Let me admit that I am bone lazy. I can not always escape work. But when I have to, I prefer working in small bursts. Then I get in some sort of hibernation and do nothing for a few days.
That is the time Mandarmani Sea Beach calls me. Digha beach which is not far away from here, is a perennial favourite of Kolkata crowd, does not attract me for the simple reason that it is crowded.
An interesting thing you will notice from Google Maps is that it mentions Mandarmani Beach, “Long stretch of shoreline with red crabs.” It is true that there are thousands of red crabs that are shy and try to always hide in the sands.
If you are not interested in chasing red crabs there is nothing much to do at Mandarmani, hence there is no crowd. An occasional fishing boat will land on the beach and there will be a flurry of activities. Otherwise the horizon kissing beach is all mine. In the monsoon not many would come here and I save money from discounts at hotels.
Earlier people would race in motorcycles or cars on the flat beach but after a few fatal accidents authorities have banned racing. It is good for me, in low tide I can take morning and evening walks, see beautiful sunrise, sunset and not get pushed by the crowd or get run over by a racing car.
I don’t feel the urge to photograph the emptiness because they all look same. I return to my sea facing room which has a cute balcony, where I am staying. I can simply eat, sleep or catch up with reading or watch the fury of the sea at high tide.
Omitting all land based animal meats I can choose and pick my fish, prawn or crab and wash it down with chilled beer and raise a toast to the immortal lines on Kashmir by Amir Khushro:
“If there is a paradise upon earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” The monotonous noise of the churning sea and the sea breeze lulls me to sleep. I am happy that I am getting recharged for another burst of work when I return to the city.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Did I not tell you at the beginning of my post that I am lazy?
or two on the beach:grinning: