I grew up less than a mile from the sea. The salt air never felt like it permeated to our house, but somehow the essence did. A certain feeling that there was a vast expanse only a short walk away. When I went to college I chose a school by the sea. It wasn't conscious, it just kind of happened since it was the school I happened to get into.
I didn't realize what the water meant to me until there was no water. I moved to the suburbs of the city on top of a hill. I was feeling disconnected, like an astronaut floating away and didn't know why. It took me a few years and moving to a different part of town to realize what was missing.
My third apartment had a "harbor view" on its balcony which was a crack between two other buildings. I loved that view. I sat out on my little balcony as often as I could, which was really only half the year due to the cold. I felt fully at home for the first time since leaving "home". I was connected to the world again. I walked along the harbor near daily. It does help that Pokemon Go was a Thing that summer and I could catch so many water Pokes on my journey.
Then I had to leave. The rent was too high. I thought I could go back in a few years. It would all be ok. I've really liked some of the apartments I've had since then. I love living with my friend.
Maybe that's why the pull to go back isn't as strong these days. Maybe I've grown used to missing it. Maybe it was never the sea at all. Maybe it was something I still haven't put my finger on. Though, if I had the chance to go back to that neighborhood I'd take it in a heartbeat, god knows I've tried every time I've considered moving.
Alas, the rent remains too high.