Most of us are probably familiar with the old adage time and tide wait for no man; that we cannot slow the passage of time and we should always avoid delay doing things; that what needs to be taken care of, should be taken care of now, and not pushed off to the future.
In many respects the saying carries a lot of weight, but in others, it is lacking. The truth is, we all need time, be it to catch our breath or to step away from the pressures of life for a while – that not everything in life is so drattedly urgent it needs to be done right now, even those things surrounding us in the virtual as well as the physical world, no matter what the pressure.
As such, having places to wander with our thoughts, having the time to contemplate, to observe, to relax, and just be can be important. Places such as Between the Tides, recently featured in the Destination Guide.
The work of Faith Fairelander and located within a region called – appropriately enough – Peaceful Moments, Between the Tides sits as a series of interconnected spaces within a tropical setting where people can just unwind.
Created as a place to slow down, wonder, and simply be. Explore at your own pace, follow your curiosity, and may every visit leave your heart a little lighter. Rest is not an escape from life. Sometimes it is where life quietly finds us again.
– Between the Tides Destination Guide description
With the main Landing Point sitting at the south-western corner of the region, and the land then proceeding around the region to encapsulate a lagoon-like body of water. Located around this arc of land are numerous points of interest, starting with the lighthouse right next to the LP, offering as it does a quiet retreat.
All of the points around the land can be reached in a number of ways – on foot or (from the LP at least) using the easel-mounted map, or via the teleport system. The only exception to this being the SoundBathSky, a skybox location offering its own unique meditative relaxation.
I’m not going to list all the places to visit – you can discover them in exploring for yourself; suffice it to say much of the walk around the setting offers opportunities for photograph and to learn about ocean conservation, particularly with regards to whales, dolphins and turtles (particularly at the turtle hatchery in this latter case), and to light a candle in remembrance or thanks.
There is also much to do here, on land, over land, on the water and under it. From bumper boats to sailing and windsurfing to gently riding a swan boat or paddling around in a canoe or a rubber tube, the lagoon offers plenty of surface activities, whilst below the waves one can watch whales a turtles (the Still Waters destination on the teleport system being a good place to do this).
In addition, those who wish can take to a hang glider and drift over the region or seek out one of several outward-looking spots and simply relax. Local sounds should be on when exploring as the region has a rich soundscape, and the various information boards at the Landing Point offer hints on what to do and where to go.
There is a strong learn towards the Christian religion / faith (take you pick, depending on your viewpoint). Some might be put off by this – but speaking as someone who is very much atheistic towards the idea of a “god” in the manner of many religions, I didn’t find them obtrusive enough to prevent my overall enjoyment of the region – in fact, I found some elements interesting.
The key point here is that whilst Christian-centric, Between the Tides and its various environments have a completely inclusive feel. Information boards are informative, and absolutely no attempt is made to preach or cajole; just offer notes of interest.
That said, I think my favourite parts of the region proved to be Still Waters, with its above ground social area and underwater observation lounge, and the SoundBathSky. One aspect of my attraction to the former was the note about the work of Robert Wyland (together with that of Christian Riese Lassen) – an artist whose work I’ve long appreciated.
SoundBathSky, meanwhile is an atmospheric centre for meditation, complete with singing bowls and a gong ready for striking.
In all a rewarding, calming visit; ideal for those just wishing to wander and relax to the sounds of the tide, wind chimes and the call of birds.
Slurl Details
- Between the Tides (Peaceful Moments, rated Moderate)
