8 things that annoy you at the beach
Although I would prefer to leave for the Randstad, I still live in Zeeland. And if there is one advantage to this province, it is the dozens of beaches within reach. In less than fifteen minutes without traffic — are you already jealous? — I am baking on the beach. So, you understand: I will be found there all summer long. But, beach days always seem a lot more relaxing than they actually are. There are a few things that annoy me every time.
1. Cigarette butts everywhere
Now, this really doesn't only apply to beaches, because they are also abundant on the streets, but come on: how hard is it to just throw those butts in a trash bag? The same goes for empty cola cans where a whole colony of wasps gathers. Ugh.
2. Large groups
This happened to me recently. Together with my mother I was lying on the beach when a group of twenty people came to lie down less than a meter away from us. Fine, the beach is for everyone so I have little to say about that, but it was still almost empty. Why do you have to lie down right here? The rest of the day I could enjoy the loud music and all the games of UNO that were played.
3. Wet dogs
It helps that I am a dog person, but if you are not, I can only imagine how unrelaxing such a beach day must be. One soaked dog after another runs past you, and with a bit of bad luck, that wet tennis ball lands right on your towel.
4. Flying umbrellas
In the Netherlands, there is either no breeze or wind force seven; usually the latter. Then it just becomes a competition to catch umbrellas, because they take turns flying up only to get stuck thirty meters away in someone else's beach chair. Life-threatening. You wouldn't want to get hit in the face by one of those poles while you're trying to nap.
5. The thousands of jellyfish
On vacation, you might encounter one giant jellyfish, but here on the Dutch coast, I see more jellyfish than sea. Seriously, where do all these creatures suddenly come from? My ultimate life hack for non-swimmers: bring a spray bottle and fill it with water. This way, you can cool off without coming home with twenty jellyfish stings.
6. Bikinis that crawl up
Anyway, I am not a fan of bikinis; they never fit as nicely as regular lingerie. Especially with the bottom piece, I have a problem; it always crawls up, leaving half of your butt hanging out. To fix this, you get to dig around, and everyone who sees it. Very charming.
7. Overcrowded beach tents
Then you think you can enjoy a cold cola somewhere in the shade on the terrace, but there is no space anywhere. Or yes, a table will surely become available soon, but then you first have to stand in line with ten families in front of you. Just a bit more sweating.
8. Towels full of sand
I saved the best for last: people who shamelessly shake out their towels next to you. Great, when you just applied sunscreen and laid down, and then you get sandblasted. If I haven't made you angry yet, you should try this.
