This post title is intended to be both literal and figurative. I'm just back from Maui and full of both beautiful and not so pretty thoughts about the trip. Unlike Scotland, which was invigorating, and fascinating, the visit to Hawaii reminded me of several things, which I'll list here. 1. I'm not a beach sitter, pool devotee, drink all day, sun loving, boob/butt/belly admirer. I prefer history and culture to palm trees, beaches, and hot weather. 2. It's HARD to deal with a travel companion who is constantly sick and often incapacitated for one reason or another, in spite of my sympathy for her, and my gratitude at NOT feeling that way. The evening when I went out alone to an ABC store in the dark to buy my "dinner" of hard boiled eggs and Clif Bars was a low point. When my friend had to leave our expensive luau halfway through, it was tough for both of us. I stayed, at a table with strangers, and was thankful for their friendliness! (People from Tennessee rock!) 3. Many people go to Maui every year; they own condos, and love it so much that it's their Happy Place. My sister-in-law feels the same about Disneyland. I respect their devotion, while not understanding it. I'm more about new adventures, cultural revelations, and exploring unique environments. I don't travel or vacation in a Maui (or Disneyland) sort of way! But with that said, the trip did include many highlights, and lots of learning about the culture of Hawaii...and myself.
The view from our hotel room was quite nice!
Christmas decorations were up EVERYWHERE. I'm not a fan. :(
The first night we discovered a great Happy Hour place nearby.
The resort was nice, but going through a major renovation. There were lots of cool activities and pool toys for kids, although my friend and I preferred the adult pool, when we could avoid the couples doing major PDA. Ugh.
We did drive to Mama's Fish House, a famous restaurant 50 minutes away from Ka'anapali Beach, where we were staying. We had an amazing waiter, incredible views, and a delicious lunch. We avoided alcohol at $20 per drink, and ordered two appetizers apiece. The dessert we shared was the highlight of the meal!
Chocolate silk pie with a chocolate cookie crust and a layer of caramel. It melted in my mouth...
I could post 100 photos of the gorgeous flowers at the restaurant (and elsewhere); this is Hawaiian ginger, and it's REAL, believe it or not!
The scenery (and views) really were incredible. The colors of the water, and the contrast of the black volcanic rock were very dramatic.
Although I took many photos at the luau, this is probably my favorite. Luaus are somewhat cheesy and touristy, but they do provide a look into the Hawaiian culture. And the food, service, and dancing were wonderful too!
The dancers were colorful and energetic. I liked how they incorporated many aspects of the culture, and it helped me reflect on the diverse influences here, and unfortunate consequences of colonization.
I really wanted to see the Nakalele Blowhole, so I was happy we did, even though there were two ambulances and one fire truck up there when we arrived!
Hmmm.
I didn't capture any epic sunsets, but I liked these clouds and the boat. :)
I didn't quibble (although I fumed) about sitting in the middle seat on every flight, but I did insist on going into the "big" city of Lahaina, which my friend kept telling me she hated. I was wide eyed at the huge banyan tree, and the lovely New Orleans style architecture. Yes, there were tourists, JUST like at the resort where we were staying. Somehow they are different sunning themselves around a pool than they are shopping in a business district? *eye roll*
In Lahaina, I ate one of the best salads I've ever had! The white "stuff" is local goat cheese, which blended extremely well with the strawberries, nuts, greens and sesame vinaigrette.
Then we were on to our last Maui activity--a sunset cruise on a huge catamaran. This was terrifying on many levels. 1. Earlier in the day, while hurrying down some concrete steps to the hotel shuttle in flip flops, I managed to trip. I didn't fall, but I did twist my foot/ankle and tweak my quadricep. Big ouch! 2. The catamaran beach loads, so it pulls up onto the beach. The passengers queue up in two lines, two ladders drop, and when the employee says "GO!" two from each line are supposed to run as fast as they can for the ladders, and climb up. Needless to say, I was NOT speedy with my injured legs, so I was nervous about getting drenched. It turned out OK, and I was relieved that I hadn't backed out due to my fear of failure. 3. I've been horribly seasick at times, so that worry is always in the back of my mind. The food, drink and service on this cruise were magnificent, and I remembered to look up at the unmoving sky, and not down at the shifting boat. Thus, I did fine, and ended up having a very
special time, enjoying the views and the tunes. :)
I think this catamaran might be smaller than the one we were on, but it's similar. Since the waters were calm (thank you!), we were also under sail.
Look at the light! Isn't it magical?
First there's the gold...
Then there's the red...
Finally, there's home with one ankle fatter than the other. Sigh. Some people are depressed after trips, but I'm pretty content to be home with Mari, and this Book Club read that I've been savoring. I'm seeing some Retired Lady friends tomorrow in Poulsbo, and headed to this film with John on Wednesday. While I was gone, he unexpectedly lost a close friend, a 60 year old co-worker from Boeing with whom he had lunch periodically and kept up a relationship. While I was away, he built shelves and painted them for closets at his younger daughter's house. He babysat his granddaughter. He came to pick up my friend and me at the airport, although our already late flight was delayed in Sacramento. (then there weren't any free gates at SeaTac so we had to be bussed to the terminal) He prepared a lovely breakfast for all of us this morning before my friend headed back to her place. Have I mentioned to you lately that John is a delight and a gift? Because he truly is.
