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The Quest
On Wednesday the 21st of May 2008 I decided
to cycle from Peacehaven to Cuckmere Haven. It was quite a distance
although I wanted to challenge myself not only to an approximate
distance of around twenty three miles but also to visit what would
be a wonderful place on such a lovely day.
What I hadn't reckoned on was experiencing one
of the strangest experiences of my life.
I started out around 1.30pm and took the
journey at a rather leisurely pace. I kept stopping to take
photos, especially from Seaford head with the classic view across
the coast guard cottages of the Seven Sisters.
I then descended into Cuckmere Haven and
cycled around the estuary to the other side at the base of the Seven
Sisters.
I was walking across the beach and in front of
me I saw...You.
You were wearing black baggy/loose trousers, a light
sleeveless top that was either beige or whitish/yellow, a black backpack and a headscarf.
The feeling I had from such a distance was one
of curiosity, intrigue, perhaps - and even though I don't quite
understand it myself - attraction?
I stopped and sat upon one of the second world
war bunkers for refreshment as I watched you walk off into the
distance. As you did so, I took the following photograph.
After around fifteen minutes I decided
to continue and began to cycle back around the estuary.
Soon, to my pleasant surprise I could see you
in the distance. You were taking a picture of something.
As I approached you kindly stepped to one
side to let me pass.
I was on a blue bike with dark shorts, black
trainers, yellow t-shirt, blue fingerless gloves and a blue helmet.
It was then that you smiled at me.
My heart stopped and time
appeared to stand still. My mind was a mix of thoughts, racing
around, irrational. I was confused,
bewildered, excited, shy, embarrassed. I felt like a teenager
again, blushed and timid, unable to make the first move.
Believe me, part of me desperately wanted to stop to make
conversation but the other part of me just couldn't do it.
Time returned to normal and my heart began to beat once again as I returned your smile and I think I may have even
said 'Thank you' as I continued to cycle past.
I stopped at the pond near the car park and
took some more photos and it was then that I instinctively looked to
my right and I could see you checking the bus timetable before
walking across the road.
Still kicking myself for not saying or doing
anything I cycled off back around the estuary. Each
time that little bit further and yet still thinking that I have time
to return and perhaps I would see you once again. It was then
that I realised I had gone too far, the opportunity was lost and
that I would never see you ever again.
As I write this, nearly a week has passed and despite my
attempt to cast you from my memory, you are still there in my mind. I am able to relive that moment
of passing you clearly in my mind and still my stomach turns over at the thought of your
beautiful smile.
It is true to say that I do not know anything
about you. Perhaps you are a visitor to our country, over here
for a very short amount of time and you may not even be able to
speak English. Maybe you are married with a family. I do
not know.
I do know that this is the strangest thing
that has ever happened to me. I also recognise that this is
the craziest and possibly the most romantic thing that I have ever
done although I just have to know within my heart that I have done
what I can to try to find you.
My hope hangs in the balance of you not only
finding this page and becoming aware of my quest but also to contact
me.
I just hope
that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances that you let me
know.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.
Rob Wassell
Please email me at: iamshe@mysterywoman.co.uk
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