soft folds of sand, wishes for me to turn introspective and infuses in me large doses of strength as it rumbles and gurgles like an indomitable force. With each wave that comes crashing down and sweeps the beach clean, I feel layers of cynicism wash away too. And as the sun rises like a golden orb from the belly of a vast expanse of indigo blue water , I think of all the good things that life has given me and feel blessed.
What more can I ask for when all of the above comes with a beach town that seems excitingly familiar, perhaps because it is almost a modern day adaptation of Kirrin Bay from my favourite Famous Five series by Enid Blyton? Just like Kirrin Bay, Coronado Island (San Diego, California) is all about the sun, sand, seashells, starfish, grilled fish, flip flops, straw hats, picnic baskets and yachts. A resort city in San Diego, California, Coronado Island wears a patina of affluence and old world charm gracefully. Cobbled stone streets, souvenir shops with ocean blue interiors bearing pretty names like ‘Treasures from the Heart’, people with sunny dispositions enjoying their day off, benches specked with almost life like starfish carved out of stone and the ever present salty mist makes one think of nothing else but the ocean.
The deliciously fresh sounding Orange Avenue which is the main street at Coronado is in fact home to many cozy cafes and breakfast joints that offer a surfeit of options to satiate the hungriest of the hungry beach revellers. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cafe 1134 before you set out to explore the hidden treasures on this island. I can tell you from personal experience that the Cortez omelette stuffed with sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, jack cheese, avocado and sour cream will leave you spellbound and as you scrape the last crumbs of fluffy egg from the plate into your mouth, you will feel a warm satisfaction spread within. Wash it all down with a cup of frothy Cappuccino and you are all set for the adventures that await you.
Walking down Orange Avenue, I realize how high this place is on energy. The street is bustling with activity. People in all forms of colourful gear are heading for the beach. In the vicinity, I spot the 125 year old Hotel del Coronado looming large like a giant castle overseeing the island below. Its sparkly white exterior is complimented by brick red turrets standing tall against a cerulean sky. Not unlike most famous historical hotels, Hotel del Coronado also has spooky stories of haunted rooms and spicy anecdotes of scandalous activity that pulls curious tourists towards it. I, on the other hand am not a sucker for ghost spotting and walk past the fairytale-like structure rather briskly. In contrast, the chimerical quality of little shops along the avenue, instantly draws me in like bear to honey. Besides window shopping, I spend time happily sitting on a bench indulging in people watching and lapping up the vibe.
Hours later with my pockets bulging with tiny knick-knacks that I couldn’t resist picking and covered from head to toe in fine sand, I reluctantly decide to go home . Parks along the avenue are bursting with picnicking families. A particular family catches my eye as I am driving by – a strapping young father lies sprawled on his belly while his three children run around him in circles. His wife sits by him resting against a tree trunk thoroughly immersed in a book . Occasionally she looks up and chides an errant child as he tumbles playfully over his father. Their brown picnic basket sits atop a checkered sheet holding unimaginable treats.
It is an endearing image, one that belongs in a story book. Years from now I can imagine conjuring this very image each time I think of a perfect Sunday.
If a relaxed weekend with a little bit of shopping, some beach volleyball and sumptuous food is what you are looking for, Coronado Island is just the place for you. Sitting on the beach watching the white sail boats bob merrily across the horizon, you might just lose your will to go back to the usual whirlwind of a routine that weekdays demand.
Preeti Sharma is an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and dabbles with creative writing. As she stepped into the hectic and mundane routine of corporate life, her writing became her stress buster. Her insatiable wanderlust and need for change prompt her to travel as much as possible.