“We’re here for the bird watching.” We told the guard at the gate. He looked at us with a suspicious eye, and pointed towards the parking lot. Our car was one of about 9 cars in a lot that can fit hundreds. As we were getting there with our hula hoops, coolers, boom box,  blankets, and other beach stuff, others were leaving. It was about 3:30 in the afternoon, but still very sunny and hot on the beach. It was pretty much empty with the exception of an old couple about 10 feet from us, a very large family with three children a little farther away, and some people fishing but we could barely distinguish their features.

We had the beach to ourselves, and naturally, we had a good time. Most of us got home with injured toes from getting in competitive futbol games, and frisbee playing. We hula hooped in a whole other level which took place  when we found out we had a flat tire and took about an hour to fix it. The boys got into it, and realized how much fun it was and I wasn’t just a crazy girl who liked to hula for no reason at all. The sun was setting right behind us and everywhere I turned, I saw strawberry-swirl-colored skies.

We danced a lot. We needed no alcohol. Not a drop. Aissata has this free personality that I adore where she likes to have fun so she will do whatever she wants anywhere. Joshua is the same way, and his positive energy is contagious, which added fuel to the fire. I love days like this when I can just be a kid with friends. Let go of all worries, and get right down to having fun. We were a bunch of dreamers and seekers having a good time.