The fisherman

It was an ordinary morning. I was with my bicycle, riding the way back to my house. The air was cold. I rode one-handed and with the other arm I was holding my jacket's collar up to protect my neck from the crisp air.

I didn't expect to meet anyone at this early hour. I imagined people were still in their beds, under their blankets, sleeping. 

There was a wonderful peace everywhere in the atmosphere. I rode in a moderate speed, observing the surroundings. 

The only living creature I've met up at that time was only a cat sitting on someones tile roof. But after a couple of kilometers I run into a fisherman.

I stopped my bicycle as the view was amazing. Him, standing in the coast, with his fishing rod, the small boat to his left and another abandoned small boat in the far left, and at the background the calm sea, the fluffy dark clouds and the city of Volos. 

The scenery is breathtaking! This picture is like its taken from an old book's cover. Preferably a novel. 

I took four pictures, but this first snapshot was the best of them all. Its like finally my camera phone agreed to capture the beauty of the wonderful scene I was viewing.

I waved him good morning. He was there since 06:00 a.m. He saw the sunrise. When I asked him why was he fishing at that early hour, he replied that fishing at first light relaxes him and makes his day. Also, the fish seem to bite more easily when there is peace and quiet in the atmosphere. That is why he prefers to fish really early in the morning.

After this conversation he grinned and ask back what was I doing riding my bicycle at this early hour. I laughed as I told him exactly what he's told me, too! Riding my bicycle in the early morning feels relaxing and makes my day!

He then noticed that every person has his morning rituals. He had the fishing, I had my bicycle riding. Others have walking, planting, cleaning or waking up really early and watching telemarketing programs on TV. Unfortunately, he cannot do his ritual everyday, only a few days per week, and that I'm lucky as I ride my bicycle during work days too. 

After talking a little bit more, I then continued my ride. When I arrived home, the neighbor was sitting in the balcony, despite the cold, drinking his coffee while watching the sea view. He did that every single day, rain or not. That was his ritual! The others were still sleeping.

I dragged my bicycle inside the house with a smile in my face, thinking the fisherman.

"Every person has his morning rituals..."

What is your morning ritual?