Photo of the Week #56 - Sunrise on the Gulf of Mexico – September 2003

There is nothing quite as inspiring and peaceful to me as a glorious sunrise or a resplendent sunset. This sunrise photo was taken from the rail of a cruise ship I was on in the Gulf of Mexico in September of 2003.

While I don’t usually enjoy being part of a mass group of people, especially in a touring situation or, in the case of a cruise ship, a situation where there is no way to simply avoid contact with the masses of people, I did enjoy this experience. I found ways that worked for me to capture the essence of what was most important to me. I avoided the swimming pools and decks with large group gatherings and activities. I stayed away from most of the bars and nightclubs. I found quiet places on the ship where I could enjoy the air, sunshine, the dark sky at night and the sunrises and sunsets.

Of course, I had to interact with people on board the ship and, as always, I met some interesting people, some of who I’m still in contact with nearly ten years later. All experiences are what you make them. There was virtually no one else on this deck with me at sunrise. I was able to rejoice in the opportunity of watching the beginning of another glorious day and capture as many photos as I wanted to without interruption or interference. Where precisely was I on the Gulf at the time of this photo? I honestly don’t have a clue and, to me, does it really matter? Absolutely not!