Alpha waves.

After 4 surreal weeks of peacefully gazing at the ocean in a Garden of Eden like setting – while the real world out there is fighting for survival – we have finally reached an ocean state of mind. 

Apparently, it is scientifically proven that “staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.”  This frequency is called “alpha waves”, which we believe to be just a fancy word for day-dreaming.

So we have been surfing on our alpha waves for quite some time now, in the graceful company of the natural residents of the bay: the flirty dolphin couple, the jumping fish, the shy turtles, the tirelessly diving pelicans, the thieving frigate birds that behave like jet fighters soaring high in the sky before plunging down and scooping up the bits of food we sometimes throw at them, the songbirds, the froggies and cicadas in the woods nearby.

It will take some serious will power to pump up the frequency again and to shake ourselves free from downward facing dog poses and the like, once this lockdown is lifted.

But the natural beauty of our bay makes us also painfully aware of our privilege. Through social media and contact with our home base, we can follow the ongoing horror of lost lives and lost livelihoods. And while here in the bay all is eerily quiet and deserted, a local radio hit sings about “une petite sortie, en cachette.”

But no matter how “petite” the “sortie” is, it won’t be “en cachette”. You cannot hide from the authorities. They mean business! Yesterday, our day-dreaming session got rudely interrupted by very noisy rotor blades. Out of nowhere, A police helicopter was circling around the bay to suddenly zoom in and hover above “Chez Ernest”, the new restaurant at a mere swimming distance away from O2. And deserted because of lockdown. 

But lo and behold, the helicopter had spotted 2 people by the waterside. They kept hovering until the “boots on the ground” appeared out of the woods to take the situation in hand. We were quite impressed. So were the 2 culprits.

In the meantime, the month of May is coming near and we should be making up our minds. Of all the scenario’s that have been put on the table, Bonaire comes out on top for several practical reasons: it is on the way to the Panama Canal – yes, the Canal is still on this year’s list, against all odds- it is situated outside of the hurricane belt and we can safely leave O2 behind for a visit to the homeland should matters keep deteriorating or should circumstances demand it. And should airplanes fly. 

Also, living on a boat called O2 – which means nothing less than “oxygen” in the territorial waters of an island called Bonaire- “good air”- would be considered by many a person as a good omen in these harrowing corona times.  So when the time is right, let’s get our mojo working, says I. 

But for the time being, let’s stare some more. 
Happy Easter everybody !