A beautiful life awaits

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday June 13, 2022 06:00

It is this mystic moment that transforms the inner workings of the human body. From one of survival in the global jungle to one in pursuit of a more hedonistic nature. Earth's tilt axis is 23.5 degrees and it is this lean of our blue and green wandering star that allows different seasons. Scientists have claimed to measure the quickest unit of time.

A zeptosecond is a trillionth of a billionth of a second. I disagree. The fastest unit of time is the completion of a North American summer. Even though I have not published, though possessing ironclad data, I have acted on this fact by enjoying every single fleeting moment of those sunshine filled moments. As the car navigated the twisty on-ramp to merge onto the highway 400, a collective groan erupted. As far as the eye could see, human filled metal propelled boxes. Only now there was very little forward propulsion. North Americans possess a keen intellect and not one of them were prepared to miss a zeptosecond of summer tide. We all knew this was coming but you know how teenagers are. Drama always. As the disappointment faded into the pulsating opening notes of Human League's Don't You Want Me, good cheer prevailed.

If you haven't heard the song please go listen to it now and get yourself a free music education. As the traffic eased and allowed a consistent though slow speed, the car was filled with teenage energy. There were stories, unbridled laughter and good-natured teasing. It is funny how life is but a series of building blocks, each filled with its own cognitive soundtrack. There was no fear of mortality in that adolescent innocence. No fear of anything actually. Only the good times to be experienced that weekend.

As our commute unfolded, the landscape evolved with the journey. The slowly elevating latitude now brought large trees into our vision. While Africa is an outdoor paradise, so is Canada. It is a land filled with emerald lakes and majestic forests. Over half of Canada is forest and seven percent of its land area is covered by freshwater. This comprises two million lakes. There are plenty of places to catch your breath and enjoy the meditative ambience of the green trees and beautiful waters. And as the sun descended, pulled by the expansive arboreal filled horizon, we neared our destination. We took our road exit and the six-lane highway transformed into a single lane each way. Finally as we turned into a dirt road shaded by its leafy green umbrella, the excitement level mounted. And there it stood in front of us. A Canadian institution, the summer cottage. Beautifully built out of wood with a large sun deck bordered by a pier. Berthed in the pier was a sleek blue and white sailboat.

This little paradise owned by Reid Hindley's parents. He was a mutual friend of my sister Sadia and myself. After unpacking, we all lay on loungers on the deck enjoying the last flickering moments as the blue water toyed with the fading offerings of the North American summer sun. Sporting youthful toned bodies and eyes protected by Vuarnet's or Ray Ban Wayfarers, a quick click of the Leica camera would have provided a perfect cover for GQ or Vogue magazine. Our lungs filled with the freshest of nature's oxygen elixir, surrounded by consummate beauty while the far-flung dreams of youth filled the sweet summer atmosphere.

There are certain moments deserved to be permanently etched in time. With no zeptoseconds wasted, we arose early and enjoyed a quick breakfast. It was time to board the sailboat. I had looked forward to this, though possessing no maritime skills whatsoever. My Sperry Topsiders may have hinted otherwise. As we knifed through our rippling blue carpet, the morning breeze kissed our sun-caressed skin. It was heavenly. As any real sailor knows, the wind is temperamental and can change in a zeptosecond.

The wind changed direction and I heard a bold command "Jibe". The entire boat pitched 45 degrees with four of us while grasping ropes, throwing ourselves over the opposite edge of the massive vessel. The air was filled with adrenaline and testosterone. Finally the boat up righted and we all breathed a massive sigh of relief. Sailing is for the talented and experienced and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Now imagine sailing across the Pacific Ocean (the world’s largest) by yourself. At nature's mercy for a trip that takes more than two months. We have all seen the ocean at its angriest, flinging large ships like rag dolls. An expedition for only the fittest of mind and body. A young person's journey. On June 4, Japanese ocean adventurer Kenichi Horie completed this astonishing journey. While he has taken this (in his words "epic Pacific cruise") multiple times, it is the latest one that impresses the most. The lion-hearted Kenichi Horie is 83-years-old.

EIGHTY THREE. He has spent the last decades perpetuating the idea that the sea is an "irreplaceable source of life for the earth". We pay tribute to this astounding achievement and this Titan of the sea. I leave you with Horie's inspiring words: "Don't let your dreams just stay as dreams. Have a goal and work towards achieving this and a beautiful life awaits".