Got another one for you all to read and write a view if you want

Chapter 33

I followed Pop's advice to a tee. I mean I'm sort of a novice doing this vacation thing. So, we headed back to his house or villa near Nadi. We both had quite a large brunch meal, which consisted mostly of fruit and some baked breads. He actually told me to eat as much as I could, since the place that I was going to today was going to be about a couple of hours away from here.

I didn't think that the coral reefs did hit the waters of the beach that close as Pop's said, but sure enough Mr. Loto showed me that was the case. He also told me that it would be un wise on my part if I even tried to walk on it with my bare feet.

His main reasons were actually pretty dame good reasons. One was that Coral reefs and rocks can be rather unstable with the weight of my body. Either I would slip and cut my feet up or I would step on something living that could easily hurt me.

So, to help me out a bit Mr. Loto fitted me with some special shoes that I could use underwater and on dry land. Next, he gave some special cargo shorts that I could wear for swimming in the ocean. The special thing about them, was that it sported a dry pouch that I could keep my wallet in and any other items that needed to be kept dry. Also, the garment would dry in a short amount of time out of the water.

The last few things he did give me were a disposable cell phone that dialed out to him and pop's, a towel, a tee shirt, and a good pair of swim goggles. The other important thing that I needed the most was, some really good sun block. Mr. Loto made it really clear to me that this would be my new best friend, while I'm here on the island. And I could see why, I mean its always sunny here. Heck even when it rains for an hour or so, the sun was bright as can be. So, it was no surprise that I should reapply the sun block every few hours to keep me protected.

On the way up to the beach, I sat in the back seat of his suv. While Mr. Loto was being the chauffeur. I was just as amaze at the lush green foliage of the forest and plants, while being just as amazed at the ocean front scenery to my right. Of course, Mr. Loto gave me some good advice when swimming at this particular beach. One a major resort was located on it. For the most part he told me that the owners would allow me to swim all I want, as long as I made some purchases from their bars or restaurants. Hmm sounds fair enough, as I thought to myself.

When I finally arrived at the beach, one the place looked rather deserted. I mean there were cabanas setup all over but no people out and about. But Mr. Loto did tell me that this was one of those party hard resorts, with loads of college kids. So most likely they are all probably still asleep. Needless to say, I said good bye to Mr. Loto, while I started on my way to the beach.

Awe man it was so beautiful to look at. I mean the crystal light blue water, with the mid afternoon sun hitting it in all the right spots made it look really pristine. I set my towel down on an empty cabana hut with a lawn chair. Before I was about to go in, I got stopped by an employee of the resort. He asked me some simple questions on if I was a guest here.

Since I answered no to him, he did tell me that these cabanas would cost me about five dollars for a one time rental. I shrugged it off since it was only five dollars, however I told him that I'll give him ten, if he made sure that my stuff would be ok and watched it as I went for a dip. Of course, he agreed to my proposal.

So, I laid my towel down and used my swim shoes to weigh it down. I also took off my shirt next. When I turned around to put it near my stuff, that's when I started to hear some broken English from the cabana worker.

"Are you a professional strong man?"

"I'm sorry what was that?"

"You, are you a professional strong man?"

"Strong man, Mark said confusingly."

The cabana worker then started to flex his biceps at me while adding." You, you are a macho man." It took me a couple of seconds to figure out what he was talking about. Then I looked to myself noticing my own muscles. I guess this guy thinks that I sort of professional body builder, so I answered back to him.

"No, I'm not a professional body builder, I just workout every day."

He then said to me," are you army?"

Army, as I mutter to myself. But then I noticed my dog tags, just dangling there from my neck. "Uh yeah, I'm with the army."

He then gave me a thumbs up saying," OK USA."

I sort of did the same back to him with my thumbs up trying not to laugh at that. I decided to tuck in my dog tags to my dry pouch since I don't want lose them when I'm swimming. As I got closer and closer to the water, I notice how soft and squishy the warm sand felt under my feet. I took notice of it, as I bend over to grab some in my hands.

This had to be the whitest sand that I have ever seen. I let it go through my fingers thinking on what a wonderful experience this is going to be. I started to take small steps to the waters edge, you know so that I can get a feel for the waters temp. I only did this because, I've read online somewhere that the Pacific Ocean tends to be pretty dame cold.

