Back To Reality

My "Eat, Pray, Love" In Two Weeks

Series

Part Eleven of Twelve

Papeete, Tahiti

After a breakfast fit for a small village and a perfect day at my favorite sand-bottom pool, it was time to head back to reality. Note: don't eat fish before you travel. You never know. Let's say I was lucky to make the plane.

My last day in Tahiti brought gorgeous weather. Since I was not too fond of the buffet the day before, I ordered breakfast in my bungalow to take advantage of the fantastic setting. I had a choice of either a Continental breakfast or an American breakfast. Being a good, vigorous American girl, I ordered the American.

Well, I think they expected an entire city of Americans for breakfast! I have never seen so much food for one person. An omelet, hash browns, bacon, fresh fruit, a whole plate of pastries, SIX pieces of toast, coffee, Passion Fruit juice…unbelievable! I did my best but didn't make a dent.

I must admit, though, that sitting on my deck overlooking the water and eating breakfast was just one more moment in Tahiti where I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. I watched kayakers, snorkelers, Jet Skiers, and swimmers go by. One kayaker even had his cute little dog on his lap as he paddled out to the outer parts of the lagoon. I was so thankful that the rain had passed. I couldn't get to the pool fast enough.

The day at the pool started perfectly, as I was the first person to this beautiful place, despite my rush. I decided I liked the sand-bottom infinity pool with the beach setting best, and I had the pick of the beach. I settled in, and a beautiful man named Tamatoa waited on me.

Pinot Gris was the day's drink, and he kept it coming. It was the perfect lazy day. My only job was to turn over so I wouldn't burn. What ten days in the relaxed South Pacific will do to you is funny. I have learned here to talk when you have something to say, to listen because we don't know as much as we think we do, and to accept that there are many ways to live this glorious life.

At one point, an American man sat just behind me with an Australian woman, and he had not learned any of these things. He talked nonstop about his money, who he knew, what he did, what kind of car he drove, etc. It hit me that he needed to hush, as the woman he was with, when she had the chance to get a word in edgewise, was quite impressive and had a lot to offer.

I was sad this man had not learned the lessons these islands have to teach. There is wisdom in the quiet here, in the way the people of French Polynesia live their lives. I am enamored with the simplicity of life here and the acceptance and peace that comes with it. Not to mention that some men really can't do the thong bikini thing. Please, leave something to the imagination!

After an intoxicating day on the beach, I had dinner alone and made the mistake of having sushi. I ended up so sick that I missed my shuttle to the airport and got ripped off on the ensuing cab ride. I did manage an upgrade for my flight, thank goodness, so all ended well.

It was an overnight flight, and I slept most of the way except for the turbulent part in the middle. I do hate that part. I arrived safe and sound in Los Angeles around 11:30 a.m. after getting to the hotel and slept for a while.

My sister (technically now former sister-in-law, but don't get me started) picked me up for dinner and drinks. Michelle is my French-speaking inspiration to learn a second language. After twenty years married to brothers, we understand so much about each other that the connection is instant and valued. Her friend Suzanne joined us, and I had yet another new friend within minutes.

I am thankful for the gift of so many new friendships. Lots of laughter was the night's theme with these beautiful, talented women who are not only gorgeous on the outside but even more so on the inside. A call from Nenad put the perfect finish on a great evening in Los Angeles.

I conclude my journey tomorrow back to Colorado. While I would give anything to return to the South Pacific again, I look forward to my bed, seeing my son Stephen and figuring out what's next.

I feel like I am a different person. I certainly have grown in many ways. I will never regret this experience; in fact, I hope never to forget its impact on me. I know now that I can travel anywhere, that I am strong and independent, and that the world is bigger, better, and even more astonishing than I ever imagined.

It's through experiencing the world that we grow and learn. And even at my age, I have so much to learn so much life to experience, so many people to meet, and a world to explore. I hope I am only halfway through my life because I finally get that a grand and new part of my life is just beginning.

And I welcome it with open arms.