We very recently returned from a week in Jamaica. I’ve been asked more than once what was my favorite part. It’s a fair question, but not very easy to answer. The resort we stayed at was an all-inclusive and situated on the north coast with great ocean views. We watched both sunrises and sunsets from our balcony. We had great restaurants, pools, and hangouts. One hangout called the Beehive, offered cocktails in a roaring twenties theme. Each night, the Beehive changed its password. If we wanted entry, we needed to ferret that information from one of the entertainment staff. As you can see, there were many ways I could have answered that question.

As much as those amenities were incredible, it was what made them feel so much richer that’s important. A restaurant, without great service is just a place to eat. A swimming pool without entertainment is just a place to get wet. It’s the people who make them special. To take it one step further, it’s the people you get to know that make the trip memorable.

Deb and I enjoy our company. We can happily lie on a beach, quietly reading a book, soaking in the sun. It’s not like we can’t enjoy time alone. But there is something that begs us to be social. My wife will tell you that I am the instigator. She describes me as a restless person who can’t resist talking to the stranger standing next to me in line. All I know is that she is quick to enter into the conversation once it is started. When it comes to stalking strangers, we are a dynamic duo.

It was day two of the trip and we were at a wine tasting at one of the pool sides. The gentleman across from us was introducing himself to another couple. We quickly picked up on his British accent and who can resist that. As the wine tasting continued and after glass was filled, we got to know each other. Karen and Moe were from a small village in England. They were business owners and we talked about all sorts of topics. As the wine tasting concluded, we decided to keep the conversation going. There was karaoke being offered in the main lounge. Turns out Moe and I shared a similar interest for being wannabe singers.

It was at the lounge that we met our next couple. Ken, ironic to say the least, and his wife Sue joined us at the piano. Seems they recognized us from the wine tasting party and were ready to join in on the fun. Somewhere in the middle of Sweet Caroline, we all decided we were having too much fun. We knew we needed to continue this companionship over the rest of our week. We shared beach time and singing throughout the week, all the while getting to know each other well.

The third couple we met were sharing the table with us at the hibachi restaurant. Hibachi dinners are one of the best and easiest ways to meet people. Not only are you all placed around the same table, the atmosphere is designed for laughter and sharing. A good chef will be engaging and in no time, the couples will be sharing in conversations. Rich, of Rich and Cath, was sitting on my left and introduced himself to me. Some people are just naturally comfortable at conversation. Rich was clearly one of those people. We fell into an easy going conversation where I found out that he and Cath were from Wales. As the meal ended, Deb and I were leaving to meet our earlier friends. Rich asked if we would be willing to join them for drinks. Of course we would. An hour later, we were making plans to look for each other over the next several days. As Deb and I walked away later, we both commented on what an incredible couple they were. Their conversation engaged us. Their kindness amazed us.

The question asked in this piece for my blog was what was my favorite part of this trip? It wasn’t the resort and its many amenities. It wasn’t the food or the scenery. Granted, those things were spectacular. It was the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. To learn about them and, if they were foreign, their country. It was the chance to make a new friend. It could even be someone who accepts your invitation: “If you are ever in the area, please stop in.” Wales and England are on our ticket now.

Deb and I made friends of three couples on this trip and they were the favorite part for me. But it never would have happened without one of us starting the conversation. Sometimes, it is scary. It might feel awkward. It can even be easy to let it slip by. Without the effort, you will never know what could have been.

To Moe and Karen, and to Rich and Cath, Ken and Sue, thank you. If you run across this piece, know that we are grateful. You made our week brighter. Our life is just a little bit better for our time together.