Suprise at Echo Beach

While Tom was photographing Carl surfing, I went exploring the black sand beach. A beautiful cowrie shell, sea beans, and drift glass were my finds as I walked south, crossing a small knee deep stream entering the ocean, to the raised pavillion at Echo Beach - umbrella tables overlooking the surf, food shops, and street vendors. I cross the pavillion hoping to see around the point to a temple there, when I hear my name. I don't turn - it is not an
American calling. But the second time, I do. That moment of recognition - Betsy, again in her New Zealand accent, it's Raywyn! Raywyn and Luke stayed with us 8 years ago, when they were making their world trip, a New Zealand rite of passage. In the flurry of of preparing for the trip, Tom had mentioned that they may be in Bali when we were..... But the chance of meeting? My walk was random, untimed. They were with 6 friends, including Isaac, whose wife Sarah,
Dan Clayton's cousin, stayed home with their new baby. We met them for lunch at the pavillion and they introduced us to our first Balinese fare. We made new memories with old friends. It is truly a small world!