One thing that has remained the same in over 60 years is the view of the sea as we drive up towards Port Dickson (affectionately known as “P.D.”) town and along its coastline towards the multiple hotels and private homes. The sea is not sea blue (it has never been as long as I can remember). It has always been a chalky lime-green in colour.
Another thing that has always seemed to be the same is that the sun is scorching hot once it hits the 10.00am mark onwards to late afternoon. It does break if rain show up, and it shows up whenever it feels like it.
The beaches and sea have never failed to entertain. I can remember the days travelling in a little red and black mini – uncle Jeff’s and Aunty Val’s go anywhere vehicle. it never seemed too small or small. It fitted all 18 of us nicely and comfortably. O.K. Not 18 but close. There was Uncle Jeff and Aunty Val, Brendon, Shenton, Jennifer, Nigel and myself – that’s around 18, thereabouts.😉😂
As for a comfortable ride, I can’t remember. The adrenaline (don’t worry if this word seems like a tongue-twister and you find it tricky trying to pronounce it. Try spelling it out on the keyboard. I had to correct spell it several times before the right one stuck to the screen)… so, the adrenaline rush got us excited with the idea of going to the beach to play in the sand and water.
As we came up the last bend (it was a sort of slight slope climb) of the road and tuned left, we could see “paradise” on our right. It was not the end of that road, we, the kids; were not interested. Believe me, the scene which was everyuthing “sea”, was phenomenal…breathtaking to us very young kids in the late 1960s. By the way, Uncle Jeff and Aunty Val were the hip couple for us young Atkinson cousins; both good and everything (and I mean, everything) mischievous.
The recent trip that we (Jeannie, my wife; Laura, our daughter; and I) made, rekindled the days of the 1960s. P.D. is modern by today’s standards. The good thing is modernisation has not affected the sandy beach coastline too much. We still can feel some beach sand under our feet and see the sea. Let’s hope modernisation, urbanisation and every thing futuristic will leave this landscape remaining unchanged.
I would strongly recommend to take the break from the rush and dust (that too) you have always wanted, even if it for no rhyme or reason (I have not heard that phrase in a long time – English class😅). P. D. is a fairly short drive from Subang Jaya, P. J. (Petaling Jaya) or K.L. (Kuala Lumpur).
Sometimes, when we are too much into what we are doing, we may not be at optimum level. Taking a break, even it is for a short while, from whatever we are doing, especially if it takes up a good amount of our daily time; can do wonders. Have fun. We sure did.
