Lost Day!

When we were driving back from the pineapple plantation we got separated from the rest of the group. We ended up going for a tour of Hawaii because we got lost and couldn't find our way back to our hotel! It just wasn't good. Sandra Unger was driving, and my mom was in the front seat, with Betty, Jordyn, Breanne, and I in the back seat. We started panicking because we couldn't figure out where we were, then just gave up and toured around. We went to this one beach and there was a huge sea turtle beached up on the sand. It looked dead, but after staring at it for about ten minutes it opened its eyes and it was just sleeping! It still looked really sad, and it must of been hot just sitting up on the beach in the sun. There was tape around the area where the turtle was so no one could go touch it or bother it. Hopefully it ended up getting back into the water because i didn't want it to die :( Anyways, after that we just drove around and found this place that had a huge path through it with a whole bunch of trees, like a hike! So we decided to do that and it took like two hours. At the end there was a little water hole with a beautiful waterfall and some of us went swimming in it! Then we got hungry and tried to find a place to eat, and got to this little place and it looked really dirty, but we were hungry so we went in and got burgers and fries! When we finally decided to try and find our way back to the hotel, Breanne, Jordyn, and I were so hyper. We just kept talking and singing until our parents lost it on us because we were being really annoying. Then we shut up and tried to sleep the way back. We finally found our way back home and by the time we got to the hotel all of us were exhausted and just chilled for the rest of the night. It was pretty worth it though, we got to see alot of pretty sights and got to see over the whole island, I'm glad we got lost!

Outside Article:
10 Ways To Avoid Getting Lost

In A New City

1. Don’t panic

First of all, you are in a city, not an Amazonian jungle. There is food and shelter (and probably a McDonalds) on every corner. Relax. Everything is going to turn out just fine.

2. Ask the locals

Not only are people almost always willing to help, asking for directions gives you a great excuse to talk to folks if you are feeling lonely.

If you’re female and feeling a bit scared, perhaps ask a local woman. This is a good way to practice your foreign language skills anyway (always learn the most important words: ‘thank you,’ ‘hello’, ‘excuse me’).

Don’t worry about a language barrier. If you are reading this article, you are fortunate enough to know a language that is spoken all over the world, and a smile is universal.

3. Look for big landmarks

In cities like Chicago, New York, and Paris there are some pretty tall, famous buildings usually visible no matter where you stand that can help you get your bearings.

Even the roughest New Yorkers sometimes emerge from the subway and need to find the Empire State Building so that they can orientate themselves and continue to the Carnegie Deli.

4. Pack a compass

Break out your trusty old compass, or go old school and seek out the sun. No matter where you are in the world, the sun will always set in the west (I’m making the assumption you aren’t lost at the North or South Pole).

If you know the general layout of the city, you can walk until you reach a river, park or major avenue.

5. Check out the tourist information office

Even if you’re not lost (yet) drop by this helpful place, if for no other reason than to get a good map. These goldmines of free maps and advice are typically located in airports and in train and bus stations.

6. Prepare in advance

If you are staying at a hotel that was recommended by your guidebook, there is often a city map in the book with the hotels marked on it.

While you are biding your time on the 10 hour train, bus, or airplane ride to your next destination, see where your lodging is on the map in relation to where you are coming into town and make a plan on how you will get from point A to point B.

7. Grab a business card

When you first check into your hostel or hotel, always take a business card (so you have the address and phone number with you at all times-to show taxi drivers, etc.) and also find the hotel on your map and mark it.

8. Retrace your steps

Always make a mental note of landmarks as you pass them, so that you can retrace your steps later if necessary.

9. Find a local pub or bar

Sit down. Take a load off. Have a drink. Repeat. You will start to feel better, I promise. And of course, you can then ask the bartender or friendly local next to you for some help.

10. Stay lost

You’re traveling! You’re in a city! How lost can you really be? Open yourself to serendipity and just wander around, taking in the sights and soaking up the vibe of the new place.

One of the best things about travel is embracing the unexpected, and being ‘lost’ is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, in most cases losing your bearings leads to a fun adventure.

Imagine you’re a contestant on the Amazing Race, even though there’s no prize money at the end.