There has not been a single day in the last couple of months that I did not wish I were a bit more intelligent, a bit more confident and a bit more charming. If I were a little smarter, I would top classes and probably get a PhD, if I were more talented, I would not have to study at all! Graduate school has taught me that these are mere fancies and that I was always a big fish in a small bowl, now let out into the ocean without any knowledge of swimming or the capability to survive rough waters. Having given up on my internship struggles for now, I decided to work towards my goals daily with small targets.
My second and last spring break while at the university was here and I had no plans, said no to a trip with my roommates because I thought I did not deserve any kind of joy at present. After spending a weekend doing nothing, it was clear that I had to get out of the house. Thus came about a trip to the nearby El Matador beach. I checked the list of beaches in the state of California and I think I have been to nearly all the beaches in the Los Angeles County. Nonetheless, each of them looks stunning. Though it is tempting to act on the impulse to jump into the ocean, drawn to its vastness and splendor, the striking colors of the horizon and the tranquil waters as sunset approaches induce an unusual sense of composure in us. I was astonished to see a girl in a dress walking on the beach for a Photo shoot, soaked in the water and shivering. I am sure the photos were worth all that trouble.
We set foot in enemy camp that night – University of California, Los Angeles. The campus is huge, with sprawling lawns and buildings which look very similar to ours. We stealthily strolled across the campus and posed with their mascot, the Bruin. If my wish to sit on top of the bear and get a photo clicked was fulfilled, it would have caused a stir.
Our road trip to Big Sur, the coastal stretch with scenic sights on the Pacific coast on the iconic California State Route 1 reminded me of the Road Rash video game, where I always ended up in the ocean with my motorbike whenever I chose the Pacific highway. The developers seem to have done a satisfactory job recreating this road, termed one of the best roadways in the world, flanked by the lush green meadows on one side and the Pacific on the other. I was inspired to embark on this drive again, alone, some day! For a while before we joined the coastal way, the road looked like a stairway to heaven amid the clouds. The view changed to something different and more breathtaking every instant we took our phones out to get the best picture. We spotted Zebras at the Hearst castle farm and elephant seals at a nearby viewing point.
It is tempting for us to find happiness in situations which are a result of external factors, rather than to look within ourselves. Disappointments are like curbs on the path that is life, and the last weekend threw one such minor disappointment at us. A bunch of us were far too excited to go on a whale watching cruise at New Port beach near LA. As ill luck would have it, we spent half an hour looking for parking. The cruise would start at 5 PM. At 4:55 PM, the car was parked in a residential area, we jumped out and ran with all our might for half a mile to see the boat leave at 5:01 PM even though our friends pleaded with them to wait for us. A ride on the Ferris wheel put a slight smile on our distraught faces.
A caricaturist nearby was probably the best thing that happened to us that day. All of us got our caricatures done, and I still cannot get over how beautiful he made me look. He highlighted only the best features and made us all look how we would like others to perceive us. That is probably what we should do in life too, concentrate only on our advantages, not compare ourselves to others and turn our weaknesses into strengths.