But as my toes touched the water, it did tingle a bit, but it really didn't feel all that much cold at all. In fact, as I started to get waist deep into it, it actually felt kind of nice. It was cool, but not cold. And for the most part the sun really did help with keeping my body warm. Of course, I made sure I had my swim goggles on since I don't want my eyes to burn up from the salt.

As I submerge myself into the water, it felt nothing but fantastic. I swim down to the sea bed of white sand in the water. As I looked out every which direction, it was nothing but sky-blue water everywhere. It was clear as can be. Every so often I would I see small colorful fish swimming about. Awe man this was so much fun and awesome. Swimming was such a good workout as well. When I get tired I would stop and let the current push me back to the shore line. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I thought to myself, saying its mine all mine. There was no one in the water at the time.

Now I know for a fact that I should never drink sea water due to the saltiness. But I did open my mouth just to taste the ocean itself. This was cool, but also not a smart thing to do. Once I did that, I had the need to drink some regular water to wash the taste out. But I ignored those feelings since I really wanted to swim a bit longer, since I was really enjoying it myself. So, I spent as much time as I could, till my body said otherwise.

When I finally came out, I checked my watch only to notice that it was 1400 hours. Man, I didn't realize that I spent two hours swimming. Of course, by that time I still manage to find the same cabana worker by my cabana. I tipped him and extra twenty on top of the other ten that I promised him. I did so as an apology, since I took a lot of his work time with my swimming out in the ocean. He did tell me that he really didn't mind, since usually around two or three is when the guest in hotel would be out and about by the beach.

And that was another thing I noticed as well once I came out, was the people. I got here close to noon, and there was no one, but now it was 1400 hours and this place was getting packed. It mostly consisted of some families along with a lot of females all around. Most of the females looked like they were sleeping. But then another thought told me that they were most likely getting a tan.

I started to dry myself off and slip my shoes back on. I asked the cabana worker where I can get a drink of water, and he pointed out the hotel cantina not far from where I was at. So, I bid him a good day and I was off.

As I was heading over to the Cantina of the resort, I had a sudden feeling that I was being watched. I wouldn't know even why, since I don't pose a threat to anyone here. So, I slowed down a bit and found an excuse to turn my head around. As I turned around I try not to look at anyone directly. Sure, enough people were ogling at me, but it turned out mostly the ladies here that were either sun bathing or just hanging out.

I've heard of cat calls before, by some of the cruder male Joe's like ship wreck and grunt. But I never heard of it coming from the ladies here. I don't even know why they are doing it. And I mean some of them were eyeing particularly at me as I walked over the cantina. Once I made it to the outdoor cantina I order a couple bottles of water. I chose to sit underneath some shade in patio. Mainly because it was starting to get a bit warm outside. The difference here was the humidity. So, it felt a bit hotter than normal. Which is why I kept my shirt off, since I was getting a bit sweaty.

Before I knew it, I get an unsuspected guest at my table.

"Hi there, I don't think I've seen you here before." I looked over to my left noticing that a young lady was talking to me. From the looks of her, I would guess that she's probably a tourist here on the island. The first feature that I noticed about her was her long blonde hair that she had. But the main thing was her two-piece bright pink swim suit that fitted her well to her curvatures and assets to say the least. I think I better answer her back, before she notices me ogling at her.

"Um hello ma'am."

"Ma'am, do I look that old to you?"

I got bit nervous thinking that I just insulted her. So, I frantically said, "no…no, of course not."" I'm sorry if I offended you Ms."

She giggles a bit to me while adding, "hey its ok."' By the way my name is Alexis and who might you be?"

"Your name is Alexis, I don't think I've heard of that name before." She giggles a bit more to me thinking that was a joke.

"My name is Mark, as I get up from my chair to give her a proper hand shake and to greet her." Of course, as soon as I got up she couldn't help but noticed on how much taller I was to her. If I had to guess, I think she would be close to 5'6, while I'm an easily 6' feet tall.

Of course, she kept giving me a nice and pleasant smile to me, as I shook her hand. "Say Mark, how would you like to meet my friends?"

