A swimming pool is usually a place to hang out with friends and splash around but to me it's a place to come and shut out the rest of the world. The scenery of the pool deck may change but the transparent blue water is universal throughout every venue. For three hours a day, I spend time in this temple and It's just me and the water. The open high ceiling creates a large bright space contrasting with the bright colors of the banners hanging that honor other teams dedicated to the sport. Accents of the traditional red and white are highlighted in the lane lines and flags lining across both pools. Framed at the end of the space is the familiar trademark picture of the Miami Redhawk. Everyday I get to represent that signature symbol by putting on a bathing cap with a block "M" advertised on the side. When I put that cap on, the outside world is non-existant and the only thing that matters is me and the water.
People everyday join at the pool in the recreation center; no matter what his/her level or swimming background. Some people choose to swim as a form of exercise, others swim for fun, and some people are there to represent a team. No matter what skill level, everyone can appreciate the atmosphere of this natatorium. Everyone has a desire to be there and every reason is different but no matter the excuse everyone is there for one common activity: swimming. When a person walks into the venue, he/she will feel the school spirit around them. The smell of chlorine permeates throughout the space while small ripples of movement can be seen on the surface of the water as a result if various movements by the people using the pool. A low murmur can be heard from various people socializing with each other along with the occasional sound of a splash made by a new person jumping into the pool. Sounds are soft since the large room absorbs the sound and drowns the noise out, but even that sound disappears as ones head submerges into the water.
1 comment:
Lauren:
I know exactly what you are talking about (and not only because you described it so well here)--there is a reverential feeling to a pool, and I noticed it particularly strongly with Miami's aquatic center (which I think is an amazing facility).
This is good thick description, and a n acceptable start. I am curious where you see yourself taking this? I like the idea of the "temple" or the religious sanctuary...that might be something you expand on. Perhaps observe some of the other frequenters of this place, not just swimmers, but staff, janitors...is there something interesting there that you might look at taking further?
Again, well done.
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