Because I could write a book about my trip, I'm limiting myself to a top ten list of Hawaii memories. Here we go, with photos.
**********
Favorite Memory #1: Our first night in Honolulu. Discovering the fabulousness that is Waikiki Beach and drinking my first Mai Tai.
Favorite memory #2: Getting my first Hawaiian lei. Kevin bought one for me that first night. They're heavier, prettier, and smell stronger (in a good way) than I expected. I also learned that many, including the lei pictured above, are made out of plumeria, which was one of my favorite Bath and Body Works scents as a teenager. :) Never actually knew what "plumeria" was before.
Favorite Memory #3: Exploring the Diamond Head area of Honolulu. We did a post-conference hike and a pre-conference visit to the farmer's market at the mountain's base. Such a beautiful area, and the market was fascinating - lots of fruits and other foods we don't have in Chicago.
Favorite Memory #4: Visiting Pearl Harbor and finding the memorial stone for the submarine Kevin's grandfather served on. The story goes that he was released for leave when his first child (Jane, Kevin's aunt) was born, and while he was away the sub sank. It's so strange to think that if things had been just a little bit different - if Jane had been born a few weeks earlier or later - Kevin's grandpa likely would've died, Kevin's dad would never have been born, and Kevin never would've existed.
Favorite Memory #5: My first sip of iced coconut water. We were driving along the beautiful North Shore of Oahu for an hour or two (in a convertible - amazing), and the sun was getting to both of us. We stopped at a stand that pulled fresh coconuts off ice, hacked off the tops, and stuck a straw in. It was one of the most delicious, refreshing things I've ever tasted.
Favorite Memory #6: Hawaiian music and hula. I guess I always thought of both of these art forms as kind of cheesy, but when I heard the music and saw the dancing in person, I was surprised how beautiful they both were. I've been listening to Hawaiian style music non-stop since I got home. And by the way, the hula dancer in this picture is a former Miss Hawaii! Her name's Skyler, and she introduced herself to us afterward. I kind of wanted to be her best friend.
Favorite Memory #7: Once we got to Kauai (after a close call with a very delayed flight and a lot of confusion about what room we were supposed to sleep in), we got settled in a beautiful apartment overlooking a small cove. I loved going to sleep every night to the sound of the waves, and I REALLY loved watching all the sea turtles that gathered on the rocks below us!
Favorite Memory #8: The Na Pali Coast. Oh my goodness, never have I seen a place quite so beautiful. We hiked, snorkeled, and explored sea caves here, and also took a sunset catamaran cruise to see the mountains from the water. My new life dream is to come back and do a multiple day camping trip on the beaches here.
Favorite Memory #9: Exploring little towns in Kauai. We stayed in Koloa, which was adorable, but my favorite by far was Hanalei. You drive up and see these gorgeous, green mountains and a perfect waterfall right in the middle. It supposedly inspired the land of "Hanalee" mentioned in the song "Puff the Magic Dragon." This is where I'd like to stay the next time I visit Hawaii.
Favorite Memory #10: Having this guy along for the trip. He took time off work to come with me, entertained me on the long flights, let me practice my talk on him, and was rarin' to go for fun once my sessions let out for the day. He also is the one and only reason we didn't miss an entire day of vacation in Kauai - his quick thinking and polite demeanor got us on a flight that left at 5:30 p.m. rather than one that left (delayed) at 10:30 at night. So grateful for my job, so grateful for my family, so grateful for the opportunities I have to travel.
No comments:
Post a Comment