Spontaneous travel decisions can pay off in unusual ways

When the word Malibu comes to mind, I am sure people possibly picture a few different things.

Could it be the infamous white-bottled Caribbean coconut rum, a staple ingredient of a pina colada? Maybe a 1970s, sleek-and-stylish Chevrolet automobile? Possibly the timeless doll created by Mattel, Inc in 1959 to reflect an easy-going, sun-kissed lifestyle, or last but not least, glitzy real estate spread above talcum-powder-like beaches, sparkling in the rays of the sun along the Southern Californian Coast?

Whatever one’s thoughts, this city in Los Angeles County can be related to all the above, in some way, shape or form, as we found out ourselves on an escapade from Santa Monica last year.

Waking up one morning, we decide we just want to do something utterly new. Off I trot downstairs to chat to the lovely concierge to gain some ideas. "Why don’t you take the 534 to Malibu?"

Voila! Next thing we are cruising by bus down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, bound for Malibu.

There is just something so cool about embarking on local transport in another country. It’s fun, often entertaining and you can get a taste of local life, and might I add at $US1.20 ($NZ1.96) per ticket, why would you not! After about an hour, a number of stops, some colourful characters and a humorous bus driver, we happily arrive at our destination.

We instantly feel and appreciate the carefree and laid-back vibe, electric blue skies, an abundance of surfers constantly catching the plentiful impressive waves and al fresco galore. You innately understand why locals flock here to escape the hustle and bustle of the City of Angels, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of nature and moana on offer.

Before we know it it’s lunchtime, and a decision is swiftly made to dine at one of the open-aired restaurants on Malibu’s famous landmark, the Malibu Pier. The historic structure was built in 1905, providing a neat hub for all.

We settle for the enticing Malibu Farm Cafe and its coconut ceviche, which tastes so fresh we feel one of the many casual fisherman catching off the wharf literally just threw it to the chef in the kitchen just for us. Add a side of the best taro chips and a couple of glasses of pinot grigio, and we are utterly content with taking in the picturesque scenery of mountains-meeting-ocean and sitting back to watch the leisurely — and very dog-friendly — world go by.

Another factor I just adore about travelling is chatting to and meeting new people, and the interesting conversations and learning engaged in and connections made. What we always notice is that as soon as people hear our Kiwi accent, they are intrigued and curious, so it makes a great conversation starter.

We start chatting to people at a table beside us about travel, New Zealand and much more. How the next topic of conversation came about, I am not entirely sure — maybe because of our seaside location?

But however it happens, the lovely lady we’re talking to exclaims "You have to watch the documentary on Netflix called My Octopus Teacher!"

In a nutshell the woman goes on to explain that the feature is from a film-maker based on the coast of South Africa, who starts diving daily exploring the sea kelp forest, only to make a very deep, trusted connection with a female octopus. The everyday contacts create an emotional and touching journey, allowing the filmmaker first-hand to discover the cleverness and resilience the octopus must have to survive the underworld of the deep.

Wow, what a story! By the expression in the lady’s voice we could just tell how greatly this story had resonated with her, as it did with me when I took the time one Sunday evening, to sit down and watch on my return to New Zealand.

Is there a moral to the story? Always have an open mind? Spending time in nature and the outdoors can be transformative and life-changing? The world is your oyster and exploring new and wonderful destinations, both near and far, opens the mind and lets you appreciate what life has to offer?

What I can say for sure is that I am so pleased we caught the 534 to Malibu that day, and often we reminisce about our time there, always evoking such fond memories - and talk about how we cannot wait to go back!