Kauai: Songdoc's Latest Up-to-the-Minute-in-Person Status Report
Jun 16th, 2012, 09:02 PM
#42
Original Poster
EXPENSIVE!!!
If you go to the Garden Island Newspaper website you can see the prices at every gas station on the island--and choose the best. (That website's a great resource for local entertainment listings and local news, as well.)
At the moment, the lowest prices for regular (other than Costco) seem to be $4.65/gallon (in Lihue). I saw $4.78 in Kilauea. The highest is in Princeville @ $4.99/gallon. Yikes.
Costco was $4.09 yesterday for regular. You do need to be a Costco member to buy gas there. Considering the savings on gas -- and the enormous roast chickens for $4.99 (not to mention all the other savings) it might be worth joining if you're going to be in the area and filling up a couple of times. It would pay for itself.
There's another huge member benefit that I shared on another thread: they sell American Airline gift cards worth $300 -- for $269.99. You can combine them and they never expire. That's a $90 savings on a $1,000 airfare.
FYI, Costco is behind Kukio Grove mall in Lihue. I pass it anytime I'm en route to Waimea Canyon or anywhere on the South side. I think it's the best place on the island to buy souvenirs. Beautiful Hawaiian made Aloha shirts were $19.99; and great prices on local coffee; candies, cookies, etc ... Walmart's also great for this stuff--but not as cheap as Costco.
If you go to the Garden Island Newspaper website you can see the prices at every gas station on the island--and choose the best. (That website's a great resource for local entertainment listings and local news, as well.)
At the moment, the lowest prices for regular (other than Costco) seem to be $4.65/gallon (in Lihue). I saw $4.78 in Kilauea. The highest is in Princeville @ $4.99/gallon. Yikes.
Costco was $4.09 yesterday for regular. You do need to be a Costco member to buy gas there. Considering the savings on gas -- and the enormous roast chickens for $4.99 (not to mention all the other savings) it might be worth joining if you're going to be in the area and filling up a couple of times. It would pay for itself.
There's another huge member benefit that I shared on another thread: they sell American Airline gift cards worth $300 -- for $269.99. You can combine them and they never expire. That's a $90 savings on a $1,000 airfare.
FYI, Costco is behind Kukio Grove mall in Lihue. I pass it anytime I'm en route to Waimea Canyon or anywhere on the South side. I think it's the best place on the island to buy souvenirs. Beautiful Hawaiian made Aloha shirts were $19.99; and great prices on local coffee; candies, cookies, etc ... Walmart's also great for this stuff--but not as cheap as Costco.
Jun 17th, 2012, 12:16 AM
#43
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Remember buying my great "Humuhumuupukuapaa" (if I spelled it correctly) - hat at Costco for $9.99 - and it was more than double that elsewhere.
I should have bought about 10 more as gifts (can't easily find them anymore) - as when my wife went to Maui as a young girl - waaaaay back when - that was her favorite fish/thing to say.
I should have bought about 10 more as gifts (can't easily find them anymore) - as when my wife went to Maui as a young girl - waaaaay back when - that was her favorite fish/thing to say.
Jun 17th, 2012, 12:22 AM
#44
Original Poster
The latest installment:
It was another gorgeous, sunny day. The trade winds were back and the natural air conditioning was bliss. Laid on a chaise lounge on the Sealodge bluff and finished a wonderful memoir, “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts.” LOVED it.
The book deals in part with leprosy, so it was an odd coincidence when I picked up my “Kauai Trails” book and read about a sufferer of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) who, along with his family, escaped horrific treatment and banishment to Molokai by hiding for years, until his death, in the Kalalau Valley.
Did some writing then went to Tunnels (Makua) Beach late afternoon. I often have trouble finding the entrance, so this time I made some notes. About 1/3 miles past mile marker 8, turn at telephone pole #144 on the right where the sign says “Private Road.”
Tunnels epitomizes my fantasy of the South Pacific. With those jagged mountain peaks and vivid turquoise water it’s how I always imagined Hawaii would look. We took a long walk in the surf soaking up those views, and snapped some postcard-perfect photos along the way. Tunnels is renowned for its snorkeling, but the surf was too rough for the snorkelers today.
It started to cloud up around 5:30PM and there was about 20 minutes of intermittent liquid sunshine as I drove back to Princeville. After the storm, the sky glowed a rosy pink. Beautiful!
It was another gorgeous, sunny day. The trade winds were back and the natural air conditioning was bliss. Laid on a chaise lounge on the Sealodge bluff and finished a wonderful memoir, “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts.” LOVED it.
The book deals in part with leprosy, so it was an odd coincidence when I picked up my “Kauai Trails” book and read about a sufferer of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) who, along with his family, escaped horrific treatment and banishment to Molokai by hiding for years, until his death, in the Kalalau Valley.
Did some writing then went to Tunnels (Makua) Beach late afternoon. I often have trouble finding the entrance, so this time I made some notes. About 1/3 miles past mile marker 8, turn at telephone pole #144 on the right where the sign says “Private Road.”
