If my mother could visit any place on the planet, she would choose and always has chosen the Great Barrier Reef. I feel guilty for stealing her dream, but I reached the Reef before she had a chance to. Hopefully some day she will forgive me.
It is hard for me to admit, however, that the GBR was somewhat of a disappointment. It is no longer the magnificent wonder that it was back when my parents were planning their honeymoon; of course it is still beautiful, but climate change has killed much of the aquatic life forms. Unfortunately the reef has lost large amounts of its color and richness, and I could tell with my own eyes.
The declining state of the reef was not the only upsetting factor of the day’s experience; the two-hour trip by boat to our reef spot of choice was unsettling to my stomach. The ocean and my stomach had much in common this day, as they both reeled and swayed. But when I was able to look past my nausea, some pretty wonderful things were right before me including clear blue water, endless coral and exotic fishes. It was bizarre to be out so far in the ocean, saddening to see one of the world’s wonders dying before my eyes, and humbling to see such an awesome natural structure up close.
I was sure to tell my mother that she wasn’t missing much (almost entirely truthful) and bring her back some pieces of washed up coral. Both actions appeased her just enough.
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