Pure Shores

Chapter Three: Akumba Beach

Day 2. I had my clothes ready, earphones in, bags packed and I was ready for the adventure of a lifetime. After only being here for one day and two nights. So much had happened already. As I put my backpack on and carried two plastic bags filled with everything I would've needed, I headed out of the door ready to find the so called Sacred Haven I was promised.
I walked to the coach station where I'd booked my trip to the beach yesterday along with dozens of other tourists. Each one of them was eagerly waiting for the coach to take them there. I understood how they felt though, I really couldn't wait to get to Pure Shores and by going to Akumba Beach, I would be one step closer. Whilst waiting for the coach to arrive, I messaged my mum and dad and told them that I'm extending my trip but I'm not sure how long for. I knew they'd worry about me being here but I was perfectly safe and happy. It was an entire new beginning and experience for me in a whole new place with different people and so far, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced or expected.

After waiting, a wave of excitement washed over me as the coach finally approached us. Cheering. Laughing. Everyone was so excited to get there, including me. We all hopped on to the coach and quickly learned that nobody would be sitting by themselves. It was far too small inside so we had to sit right next to each other. I was lucky since I had a window seat but I was sat next to a man named Richard who wouldn't stop talking. He was extremely sweet though. He'd probably prefer me to describe him as 'groovy' so I'll do that for him.
"So what are you going to the beach for??"
"Its actually just a stop off place for somewhere else" I replied anxiously thinking that he would think I was mad if he knew where I was actually going.
"Ahh that's pretty groovy, so where's the final destination?"
Oh god. He asked the dreaded question. I didn't know what to say so I just blurted it out. I hadn't told anyone about where I was going and I had to tell someone.
"There's an island. Not many people know about it. I don't think they do anyway. But to get there I've got to get to the beach first."
Oh shit what had I done???
"An island?? That sounds pretty cool, dude. So like what's it called, man? Ive never been to an island like that" he said between slightly flicking his hair, wafting the smell of weed around the coach and grinning as he got a smell of it himself.
"Erm well I'm not exactly sure. I just know I've got to be there."
He must've thought I was mad, but I didn't care. I couldn't wait for God's sake!

Luckily, shortly after that dreaded conversation, we arrived at Akumba Beach and it was so beautiful. Everything was so clear. Sure, it wasn't exactly empty but everything looked so beautiful. In that moment I thought 'If Pure Shores looks anything like this does then I'll truly understand why R.P called it a Sacred Haven.' Slowly, I walked up to the ticket centre to buy tickets for the boat ride. As I walked along, I spent a great amount of time taking all of my surroundings in, in a complete state of bliss. It was magical.

Later on, after getting the tickets and waiting three hours in the blazing heat for the boat to arrive, it finally did. As she glided against the water creating masses of waves, I looked over and noticed how clear the water was. It was like a bright aqua lagoon the further we went the clearer it looked. I don't think I'd ever been so excited to get to somewhere in my life before. Now, all I had to do was take on the Farland and I'd finally be able to see paradise with my own two eyes.

After the boat trip, I had finally arrived at the Farland and it certainly was busy. People, everywhere. Cars. Buildings. It was more hectic than the capital! Markets filled every single road and the hustle and bustle to get the best fish was a major argument and topic of discussion amongst the people shopping in them. The Farland wasn't really my kind of place but it did help higher my expectations for Pure Shores. At this point, my heart was pounding with anticipation. So close yet still far away. One question did play on my mind though, how am I supposed to swim to there from here? I couldn't see any island or anything in the distance and started to panic thinking this was some cruel joke on me. Until finally, after walking in a frenzied state up and down, back and forward I noticed something in the distance. A rock like structure standing proud in the sea. I ran as close to the sea as I could without actually going in to it as I began to realise that it wasn't a cruel joke, it was real, it is real, Pure Shores is real. I prepared to swim and put my shoes that I was wearing in one of my many already practically full bags. This was it, now or never, I was finally feeling freedom in a place I'd never even been before.