"Friends," I said with a little bit of surprise. She then pointed out to her table in the patio on the other side. As I look towards the direction that she pointed, I noticed three more ladies, with the same style of swim suit that Alexis sported. She held on to my hand as she led me to them.

Once I reached there they were all looking at me a bit hungrily with their own eyes, as if they were saying out loud I want me a piece of that. Then it finally hit me like a ton of bricks, the ladies were checking me out. I guess to the average person, I do look like a body builder. Man, no wonder why I was getting so many stares from the young ladies here. None the less I greet Alexis friends one by one. their names were Ashley, Nicole, and Stacy.

Just from the looks alone, I guess they were pretty excited to meet me. So, one of Alexis friends opens up first to me. "So, Mark are you here with your spouse or girlfriend, Ashley asked?

"Uh no I'm not married and I currently don't have a girlfriend."

"Hmm really," Nicole added on.

"So are you an athlete or a model," Stacy suggested.

"Um, no I just workout every day, you know to stay healthy."

"So what part of the resort are you staying in," Alexis asked?

"I'm not really guest here at this resort, I'm staying at a friend's house while I'm on leave."" He recommended this beach for swimming."" And I have to concurred this is a nice area to swim in."

"Hmm, well that's interesting," Ashley added

Just then I heard some music going off in the background that was getting me a bit alert. I first thought it was just a juke box or something, but no it was something much different. For one it sounded like it was live. These ladies also took notice of my sudden alertness and quipped in a few lines.

"Don't be alarmed Mark, that just the house band going off as usual around 2;30 in the afternoon."" By the way do you dance," Alexis suggested.

"Well I've never really took any lessons, other than just doing it from expression alone."

"Why don't you come along with us it'll be fun," Alexis insisted? I was about say no, when instead she took my hand and dragged me towards the dance floor. Of course, all of her three friends tagged along.

Which oddly enough was located outside of the cantina. It basically had all these shaded mini cabanas set up on the sand alone. The band was nothing more than a trio of dudes with some meager instruments. One had a saxophone, the other a standing percussion set, and the other an electric guitar.

The music to me was rather different from what I'm used to listening. In other words, it had its melody and beats that went along with it. So, to say the least it was rather catchy. When we got started the place was somewhat packed with other people. I was a little bit crowed, but not overly. For the most part, Alexis and her friends chose to dance underneath a large semi small platform that was at ground level. They too were dancing in their own expressive way. The only difference was the platform had some sort of sprinkler system in place the dropped a steady shower of water. So, whoever was under it got a nice cool shower.

As for me I did my best to dance along with them, by mostly moving my waist side to side, while waving my hands up in the air like a just don't care. This lasted for about an hour, mainly to the point to where I was getting a bit hungry myself. When I tried to leave, Alexis came along to my side and asked what's up.

"I just got to stop and have a quick nosh or a bit to eat, I mean I haven't had anything since brunch."

"Oh well ok, well you got to try the lobster here at the resort restaurant."" Here I'll even show you were it is?"

"Are you sure, what about your friends?"

"Oh, don't worry about them they'll be fine, plus I can't have you wandering around here with no clue." Even though I tried to brush her aside, she just kept insisting to tag along.

She took me inside the hotel, only so that she could change her clothes a bit. I thought she was going take like forever, but not at all. She was in and out in five minutes. Next, she leads me down to the resort restaurant. We were promptly seated. We both settle on the lobster. To me it looked really different but it was good none the less. While I was eating, Alexis decided to strike a small conversation with me.

"So how is it Mark?"

With a mouth full of lobster, I said "it's different but good." She laughs a bit seeming me trying to answer with lobster in my mouth.

"Well I'm glad you like it."" Can I ask you a couple of questions?"

I finished up a bit but answer, "sure what's on your mind?"

"So how long are you here on the island?"

"About three weeks."

"Hmm are you enjoying it so far?"

"Well I've only been here for about a day, but it's a nice place."

"I see so you've just got started on your vacation."

"What about you, are you here for a few weeks, Mark asked?

"Well me my friends arrived a couple of days ago but were only here for a few weeks."

"Huh that sounds good."

