Congratulations even if it took 30 years.
If it's any consolation, my uncle took me about 100 yards offshore at Silverwood Lake where I grew up. I must've been about six years old. He threw me out of the boat and said "sink or swim!"
I learned how to tread water real fast
Oh, yes. I heard about this method. It is good you got skills but might have been too brutal I guess... On the other hand, I was that kid who didn't see the seaside until I was 19 or something, so it might make sense also.
Really? It wasn't until you were 19 years old you saw an ocean for the first time? Incredible. Where did you grow up if you don't mind? I'd like to see it on a map.
I didn't see an ocean that time, I have seen the Black Sea...so living round here 😉 It is not about the place I guess...I mean, I have seaside in my country and I am also sure it wasn't about money, and especially for such a long time. I have lived with my grandparents who were comfortable and old enough to conceive such 'trips'.
Thank God for grandparents.