A Sparked Mediterranean Adventure

By Mara Hakim, Elementary School Teacher-Librarian

After raising two kids and sending them off to conquer the world, I felt a surge of freedom that was almost electrifying. It was like a firecracker going off inside me, igniting a desire to step outside my comfort zone and dive headfirst into the unknown. This newfound sense of adventure was a thrill I could not ignore, a spark that had been waiting to ignite for years.

My curiosity was first sparked by the idea of a sabbatical, a concept that was completely foreign in Arab culture. You know, the whole "work hard, play hard" thing? Well, I was starting to think that maybe a little less hard was not such a bad thing. I began to question the traditional norms of work, wondering if it was okay to take a break, to recharge my batteries, and to explore the world beyond my comfort zone.

Taking a break from teaching after three decades was a huge leap of faith. And embarking on this adventure in June 2020, smack in the middle of a pandemic, was even more courageous (particularly for someone who's not exactly known for being spontaneous). But sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. Working on a beautiful island like Malta was the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and discover a whole new world.

Malta, a tiny island south of Italy, is like a hidden gem. Imagine stunning beaches, friendly locals, a mix of ancient ruins and vibrant culture, and scenery that is so beautiful it's almost unreal. And during COVID times, Malta was a breath of fresh air. With its relatively relaxed restrictions compared to other countries, it was like a little oasis where you could actually enjoy yourself without feeling cooped up.

Instead of teaching, I decided to explore a completely different path. I worked for a company that rescued used boats, gave them a makeover, and then sent them off on adventures. It was like being part of a treasure hunt, except instead of gold, we were uncovering hidden gems in the form of pre-loved boats. This unique experience not only taught me about boats but also gave me a chance to get my hands dirty – a fun and rewarding experience.

The real magic, though, happened on the open water. Sailing the sparkling Mediterranean between Sicily and Malta was like straight out of a dream. I explored hidden coves around the charming Maltese islands of Comino and Gozo, the turquoise water begging to be dove into (which I did, of course!). And let me tell you, witnessing epic sailing races like the Rolex Middle Sea Race was exhilarating– seeing those skilled sailors navigate the waves with such precision was awe-inspiring.

Sure, there were a few moments where I became best friends with seasickness pills but my determination to conquer the waves won out. This entire sabbatical was a rollercoaster of adventure, pushing me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible. It was a journey of self-discovery, reminding me of the importance of taking care of myself, embracing new experiences, and proving that it is never too late to set sail on a grand adventure.