Have you ever had unexpected encounters while traveling? They are indeed exciting and fun! We had such an encounter recently.

It was our second morning at the Ko’Olina Marriot Vacation Club Resort on Oahu, Hawaii and Linda wanted to start the day with a shower. I convinced her to go for her daily walk first and then shower. I said I would walk with her. Of course, she was delighted that I would accompany her on her daily walk. So off we went!

The resort features four Lagoons (Hawaiian names of ocean creatures) opened to the Pacific Ocean and boasts a walkway along the Lagoons used by walkers, joggers, and what have you. Four Hotels are spread over the lagoons, The Four Seasons Hotel and Disney Aulani Hotel surround the 1^st lagoon (Kohola, Whale) The second lagoon (Honu, Turtle) features the Beach Villas Resort. The Marriot VC Resort is located on and between the 3^rd (Naia, Dolphin) and fourth lagoon (Ulua, Fish). The length of the distance from the start of !st lagoon to the end of the 4th lagoon is approximately 1.5 miles.

We started our walk out to the road entrance to Naia Tower of the Marriot towards lagoon number 4. There are a myriad of interesting things to observe and note along the way. The variety of people you meet, Asians, Hawaiians, Tourists, Locals, Athlete’s, Elderly, Young mothers running with their baby’s behind their stroller’s, Groups sharing morning coffee & conversation seated in a circle under the shade of Trees, Families enjoying the Beach, people taking photographs, people swimming, just Life happening before your very eyes! The people are friendly and the scenery is beautiful and calming.

As we were rounding the boat harbor side of lagoon 4, Linda noticed an OSU Oregon State University) logo on the man’s shirt who was accompanied by two ladies. One of the ladies, remarked, “Looks like Linda and Nap”! They happened to be dear friends of our daughter who graduated from Pharmacy School with one of the ladies, who was vacationing with her family and parents. Needless to say, it was a surprise, filledwith wonderful sharing moments! We visited for a few minutes and then went on our way. We had an extra hop in our steps thereafter and greeted everyone with a smile & “Good Morning” along the way.

As we continued we passed by groups doing exercises put on by the different hotels. What a great environment to exercise, people were doing yoga on the lawn and on paddle boards on the lagoon. We also observed a catamaran headed out to the ocean, cabin cruiser speeding across the ocean, couple of fishing boats as we approached the end of the first lagoon. From there we decided to walk towards the Market Place to pickup something for breakfast. When we got to the Market Place we noticed that Eggs & Things, a breakfast place was not busy, so we decided to have breakfast there. We still had to enter our name in Queue, 4^th on the list. The wait was not very long, and were seated on the outside seating. It was enjoyable watching the birds, myna birds, doves and even a chicken in the vicinity of our table. We enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast and headed back to our Resort. We had completed a 3 mile distance for our exercise, enjoyed the hustle and bustle of life around the resort, and felt so relaxed!

Be prepared for your fun in the sun with these items:

1. First Linda appreciates a Turkish cotton beach towel. She puts it in her carryon bag. She uses as a shawl or a blanket on the plane, then of course at the pool or beach when we arrive. Consider the Havluland Turkish beach

towels available on Amazon.

1. Foot Wear: All you nreally need is flip flops and comfortable walking shoes.
2. Good Sunscreen: You will avoid getting burned and ruining your vacation. For Hawaii, make sure it’s marked “reef safe”. It protects the environment and ocean life.
3. Appropriate Apparel To Fit Activity: Such as, swim wear, comfortable daytime clothing, evening wear.
4. Other Necessities: Sunglasses, Wide Brim Hats.

Enjoy your Day, Life, and Sharingfamilytime! Aloha and God Bless!