Sometimes, I find myself planning expensive vacations so that I may experience nature up, close and personal. However, I realized that nature is not confined to distant exotic destinations—it surrounds us in abundance as a priceless gift bestowed upon us by our Creator. Regardless of our wealth, age, or gender, everyone has the opportunity to revel in the splendor that nature has to offer. The vast sky above, the graceful flight of birds, the refreshing air we breathe, and the tall majestic trees —all serve as magnificent showcases of Allah’s countless blessings upon us. I had one such magical experience at Al-Kout beach, Kuwait, which I recount here.
In early June, when temperatures in Kuwait reach as high as 50 degrees, I decided to visit Al-Kout beach and have a swim in the sea. Al Kout beach is located in Al-Fahaheel area and is around 20 kilometers from Kuwait city.
Because of extreme high temperatures during the day, we left our homes 30 minutes before sunrise. The beach is very close to Fahaheel’s residential and commercial areas, so when I reached there, I could already see some families at the beach site. Nature all around us
Nature all around us
As I dived into the sea I felt that the water was a bit cold and it took us a while to get used to it. A pleasant breeze both welcomed and sent shivers through our wet bodies. The brown color of the sandy beach teaming up with the blue colored ocean was majestic to look at and be a part of.
I went to enjoy nature and nature didn’t disappoint me. First up, was the sight of the sun, coming out of the sea. It was like an orange colored ball that was casting a majestic reflection onto the sea. As I looked towards it, the sun was so close that I felt that I can grab it with my hand, it was so mellow that I could stare at it, without the fear of burning my eyes. It was hard to believe that within a few hours, the same sun will cause the temperatures to go as high as 50 degrees!
After enjoying the sight of the sun rising from the horizon, I put on my goggles and dived inside to explore the ocean’s bed. I couldn’t believe my eyes, when I saw a flock of fish swimming so close to me. Their skin was milky white and they didn’t seem threatened by my presence which made me wonder if they had actually come to greet me. Their size was as small as my palm but few of them were slightly bigger. As I enjoyed watching the fishes swim in random patterns I wished I had brought snorkeling equipment so that I can stay underwater longer than I am able to hold my breath.
After swimming, exploring and cleaning the ocean floor, I decided to surrender to the serenity of the moment. I spread my arms sideways, turned my face and chest towards the sky, floated on my back and allowed my body to be cradled by the gentle waves. I opened my eyes and gazed upwards towards the sky. The vast expanse of the clear blue sky greeted me, captivating me with it’s flawless perfection and immaculate craftsmanship.
Just as I marveled at the clear blue sky, a formation of pigeons gracefully soared above us. Their synchronized flight added an extra touch of enchantment to the already idyllic scene. In the presence of the cool water embracing me, the light breeze caressing my skin, the mellow sun casting its warn glow, the playful fishes beneath me, and the azure sky above, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the abundance of natural beauty surrounding me. It was a harmonious symphony, orchestrated by Al-Musawwir, reminding me of the extraordinary wonders that HE has created all over the world. I just couldn’t help but recite.
The Al-Kout Beach
I was impressed by how well-maintained and clean the beach was. It was evident that considerable effort was being put in maintaining its cleanliness and beauty. Even at this early hour, workers worked tirelessly to keep the beach and its surroundings clean and spotless.
However, I wish I can say the same about the visitors visiting the beach. While most take care, some treat the ocean as a large trash can, where you can throw anything that you don’t need. As I dived towards the ocean’s bed, I could see plastic wrappers, empty cola cans and water bottles. I can only wonder how people can be so careless towards this blessing from Allah.
Al-Kout is a public beach and access to it is completely free. There are running and jogging tracks as well as numerous restaurants and fishing spots. While most restaurants open in the evening, some restaurants like Starbucks and McDonalds were open to serve their breakfast menus. It was quite thoughtful of the authorities to provide the convenience of public washrooms so near to the beach-side. It added to the overall experience and allowed me and my kids to wash and change easily.
Conclusion
Overall me and my kids enjoyed this early morning rendezvous to Al-Kout beach, so it is something that I would highly recommend to people who want to explore nature. While it may be tempting to bring recording equipment to capture the enchanting moments, I personally find it more fulfilling to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature without the distractions of technology. No camera or microphone can truly encapsulate the splendor of the scenery, the captivating aromas, and above all, the overwhelming emotions that arise when one is in such close proximity to the wonders of nature.
That being said, I do suggest bringing along some light snorkeling equipment. It allows for an extended encounter with the mesmerizing underwater world and offers a unique perspective on the marine life thriving beneath the surface. The ability to linger and observe the fishes in their natural habitat is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
For those who are curious to know, I have provided the link of the location below. Do visit Al-Kout beach to create your own unforgettable memories. I would love to hear from you, so don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section.
