I am one of those who suffered a disorder, common to a lot of people, aquaphobia, the fear of water. Sad to say that growing up in an archipelago surrounded by water did not help at all. You can imagine how bitter I felt every time I came near to a pool or visited the beach full of men, women and kids who could swim like mermaids and mermen. I never believed that four decades later, this aquaphobe would see the light of day and make peace with the H2O. It happened one weekend when a friend invited me to visit the Jumeirah Beach in Dubai.
One of the perks of living in Dubai is the long stretch of white sandy beach smack dab in the middle of Jumeirah. Once a
fishing village, it is now considered as the poshest area in Dubai. Gone were the shanties inhabited by the local fishermen who once upon a time were hauling boats filled with the“catch of the day”. The area is now a long avenue, lined with grand villas of white marble, local and chain restaurants which I can only afford to visit on every third birthday. The road is filled with Porches, Ferraris, Maseratis, Corvettes making my Toyota Corolla stick out like a sore thumb. But, I am not there to assess my economic condition. I am driving to one of the jewels of Dubai, Jumeirah Beach.
After choosing a spot where we can set up the picnic mat, I looked around and saw that there were pods where one can quickly change into bathing suits. No bathrooms were in sight and there were no nearby restaurants either, so make sure there are no number twos looming. Number one is not a problem cause….well, you have the water right in front of you. To ensure your safety, there is a police station on one end with a couple of patrol cars scouring the shore making sure the place is kept in a “wholesome” state.
The Jumeirah Beach possessed the best vantage point for viewing the Burj Khalifa (the World’s tallest building) and the Burj Al Arab (the one and only seven star hotel). I don’t mean to brag but, seeing these iconic buildings makes me feel rather special. They were like
talking to me saying, “Suz, today is the day when you shall conquer your fear.”
I guess they were right because, after ten minutes of a pep talk, the hands holding my head and back were let go, and I floated for 2 seconds at first, followed by 5 seconds, and then I did it on own! Then….I even did the breaststroke and swam 20 miles…..well maybe fifteen feet…I like to lie a little 🙂
I was born again! I let go of my fears and allowed nature to take over. Wow…..it is never too late to learn and experience what life has to offer. To me, it was a spiritual moment juxtaposed against the structures made by man. Ironic, yes but isn’t that what life is all about?
Now….did I ever tell you about the time I entered the Iron Woman competition..No?
Wow..guess that will have to be another story..I need to go to the Post Office and mail this story to my publisher!
E. W. HuntOctober 23, 2019
A lot of truth in those words…great story.
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
I floated!
Henri DupuisOctober 23, 2019
Others seem to have all the luck.
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
Some guys have all the fame…
Donna HicksOctober 23, 2019
Fun read….truths!
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
Was a fun experience..
Ed TopolOctober 23, 2019
And here I did not know that you could not swim…..
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
sad but true…
Opena KitaOctober 23, 2019
I think you had the start of many experiences.
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
oh yes….funtimes
Seth CantneOctober 23, 2019
Strange things happen in the water…..
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
great observation…
Betty CanterOctober 23, 2019
:)…I believe it is one hand on the neck and the other the butt…?..:)
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
everything i can grab on
Teddy RankineOctober 23, 2019
Too much of the hanky panky on that beach and the zoom puts you in the clinker…as I recall.
suzpilapilNovember 9, 2019
you got that right…
Louise GoguenMay 8, 2017
Amazing things happen when we face our fears.
suzpilapilMay 9, 2017
You learn to trust yourself for the first time..
Anne PorterMay 8, 2017
Great storySuz..well done !
suzpilapilMay 9, 2017
Gives me pleasure to know that you liked it ☺
Matt CannMay 8, 2017
Must say, I miss that part of Dubai. The beach is gorgeous.
suzpilapilMay 9, 2017
Good reason to visit again maybe? ☺
Lev DempseyMay 8, 2017
Great satirical truth writing !!
suzpilapilMay 9, 2017
Here Here!
James MarchMay 8, 2017
Next step skydiving ?
AnonymousMay 10, 2017
Why are you tempting me…lol
Ann SmithMay 8, 2017
Truly enjoyed this..well done ! Storytelling at its best.
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
I enjoyed writing it too 🙂
Kyle GriffinMay 8, 2017
Amusing, interesting, truthful..a great 5* read !
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
Kudos Kyle!
Lou ShellyMay 8, 2017
Great story theme, one that appeals to all people. Well done !
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
Come and visit Lou!
P NeversMay 8, 2017
When we conquer our fears we live . Amazing huh ?
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
We found another reason to enjoy life!
Patsy CollinsMay 8, 2017
Great story theme, dear to most people.
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
It was like learning how to walk Patsy.
Martha R ReynoldsMay 8, 2017
Fear of water is a bad as fear of an ill fitting bathing suit.
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
Both are deathdefying…
Peter ClarkeMay 8, 2017
Your story touches a note that every one sings. Great theme !
suzpilapilMay 10, 2017
I feel good…da da da da da! so good…so good….!!!
