by Jodi Bier I stood at the Sea of Japan. The weather was so hot that eating ice cream would have been futile, as it would've melted before reaching one's taste buds. A long, stair path led down a green hill, to a bend where towering cliffs met the sea and a narrow stone path divided the ocean from black, lava-textured boulders. Minute waves splashed at the edge of the walkway, leaving residual water droplets on my feet. The path led to a dilapidated bridge guarded by a sign written in Japanese that probably said, "Warning! Do not cross." It appeared stable enough to me, so I treaded over the crooked, sagging, bamboo　bridge. On the other side, a semi-sandy beach replaced the stone path and a magnificent cliff jetted into the ocean, forming a cove. I approached the cliff and noticed a small tunnel leading to the other side. Curious, I crawled through on the black sand, and was greeted by a second breathtaking cove. Anxious to cool off, I put on my snorkel and stepped into the ocean. I waded in the water and the rocks gradually turned into soft, white sand. Just as I prepared to plunge into the water, a sharp burn swished across my upper thigh! It felt like a swarm of hornets had lunged into my leg, each one leaving a noxious sting. I gasped with pain, and quickly removed my goggles to search for my nemesis. There it was, calm and still-a jellyfish! My eyes darted across the water in search of more. Sure enough, hovering just below the surface were two others. Their six-inch long tentacles undulated in the water with their clear bodies leading the way. I immediately turned back toward the shore. Fortunately, I reached the sand without new assaults. The burning sensations on my thigh increased, feeling like I had been whipped with a miniature cat of nine tails. Red streaks puffed up across my thigh. With the lack of a remedy for the wound, I searched for a new place to swim void of jellyfish. Retracing my steps, I crawled back through the cliff tunnel and ambled over the bridge. Standing in the initial cove, I surveyed the water for a safe place to swim. As far as I could tell, no danger lurked in the sea. Trying to ignore my burning wound, I prepared my snorkel gear and plunged into the oceanic bliss. The coolness of the water moved smoothly across my skin, soothing my wound. Yet, my mistrustful eyes focused ahead scanning for jellyfish. The water got deeper and the seafloor, sandier. The sun's rays shot deep into the ocean lighting up the aquatic world. A school of neon-yellow and -blue fish coasted below me, and sporadic seaweed patches swayed along the floor. Reassured I was out of harm's way, I swam towards a small island about a hundred yards in the distance. Upon reaching the island, I flipped onto my back, and floated like an otter basking in the sun. Feeling rested, I made my way around the island, exploring its cliffs that pierced deep into the water. They were covered with sea grasses, turban shells, and shellfish. Small black-and-white striped fish hid in the seaweed, and huge silver carp swam below, blending in with the sand. I caught a glimpse of something pink when suddenly an ambassador of the jelly world brushed against my leg, stinging the tender area behind my knee! More jellyfish! Tired of being stung, I pulled myself onto the island to recuperate. Eventually, the waves picked up, splashing against the island's edge and the mid-day's sun pressed into my skin, queuing me to head back to shore. I slipped off the rocks into the water and was met by an infestation of jellyfish! I instantly pushed my back against the island and climbed out of the water. I spit my snorkel out of my mouth and gasped for air, terrified. I had no choice but to gather my courage and swim to shore. I nervously slid back into the water. A literal armada of iridescent, pink jellyfish floated before my eyes. They looked like pink space pods lit up in different colors in the sunlight and floated about four inches apart in every direction. My hopes for an escape route were quickly vanquished. So, I went for it. I swam as fast as I could to get any new stings over with as soon as possible. Actually, I likely flailed around more than I swam, in attempt to decimate any jellyfish I could. Some of the space pods exploded with the blow of my hands and others stood their ground. I pressed on, trying to stay calm. As fearful as I was of being lashed from head to toe by the jellyfishes' fiery tentacles, the armada was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. No sight compared to gentle but dangerous, pink, glistening pods of jelly creatures floating in crystal blue sea. By the grace of the ocean, I managed to make it to shore with only one sting on my right shoulder. I walked on the sand, caught my breath, and stared into the ocean dumbfounded by the beauty of what lay beneath. Even if I had been stung 10 more times, it was worth the sight.