Earth: Between Sea and Sky

Arjun Singh Rathore
Born in hills, mountains are always my first love. And while standing on the top of the mountain, where the earth ends, doesn’t only give me the feeling but I am practically by all means always feel on ‘Top of the world’. A couple of days back in connection with my official engagements, I had the privilege of visiting some of India’s best places along the sea. I always enjoy and try to explore the new places and people at every available opportunity, so my experience on the sea at some of the best beaches was the same on ‘Top of the world’ but practically I was at the bottom from where the earth begins. Both mountains and beaches offer stunning scenery, but the type of beauty we prefer make a difference in our point of view of looking and judging the things.
Mountains as well as Sea are the best place to see the sunset in a panoramic view. We get a 360-degree view while finding solitude in the serenity. But the mountains are so quiet that you can hear your heartbeat, and at sea sitting on the soft sand one can listen the waves talk.
When deciding between a beach or mountain, it often comes down to personal preferences and what you seek in your getaway. If you crave the soothing sound of ocean waves, soft sandy shores, and water activities like swimming and sunbathing, a beach might be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you yearn for more fantastic, crisp air, lush green landscapes, and activities like hiking, skiing, or simply unwinding in a secluded cabin, mountains are more appealing.
Mountains have its unique advantages. Mountains offer cooler temperatures, making it ideal for those seeking respite from the heat. The stunning natural scenery, including forests, lakes, and waterfalls, provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities or simply taking in the views. Mountains also tend to be quieter and less crowded, fostering a sense of seclusion and tranquillity. It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers and those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Opting for a beach offers several advantages. The beach provides a natural sense of calm and relaxation. In addition to basking in the sun, one can unwind with the gentle rhythm of the tides. Beach destinations often boast vibrant nightlife, fresh seafood, and beachfront accommodations, adding to the overall appeal. Moreover, the coastal ambience encourages a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for rejuvenation.
Being an extrovert or an introvert does have an association with the geographical location of their choice of destination. Extroverts are the beach people who are more prone towards the hip and happening beach life. On the other hand, Introverts are the mountain people prefer the peace and quiet of mountains and natural surroundings where they can just be themselves.
Beach life is totally upbeat and lively, beach people are generally active and highly energetic in their daily lives. Whereas people who love mountains, are more of balanced travellers who love to be around nature. They believe in living in the moment and dealing with one thing at a time.
As far as the virtual world is concerned, a beach person is observed to be more of a social butterfly. Clicking selfie every now and then, sharing it across all social media platforms, replying to each comment, and getting glued to the phone are more likely to be the traits of a beach person. On the contrary, a mountain lover wouldn’t mind ditching the virtual world to get connected to the real world around them. Trying their best to stay away from people’s focus, and shying away from the camera, is the person who chooses to be a mountain monk when it comes to beach or mountain.
Both Beach and Mountain people are happy in their own way. Though the beach person may be very carefree and cheerful in nature, a mountain person may appear to be very calm and composed, and still be happy at the same time. Hence, the degree to which they express their happiness and excitement is what makes them prone towards either beach or mountain.
Getting along with people with similar or different interests is also one aspect which differentiates whether a person prefers beach or mountain. While the beach people like to make new friends on the go and are ever ready to mingle, staying secluded and finding peace amidst isolation is more of a mountain person’s jingle.
The saying of ‘Danger is Real but Fear is a Choice’ suits the adventure-filled souls of beach people. Ever-ready to take on any kind of challenge, the beach bums are sporty in nature and adrenaline junkies by heart. Talking about the mountain people, they are both peace-lovers and peacemakers as well. They did rather sit on a mountain top and relish the breath-taking views alone or with their close friends rather than hitting a club any day. Living in a bubble is their ideal way of living which also is beautiful in a way.
A beach person may be more expressive than the mountain person but the sense of caring towards others or fellow travellers is inculcated in both the characters. Be it beach or mountain, the affection comes straight from the heart! Choosing between a beach or mountain doesn’t have to be so hard.
The beach offers sweet serenity and the intoxicating scent of the sea, while the mountains serve up rugged thrills and breath-taking vistas. It’s a choice dictated by our inner compass. Travelling gives a rejuvenating experience, whether a Solo or in the company of family and friends. Every travel gives us our greatest of stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to the coming generations.