Kay - some of you may be wondering, "What does this have to do with real estate?" Nothing. I just felt like sharing one of the most magical moments in my life, which of course had to do with surfing!
It was in 2001, less than a month after the 9/11 disaster. I had decided to make a quick, weekend trip out to Hawaii to meet up with some surfer friends that were vacationing in Diamond Head. It was also my very first trip to Hawaii - most definitely not to be my last!
This story happens in 2 parts on the same day. On my first full day in Hawaii, my friends and I decided to go snorkeling up in Hanauma Bay very early, hoping to see the sea turtles. To be honest, I didn't think much of it, and in fact joked that with my luck we would barely see any fish!
Maybe fate heard me and said, "Boy, wouldn't it be funny if she saw a bunch of sea turtles?" That morning when we snorkeled at Hanauma Bay, we saw 4 of them! They were amazing creatures, so graceful under the water. Shortly after that experience, I learned what the Hawaiian word was for turtle - Honu.
The second part of the story happened later that day at Waikiki Beach. My friends and I grabbed some boards and headed out into the waves with all of the tourists (yes, we were tourists, but we knew how to surf!). It was late in the afternoon, there were hundreds of people in the water, so there was no way that there would ever be any sea turtles around as they don't like being around all the people. That's why I was shocked when it happened to me. As I was paddling for a (small) wave, about 6 feet from me surfaced a beautiful, emerald turtle! He paddled along the surface with me and I couldn't take my eyes of him. As I caught the wave, he disappeared down into the water and out of my sight. I was dumbfounded and quickly told my friends what happened (when the ride was over).
Now I surf in California, and I regularly see dolphins in the water - one of my other favorite animals. They are beautiful, and it is always special to see them, but it was a real special treat to see the Honus in Hawaii. I will remember it always.
Side note: I told that story to my oldest daughter years ago, and I taught her the Hawaiian word for turtle, which she still remembers. Honu.
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