"So, Mark, you said you were on leave, are you like in the army or something."

"Why would you say that?"

"Well it because I've only heard people talk like that when they are in the service."

"Well in that case I am."

"Really, what branch?"

I thought about it for a few seconds, since I don't know what branch of service GI Joe is a part of, I mean we do have guys from all parts of the service branches. So, I just went with the first one on the top of my head. "I'm in the army."

"Wow really, that would explain your physic."" So, what do you do?"

"I'm a scout sniper."

"Sounds exciting."

"It can be I suppose." She just smiled to me, as I started to give her a slight smile. When I checked the time, it was already close to 17:00 hours. I asked for the check, as the total came out to be really cheap. Alexis offered to pay her part, but I knew enough common sense just to pay out the bill myself. You know to be a gentleman.

I thought at first that she was these kinds of gals that were attracted to money, but she actually cared about the conversations we had. It was more pleasant than I thought it would be. She walked me over by the main entrance of the resort, as I made my call to Pop's to pick me up about an hour ago.

When the car pulled up, I thought it was going to be Mr. Loto. But nope it was Pop's. By this time Alexis asked if I had a cell number. I was about to say no, when instead I did show her my disposable phone. She actually was able to type her number into there.

Her phone however was really impressive to look at. It was one of those smart phones I heard so much about. The only thing she said to me other than giving me a nice hug was," call me." Of course, pops saw all this going on as he smiled to me waiting for me to get inside.

I waved her goodbye as pop's took off. The ride back to the villa was a bit long, but pop's had a sudden urge to ask me a few questions.

"So, who was that fine little lady you were with?"

"Oh, just a tourist I met at the beach."

"Really, hmm well she does seem like a nice girl for you to hang around with."

"Yeah well, I don't know about that."" Any ways what do you want to do tomorrow?" Pop's looked over to Mark for a split second a bit strangely.

"Why would you say that Mark?"

"Say what?"

"About the nice-looking tourist gal."

"Well it's just that I'm really not looking for a girlfriend right now."

"Has that particular girl showed you any interest in you wanting to be her boyfriend?"

"Well not at this moment."

"I see."" Well then Mark can I give you a little bit of wisdom?"

"Sure."

"Going on vacations are nice Mark but spending it by yourself is not as fun as can be."" Mark I'm already pushing close to sixty and I can hardly keep up with you."" But this nice tourist gal, probably could."" Trust me it's much more funner and memorable when you spend your vacations with someone else."" Now I don't know if she has any intentions if she wants a relationship, but if you just kindly tell her that you're here to have fun and relax, I'm sure she would be happy to oblige."" Besides from the looks at it, she looks more in tune with the partying and having fun types."" All I'm say is you got take that leap of faith every once in a while."

"I guess I could keep an open mind about it then."

"Now that's the spirit kid."

"Anyways did the bank manger ever called back about the wire?"

"Actually, he did call while you were out, be he said that it'll be at least a few more days till the wire goes through."" Besides have you had dinner Mark?"

"Uh yeah sort of, I had some lobster at that resort restraint."

"Huh well then, um if you still feel a little bit hungry I could have the kitchen staff prepare you something."

"Thanks pop's I would like that."

"Well then lets head back."

When I got back to the villa, I decided to get in a good relaxing shower in. After all I've been swimming in ocean water for some part of the day. When I got out, there were some trays of food in my room once again. It was mostly that of fruit and assorted cheeses. As for drinks they gave me a cooler full of sodas, and bottle water. I went through the food and drinks without really thinking about it.

But then an idea did pop in my head. Wait since I've been here, I've never had anything like alcohol. I wonder if they card here on the big island, as I thought to myself. Anyways I went ahead outside looking towards the clear sky as night started to set in. Sure, enough the moon popped out and stars filled the sky. I continue to look into the night sky well into the night. To me this was much better than watching television. I really didn't head in until I started to yawn a bit out loud to myself.

Heck if I wanted to I could've slept outside. I mean the weather was very temperate at night. Not too cool, but also not too hot. The only problem would be bugs I suppose. So, I opted out and stayed inside to sleep in the nice soft king size bed. As I started to fall asleep from the motion of the ocean in back ground.