Thalassophile

I am the person who has an unquenchable desire to be near the sea and dwell there as much as I want. Being a thalassophile refers to the undying affection for the beach, regardless of the weather and circumstances. The title of this blog describes it all. Coming from the person who was born and raised in a beautiful piece of heaven, Cox's Bazar Bangladesh, it feels like a blessing honestly. I could never get enough of my hometown because you cannot get tired of things you're in love with. The fresh breeze of air touching my skin, the salty cold water washing away my stress, the warm ray of sunlight coming from the golden hour and the calming sight of the heavenly sunset is everything that a thalassophile like me can ask for.

The town that was named by the sailor Captain Cox after his name, the tourist capital of Bangladesh, which features golden sand, high cliffs, surfing waves,  Buddhist temples and tribes, fishing port and very well-known for having the longest sea beach in the world is Cox's Bazar, my hometown. The water of Bay of Bengal touches the coastline throughout 120km. People drool over the fresh sea food and the sight of the sun-set by the beach. It's densely packed with well-designed buildings, 3-5 star hotels serving to the local and international tourists. The congestion of people is less during April-September and the most packed months are October-March. The beauty of the beach is, the more you go to the south, the sea seems bluer. Some famous beach names of Cox's bazar that are mostly packed by the tourists are  'Laboni Beach,' Sughandha Beach'  'Himchari Beach' and 'Inani Beach'. You'll find ancient wooden temples in Ramu which are worthy to visit. The journey to Teknaf, Bangladesh's mainland's southernmost point, is one to remember. It would be fascinating to take a day trip to one of the beautiful islands—Moheshkhali or Sonadia—which are tucked among the calm waves. But from my perspective Cox's Bazar should be more well-known for the welcoming nature of the people. The hospitality of the people is beyond words. We know how devastating the entire Rohingya crisis is. The people of cox's bazar sharing their food and land, and standing with the Rohingyas is commendable. Now, Cox's Bazar is said to be having the largest refugee camp of the world. It is a colorful town which celebrates oneness. 

Location: Buddhist temple, Cox's Bazar

The city is comprised of different cultures and ethnicity. The variation of people live with harmony irrespective of their cast and race.  Being able to respect each other's cultures and taking a part in other's celebrations is somewhat a great quality of the people of my town. Rakhaine, Burmese, Chakma and Rohingya people are mostly seen among the ethnic people here. The Rakhaines celebrate their water festival with great joy every year.

Cox's Bazar gets most of the attention as a tourist spot which is why the locals suffer mostly. The Urban government should take more initiatives like developing infrastructure of the city and reconstruction of roads. With more sanitation facilities and improvement of drains the city will be more hygienic and clean for the people to live in and to visit by the tourists as well. 

It is a privilege to be able to grow up in a place like Cox's Bazar. I would trade anything to be there, besides the shores and to enjoy the beautiful sunset. A perfect day goes with sandy toes, fresh breeze of the wind and warm sea food. I am proud to belong from this city and it will forever have my heart. I will be a Thalassophile till my death.