In Myazaki, Japan, on Kyushu Island, beach-goers can stroll
white sandy beaches, body-surf impressive waves and enjoy balmy perfect weather
every day of the year. Guaranteed.The Ocean Dome, which features trendy shops, fast food and
even full-scale restaurants, also boasts heated pools, a kid's pool, floating
pool and three water slides. What's not to love about that? And as a bonus, the
entrance fee is a cool $50 US, which is a steal of deal when you consider how
you'd have to rough it if you visited the natural ocean beach - just ΒΌ mile
away.
The Ocean Dome or, if you prefer, The Paradise
of Eternal Summer, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the
largest indoor water park. But I think it should be listed as the stupidest way
to bring the outdoors inside.
To be fair, I'll admit that swimming in the ocean poses
challenges that can be frustrating. Sand in your shorts, jellyfish along the
shore and pointy rocks jabbing your toes can all rain on your beach fun. And if
you're not a fan of packing a picnic, the convenience of fast food so close may
be a terrific bonus.
But who wants to live in a world where the outdoors is "Once
Upon a Time?" Dodging seagulls, feeling the wind on your face and outrunning a
storm coming across the lake make for great memories. Nature isn't predictable - and
that's what makes it perfectly wonderful.
I think I'll stick to enjoying nature naturally and count
myself lucky because of it. But in case you're curious what a hermitically
sealed beach looks like, check out these photos....
Julia Rosien,
Nomadik Editor
