As I walk toward the ocean with the warm sand beneath my feet, the waves lick my ankles, as if wanting to drag me out to sea. The sun rises on the horizon, reflects on the waves and sparkles like gold. The salty air smells pungent as it stings my nose with the smell I crave when I'm away from the ocean. The Outer Banks of North Carolina have been my favorite place since my earliest memories. I look forward to going there every summer because there, by the ocean, I feel at home. It's a place where I can forget all the stress in my life and be completely at peace. It's a place where my family can spend time together, not like at home where we all have activities and places to be. The Outer Banks are not a beach where the ocean is forgotten; there are no parties or walks, just nature to fill your days there. The beach is not crowded to the point that it is difficult to walk there and searching for shells is not even an option. This beach is a very peaceful and surreal place. The noises of people do not overwhelm you on this beach; all you can hear are the seagulls and the waves. My family, consisting of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few extended family members, has been traveling to the Outer Banks for several years now. It's a place where we can all be together without the chaos of our daily lives. This is where we always went on vacation; we have done other trips but always manage to get there too. When we are all at the beach it gives us time to spend with each other, unlike at home where everyone is too busy with their own lives. We can catch up on each other's life stories and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every evening we have dinner together and then we take a sheet...... middle of paper ......n. When a stingray passes in front of you or a jellyfish is in the water next to you, you realize once again everything that is happening underwater that cannot be seen. Waves can make you feel so insignificant when you find yourself hopelessly in the water and have no control over yourself. Only after experiencing this can one realize the power of the waves. There are many reasons why the ocean is my favorite place. These range from the atmosphere and people by the ocean to the landscapes experienced on site. It's time for me to free myself from all the worries in my life and "get away from it all", even if it's only for a week. The ocean must be appreciated for what it is. The loud noise and all the commotion on the sidewalks shouldn't exploit it. By the ocean, I feel at home and at peace because it's my favorite place.