A Week in Paradise

We have a young friend whose job takes him to Hawaii two or three times a year (yeah, I know, it is tough what some people endure just to earn a living!).  He has often suggested that we come along and we would all make a vacation of it.  "I'll take my vacation time and other than a couple of days that I will be tied up in meetings we'll be free to explore Hawaii."  The clencher was that he could poll the teachers he worked with for suggestions on lodging, food, and sights.  The lure of an "insiders" trip was too much for even Hubby to resist. 

When asked what we wanted to see Hubby responded "farms" and I answered "beaches".  So, plans were made to stay on the beach and see farms.  (Yes, there are farms in Hawaii...from tiny mountaintop ranches to huge commercial farms.)

After traveling across the United States, Pacific Ocean and six time zones we arrived at bedtime sometime around 30 hours later. 

We sent a picture the next morning of us standing in front of the view of the golden beach and blue ocean from our balcony.  Our daughter texted back: "Glad you got there safely.  Daddy looks a little grumpy. "

"The trip was lo-o-ong!  Don't know that I will ever get him back on the plane.  We may have to stay!"

"HaHa!" she replied.

The trip was wonderful.  Our friends were terrific tour guides, filling our days with all the sights and adventures of Maui.  We went from beaches to mountains, from cities to peaceful, tiny villages, from parking lot flea markets to beautiful craft markets, from mountain top farms to acres of sugar cane.  We spent a day touring Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. We ate wonderful food in a variety of beautiful, beach front restaurants and a few special spots only the "locals" knew about.
 
Sent the kids pictures of our breakfasts from a beautiful beach front restaurant.  "This is the life.  Don't know how we will leave."  Reply:  "Glad you are having fun!"

Sent pictures of picturesque beaches and turquoise waters.  "We wake up every morning to this view.  We could really get used to it."  Reply: "Well, don't get too used to it.  The temperature is supposed to drop here."

Sent pictures of romantic beach front dinners by tiki torch light, sporting orchids in my hair.  "I think this could be a great retirement home."  Reply:  "Sure, Mom."

Sent pictures of beach house with for sale sign in front.  "What do you think?" Reply:  "Mom, Dad will never go for that!"  Mom: "Who do you think is finding the houses?" 

After several days of this our daughter texted our son:  "I think they may actually be serious.  What do you think!"  His reply: "Book your tickets! Christmas in Maui!" 

We did come home.  I have a lovely tan which no one will ever see since it has been covered with jeans, socks and sweatshirts since I came home.

Hubby now knows enough about growing sugar cane to start cropping. 

We discovered that cows that graze on grasses up to their knees year round are fat as butterballs.  (And they don't have to bale hay in Hawaii!)

We learned that the Hawaiian language is made up of lots of vowels and "h's", "p's" and "k's".  Aloha is hello and good-by.  Mahalo is thank you.  Our condo was on Hoohui  Dr. just off Lower Honoapillani Road in Kahana, Maui.  I was lost the whole time because my brain just couldn't remember the places.  My attempts at pronunciation garnered giggles and eye rolls from the locals.

We found that sleeping with the surf crashing outside your door is as good as sleeping under rain beating on a tin roof.

We also discovered it's fun to shake up your kids every now and then.