Mitch...Lakwatsera on the LooseOctober 29, 2015
Suz, you just made me realized it is not too late for me to further my swimming lessons. I’m still on the verge of learning to jump into the water haha..and your vivid story of that beautiful beach just perked my interest to fly to Dubai right now, arrr!
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 29, 2015
Say when Mitch!!!
Helen NamauuOctober 28, 2015
I haven’t conquered my fear of water, you have to teach me Chet. Although I can float, I sink when I start to use my arms and when I lift my head from water. But I am very glad to know that you can swim now. Also, I could imagine the awesome view from the Jumeirah Beach! Excellent writing Suz!
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 28, 2015
Thank you Helen. Will surely take you there on your visit 🙂
AnonymousOctober 27, 2015
I remember swimming at this beach last year..the water was like a bath tub….
suzpilapilOctober 27, 2015
Very relaxing indeed 🙂
Peter AmiroOctober 26, 2015
We may learn to swim in the sea..but we will never master its power….Nice read..well done !
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 27, 2015
Thank you for reading Peter!
YunniOctober 26, 2015
congrats Suz…. welldone:) enjoy the water….
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Thank you Yunni!!! It was so much liberating 🙂
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Hey Paul! Many thanks from sunny Dubai 🙂
Paul CromwellOctober 26, 2015
It has been my pleasure to swim at this beach a few times. A great place to conquer fear of water..Good accomplishment and super writing.
BeatriceOctober 26, 2015
First of all congratulations…….to conquer fears is a major accomplishment. Secondly, reading this article i Know why I keep coming back to Suja Travel for its writers. You writers all turn up the heat and keep readers interested.
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Thank you Beatrice! Appreciate your comments and love 🙂
Charles COctober 26, 2015
Amazing how water is so soothing..yet can be so fearful. Nature at its best ! Great report, laced with humor.
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Thank you Charles for your comments and appreciation 🙂
Monique LeBlancOctober 26, 2015
It is 8:00am here, cold , dreary and you write of beaches. Shame , shame on you. However, I am in my 50s and only learned to swim two years ago. The fear WAS real and intense. Now, it is, a joy. Great to read about another who felt the same way. Loved this read.,. Suja Travel writers always touch chords. You are all , as well as Suja Travel , to be complimented for your efforts to promote quality writing. My congratulations.
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Monique….now we can both say that to conquer a fear is sublime!
Suja Travel (@SujaTravel)October 26, 2015
To conquer a fear, any fear is to walk tall. To see the water as a friend is to open the door to another world. Nice, positive read, with humor served on sand..Well done !
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Suja Travel…..it was such a pleasure to share my story to your avid readers 🙂
JamesOctober 26, 2015
Goodbye Toyota and Hello to Speedo bathing suit. Next week the marathon swim and then…….? I suspect this article will touch quite a few minds because fear of water is difficult to overcome. The freedom to float is hard earned over the fear of sinking. Well written….loved this !
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Thank you James! My coach believed in me….so he didn’t give me any choice but to believe in myself that I can do it 🙂
ilsOctober 26, 2015
I am so proud of you to overcome your fear … I have the same thing but with heights and I do try to do something about that! Great of you!
Don’t worry about your Toyota Corolla … always remember from one Toyota owner to another … just think : “my Toyota is fantastic” and well worth of standing next to a Ferrari ! 🙂
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Ils!!! Thank you for the words of encouragement….and yes, Toyota can withstand any road challenge so I share the love 🙂
Anna and Steve from UKOctober 26, 2015
Suja Travel….we are in Jumeirah baking!!!!
Suja Travel (@SujaTravel)October 26, 2015
Bake away and enjoy…….winter is fast approaching in the UK and the bake is free…:) Words courtesy of Suja Travel…:)
Vivienne So from KLOctober 26, 2015
I agree Suja Travel…where else can you find a beach where you can see the best views of the khalifa and burj al arab…only in Jumeirah!
JamesOctober 26, 2015
Have to second that…the views are rather awesome !
suzpilapilOctober 27, 2015
Thank you James 🙂
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Yap…the restaurant is called Bu Qtair located right across from the Fisherman’s Village in Umm Suqeim. It is an experience not to be missed!
Maria CameronOctober 26, 2015
Thank you for the info Suz. How far is the beach from the downtown area? I am booked at the Novotel World Trade Centre and might be able to escape after the trade exhibition.
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Oh, your hotel is not too far from the beach. It is only about 10 to 15 minutes on a taxi. I believe the hotel is offering a free shuttle to the beach. You may ask the hotel concierge for the schedule.
Maria CameronOctober 26, 2015
Cool! Thanks again 🙂
Maria CameronOctober 26, 2015
I heard there was a local restaurant only offering fish and shrimps. I saw it from Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Do you know the name of that restaurant?
Suz (@suzsujatravel)October 26, 2015
Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.
~Jim Morrison
AnonymousOctober 26, 2015
He not only could play…her could think !
suzpilapilOctober 27, 2015
And read a book!