Mason Coriell: This place always felt like home

“2 am arrival first day away from the home I knew. No one to be seen. Strange new country. Foreign language and of course customs. There is a driver waiting at the airport tho which is a great comfort so late in the evening. I arrive at the house and it’s dark. Can’t find my bed. The pick up driver barely understands me. Where do I sleep? What am I doing here? No direct answer. But hold on, I can see a lone hammock swaying in the gentle night breeze that seems to be spot lighted by the half moon. I found my place for tonight. I sleep as if it was meant to be, engaging in sleep as of it were days that went by not just a few hours. Not restless or nervous. At home under the stars, in a foreign place alone and uncertain. I still slept perfectly. I awoke in the morning to a bright smiling face, asking, “want to go surf?”. From that moment on I didn’t have a care in the world. The camp ran so smooth. I never noticed anything out of place. If I wanted for anything, it was already considered and waiting for me! Fresh coconut? It was there chopped to sit perfectly flat on the table. Want to explore the estuary? Paddle board waiting. Want hang out with dogs? The best dogs ready to follow you to the beach. Want to sneak in a lil extra training on the mats? Multiple other training partners ready to go. Want to find that deep relaxing sleep again? Pick a place. It didn’t matter. This place always felt like home.”

Orlando, FL