Oh, this is exactly what I needed.
I missed camping and the sea, and now I have both of them, and all the little things that come with.
Salty skin. Hair that dry in the sun and look so messy but still so perfect. Wearing a bikini and just a light gown on it. The sign of the tan at the end of the day. The shampoo that gets warm in the heat of the tent. The shorts that don’t come up because my skin is still is not well dry yet. Goose bumps. Taking naps in the shadow of a Bedouin tent, while the sun slightly filters through the straws and fabric roof.
The feeling that I have nothing to do except chilling. Having no idea what time it is. Looking at the time and immediately forgetting about it… And no point in looking again. The smell of the sunscreen. The different shades of blue of the Red Sea. Wearing flip flops. Walking barefoot in the huts, on the colourful Bedouin carpets.
The after sun cream. Slowly entering the chilly water and then just jumping (“it’s a bit cold but then you get used to it!“). Being lazy and knowing there’s nothing wrong about it. Forgetting to look at myself in the mirror for days because it doesn’t matter. Feeling free. Relax. Peace. Shooting stars. The moon rising. Looking at constellations and arguing if that’s the Ursa Major or Ursa Minor. Falling asleep on the seashore (and waking up with sun burnt eyelids.. But I didn’t miss this one). Blue sky, blue water, light brown sand. The greatest beauty is in the simple things.
Basata, Egypt. April 24th, 2011.
You might also like
Follow me on Instagram at 
22 Comments
Such a beautiful post sis! I thought again yesterday, that we don’t need to be rich to be happy. We don’t need to have a lot of things to make us be happy. The very simplest act, that what counts, that what matters.
My very significant moment is that sit and look far. Without any music, with very comfortable shorts and shirts maybe. Don’t care how my hair looks like, never care about make-up.
If there’s someone besides me to join, that would be perfect. That’s how I know that’s a right person for me. Do things without say anything. Not be awkward without conversation.
Simplest thing. To have an eye to recognize that, that is the simplest and a great thing.
For me money is just a tool that allows me to travel. Work is a tool to get money and travel. I’m trying to make traveling my job so I don’t feel like working anymore, hehe : )
Beauty is definitely in simplicity… and you are such a simple girl :*
Oh lady this is absolutely beautiful! I love the looking at the clock and then forgetting the time. I think that is one of the most amazing luxuries in the world.
LOVE THIS!
Thank you so much Erica. Yes, I guess we have a different idea of luxury… I LOVED it! I wish you a lot of similar luxuries too : )
Yeah having lost track of the time seems nice thing to do because all you care of is having a time just relaxing in this kind of place. It is like camping in a place away from the city, it makes you more closer to the nature.
I’m jealous, hun. I love the beach but I’ve never been camping. God, I’d love to do what you’re doing. Just lie out in the sun for days on end and relax. :)
No jealousy hun, if you want to do it I’m sure you’ll find the chance : )
Relax is such a beautiful state of mind!
Looks BEAUTIFUL! The photos say it all. Your post reads like a poem :)
Wohooo I feel flattered :) Oh, yes these pics are great memories… Thanks dear!
Your descriptions are rapturous. Hands down, I love being by the ocean. Everything just feels better. My skin glows, my hair is a tousled, unruly mane and you’re so right – time melts into nothing.
You are a hot writer. Loved this so much. :)
Flattered, flattered me! Thanks a lot: ) I am surprised because this was such an easy post to write. Just came so natural… Yes, everything felt sooo good. Wish you the same sensations soon!
It looks blissful, Giulia! I haven’t made it to the Red Sea yet. I am coming soon, though :)
Really? When? Wow, enjoy it, Red Sea is amazing… and if you need info just ask – I’ve been all around! You’ll love it : )
This is beautiful. I can’t wait to start summertime camping in California!
Oh wow. Camping in California… sounds cool!!!
Aww, beautiful narrative post. I love how you ended with The greatest beauty is the simplest things
[…] I have many favorite ones, but speaking of beauty I think the most remarkable one is “Basata, day 2: The greatest beauty“. […]
I definitely agree that beauty is usually in the simple things. I love many of the things you mention that come with being in a relaxed beach setting, especially the salt in the air and the sun-dried messy hair.
To travel is really beautiful Job in vacation. i think money give chance to visit such a great natural beauties places. I love to being towards the ocean.
When you are having some vacation, camping is the most adventurous and cool. Great experience and pictures, you are actually right that the greatest beauty is in the simple things, nothing as good as simple things.
Camping in the beach sounds interesting to me! My friends and I plan to have a camping and we didn’t know yet what’s the perfect place for it and found here a great idea having camping in the beach. I love the phrase “The Greatest Beauty is in the Simple Things”, there is nothing more beautiful in a simple way.
Isn’t life just the greatest when we can relax on holiday, not worry about all the stressful city life things like how well am I managing this job, how do I look, am i fashionably or impressively dressed, and forget what the day is, never mind the time of day! The very best thing is when you can make this way of being your every day way of being… or make your vacation your work? Sounds like you’re doing it all right! and I like the fact that sunscreen features as part of this very wonderful “way of being”!