There’s a few immutable facts that everyone knows about me.
- I get a lot of migraines.
- I write a lot of things.
- I have a thing for mythology.
- I make a lot of jokes that involving dabbing and nihilism.
- And lastly, that I really, really, really love whales.
To be more broad, I love all cetaceans. Whales, dolphins, various porpoises — I love all cetaceans.
On particularly somber nights, I find myself browsing YouTube in search of the newest whale videos. One of my classic videos to watch when I’m feeling down is "beluga whale listening to mariachi." Watch it, you won’t be disappointed.
So, why do I love cetaceans?
It probably started in my youth, not to be vaguely Freudian about it. I lived pretty close to the Minnesota Zoo and, at the time, they still housed dolphins. I remember the countless times I went to see their shows. So starkly can I remember seeing the flips, jumps and cries of the water-based beasts echoing across the theater. Outside of the zoo, I was constantly reading books on whales and dolphins. I watched Animal Planet, always on the lookout for anything to do with them.
Truthfully, I am fascinated by them.
They’re massive marine mammals that have adapted in ways that I find astounding. They’re beautiful creatures that traverse the seas in a way close to myth.
I went whale watching in Gloucester, Massachusetts when I was 12. It was the first time I had really been to the sea. It was the first time I couldn’t sea land anywhere; I was completely surrounded by water within thirty minutes of departure from the port.
I saw seven whales that day, one of which was baby humpback, newly documented by the whale watching company we were with. They were a curious thing, playing with another juvenile within 15 feet of the side of the boat. I can remember how the duo lingered, ‘spyhopping’ from the water, propelling their heads out of the water to see above the sea.
I remember being in awe of them, a different kind of thing than what I had felt at my zoo for long. These beings were wild. They were free. They would know the ocean better than most humans. They are the great masters of the sea, knowing more with each breath and dive they take.
So, I love whales. I urge anyone reading this to take some time and watch a view nice whale videos. Love a good whale.
