A memorable sunrise.
One cannot help but see and experience the magic in a sun rising over the Port City of Toamasina. The city of Toamasina is the busiest gateway for Madagascar to the Indian Ocean and the world. The harbor is usually full of movement. In the early morning’s golden, soft light, Toamasina is temporarily calm and peaceful at dawn. There I stand, mesmerized.
The air is cool and crisp and smell of the ocean; the only sound is from the gently lapping waves. Some people used the beach or the modern-day Miami boulevard to take in the moment. Others exercised in the morning. They greatly value this calm before the city comes to life.
Watching the sun rise is not just about watching the light emerge. It is about witnessing life gain purity and peace at its finest. It is nature exposed on a series of beautiful tableaux. It is the most beautiful start of the day.
The Port Awakens—Scene Set at Dawn
The dawn’s first light appears and touches the face of the Port of Toamasina. This softly brings peace to the place. There is a quasi-silent rhythm during the dawn of a new day. The wind blew in the unmistakable scent of the ocean. The air is pure and feels sharp and cool. At this time of day, it is only starting to slowly overtake the sweltering heat of the sun.
The night sky begins to transition mildly. It shifts from dark shades of blue to soft pastels of morning light. This shift ushers in a new day. This moment contrasts with the dynamic action that will fill the port later. It is a beautiful, highly complex operation. This is an extraordinary feeling as I walk along the beach, soaking in the tranquility of this transition.
Morning Routines at the Port: The Early Risers
As the sky lightens, the first hints of life show. Silhouetted by the rising light, fishermen cast their nets into the still water. The city also slowly wakes up. The faint sounds of daily life float from the streets. They build to a crescendo. A rare and tranquil moment to enjoy the colors of sunrise in Toamasina Port just before the town wakes up.
The port of Toamasina comes to life slowly at dawn. Early risers breathed in the fresh but salt-perfumed air. They do morning exercises by the sea. The fishermen are perfectly in sync with sunrise. As the first light appears on the horizon, these men begin their work. They carry years of tradition with them. They pursue their tasks with quiet determination. Their movements are fluid and almost poetic. They pull in nets, hoping it would be yet another bountiful catch. Their effort is being foregrounded in a serene landscape.
Runners jog along the beach. The salty scent of the ocean hang in the air. Waves lap gently against the rocks beneath. The sounds of the city rise gently in the distance. This peaceful gathering at sunrise connects the early risers with the community. It provides a shared experience of quietude. There is peace before the metropolis is fully awake. It is an era that seems very near, linked by the simple but profound rituals of life by the sea.
The Beauty of Sunrise
The Port of Toamasina has some nice golden shows to offer at the sunrise, which is its horizon daybreak. Witness the scant colors of dawn. Bold shades blow them away as they paint the skyline and brighten the entire area. Under the early light of the sun, the water sparkles. It becomes a bright mirror, reflecting the brilliance of the sky above. Each ripple atop the sea catches the light. It creates what seems to be a dazzling choreography of reflections across the texture of this morning.
The show is an emotional bounty, a treat for the eyes, that makes a person’s morning. Looking towards the waterfront with the sun rising up, I feel freshness. The warm softness of the sun on your skin is comforting. It reminds me that a new day is waiting for me. In the midst of all this beauty, witnessing the moment, how can you not feel that all will be well? Through the silent calling, the stop, the deep breath, and the present moment.
A Moment for Reflection
Meditation or mindfulness are not necessary during this time of day. The breathtaking views at the break of dawn added to the place’s tranquilly. These views create a perfect setting for reflection. It is far from life joining the morning energies in a peaceful manner. The entry into the gentle morning energies brings the daily tensions and sounds of life a million miles away. In this tranquil place, the dawn of the Port of Toamasina becomes an indelible part of your soul. It remains in your memory for much more than a second.
The sun grows stronger as the dawn broke. You can feel and see the city of Toamasina beginning to stir. The port is teeming with activity. Day breaks the trance of night, the stillness of dawn replaced by the throb of the oncoming day. The formerly noiseless harbor now explodes with sound: shrieks of car horns, chatter of people, the slow creak of cranes. Indeed, the difference is stark. The early morning hours are calm with hardly anyone else around. The late morning is bustling with activity.
Conclusion
It’s one of those moments, so simple. It encompasses peace, tranquility and the beauty of nature to behold. It’s a certain vow to magic found in the most unlikely spots. I recommend that whenever you are going to Toamasina, you experience this amazing and beautiful sunrise. It is a beauty to behold. A delight for the eyes, and highlights the simple beauty that surrounds us in some of life’s quietest moments.
L J Padayachy 
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