Kickin' it in Kaua'i

2013 could not have had a better beginning for us! 

We arrived in Lihue, Kaua'i on New Year's Eve. After checking into our condo at Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach, Charles chilled by the T.V. while Holly and I checked out the beach. It was a surreal experience to be standing in soft sand and warm water watching the sun set over the ocean when just a day before, we were standing in snow and ice in Colorado. We definitely knew we were in heaven! After getting completely lost on our journey back to the resort (the condo was NOT located directly next to the ocean,) and calling the resort for a chauffeur to rescue us, we went to bed. I was awakened by the sound of fireworks and went out onto the balcony to observe. It was really a phenomenal display! I wished that Charles and Holly had been able to view it with me, but I didn't want to disturb them. Anyway, it was a fantastic way to welcome 2013!

We spent 12 wonderful days in Kaua'i. In addition to snorkeling and eating WAY too much good food, we explored a huge, easy-access cave (you will NEVER find me spelunking, folks,) and went on kayaking/hiking activity. Hiking in mud up to the tops of our shoes was an adventure. Several in our group fell flat into the mud and were sorry sights! The Popes, thankfully, made the entire trek without a splat! Holly had a "paradisiacal" moment at the pinnacle of the hike where she was able to swim in a pool and under a waterfall which, our guide told us, was once the secret bathing spot for the Kaua'i royal family. Our guide, Kimo, also told us that the way we "mainlanders" pronounce the word, "Kaua'i" actually sounds like the Hawaiian word for menstruation! Old timer Hawaiians who hear us say, "Koowai" just laugh! So, we learned not to say, "Koowai" and pronounce it with the Hawaiian glottal stop....KOOAH IH. Thanks, Kimo, for setting us straight! :)

We also saw Les Miserables (OH MY GOSH, FANTASTIC) and The Hobbit (predictably entertaining) while we were there. 

The woven basket and bird were made by a sweet Hawaiian guy with a total of three teeth in his mouth. He was not pushy, was very happy and positive, and after we bought the items, he looked at Holly and said, "Now, you need to remember to NEVER smoke, NEVER drink alcohol, NEVER take drugs, NEVER have sex before marriage, and ALWAYS listen to your parents. THEN you will have a happy life." He was cool. 

Aloha, Kaua'i! Until we meet again!