Tunnels epitomizes my fantasy of the South Pacific. With those jagged mountain peaks and vivid turquoise water it’s how I always imagined Hawaii would look. We took a long walk in the surf soaking up those views, and snapped some postcard-perfect photos along the way. Tunnels is renowned for its snorkeling, but the surf was too rough for the snorkelers today.
It started to cloud up around 5:30PM and there was about 20 minutes of intermittent liquid sunshine as I drove back to Princeville. After the storm, the sky glowed a rosy pink. Beautiful!
Jun 18th, 2012, 10:25 AM
#45
Original Poster
My latest:
Yesterday I walked from the condo to the St. Regis Hotel (35-40 minutes at a relaxed pace – one-way). It was hazy & cloudy, but those views were still stunning. The St. Regis had a Father’s Day Brunch for a mere $79 per person. AGGHHH!!! Not sure if that included the $8.00 coffee. Rich or poor – it’s nice to have money ;-). I opted for oatmeal and fresh fruit on my lanai – then enjoyed the views for free.
I found a pretty path through the woods behind the beach at the St. Regis. Walked about ten minutes and saw some incredible bamboo. I hoped I’d discovered a secret passage to Hanalei Bay, but when I reached the spot where the river meets the bay, it was the end of the line. But still, a beautiful walk.
The afternoon concert in the park at Princeville was low-key, peaceful, and pleasant. Luckily, it was cloudy and breezy—because there wasn’t a spot a shade to be found. It kept looking as if it was about to pour—but the rain never fell.
Mike Keale sang beautifully while his wife and one of their friends contributed lovely hula dancing. I love to watch when older women dance hula with so much grace and beauty. The second act was Lena Starsong—who did a good job with jazz standards. There were pupus for sale for $5.00, being prepared by chefs from the Westin & St. Regis. They looked (and smelled) great—but it wasn’t my feeding time.
The clouds began to pass as sunset approached. Today, there are wind advisories with gusts of 15 – 30 MPH expected and temps around 80. I’ll take this anytime compared to the sizzling heat back in Nashville and in so much of the nation.
Till next time …
Yesterday I walked from the condo to the St. Regis Hotel (35-40 minutes at a relaxed pace – one-way). It was hazy & cloudy, but those views were still stunning. The St. Regis had a Father’s Day Brunch for a mere $79 per person. AGGHHH!!! Not sure if that included the $8.00 coffee. Rich or poor – it’s nice to have money ;-). I opted for oatmeal and fresh fruit on my lanai – then enjoyed the views for free.
I found a pretty path through the woods behind the beach at the St. Regis. Walked about ten minutes and saw some incredible bamboo. I hoped I’d discovered a secret passage to Hanalei Bay, but when I reached the spot where the river meets the bay, it was the end of the line. But still, a beautiful walk.
The afternoon concert in the park at Princeville was low-key, peaceful, and pleasant. Luckily, it was cloudy and breezy—because there wasn’t a spot a shade to be found. It kept looking as if it was about to pour—but the rain never fell.
Mike Keale sang beautifully while his wife and one of their friends contributed lovely hula dancing. I love to watch when older women dance hula with so much grace and beauty. The second act was Lena Starsong—who did a good job with jazz standards. There were pupus for sale for $5.00, being prepared by chefs from the Westin & St. Regis. They looked (and smelled) great—but it wasn’t my feeding time.
The clouds began to pass as sunset approached. Today, there are wind advisories with gusts of 15 – 30 MPH expected and temps around 80. I’ll take this anytime compared to the sizzling heat back in Nashville and in so much of the nation.
Till next time …
Jun 18th, 2012, 11:21 AM
#47
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Rich or poor it's nice to have money!
We spent 9 nights at Pu'u Poa and had all intentions of having a meal or two and a few adult beverages at SR. We liked the pre renovation Princeville Hotel mo bettah. We never did make a return visit, but did enjoy a red cup picnic with others at sunset, on the green above/adjacent to the hotel, and then strolled back to grill a lovely dinner, or head down to Hanalei. It was much more festive then having tourists push and shove around you to take sunset pictures and spill your $20 cocktail onto your $20 pupu and your $200 linen capris.
We spent 9 nights at Pu'u Poa and had all intentions of having a meal or two and a few adult beverages at SR. We liked the pre renovation Princeville Hotel mo bettah. We never did make a return visit, but did enjoy a red cup picnic with others at sunset, on the green above/adjacent to the hotel, and then strolled back to grill a lovely dinner, or head down to Hanalei. It was much more festive then having tourists push and shove around you to take sunset pictures and spill your $20 cocktail onto your $20 pupu and your $200 linen capris.
Jun 18th, 2012, 12:30 PM
#49
Original Poster
>
I couldn't agree more. I think I'd choke on it -- even if it included coffee ;-). With tax & tip that's well over $200 for a couple. How much can you eat?
FYI, it was "only" $60 for keikis (under 12). I can't imagine spending $60 for an 8 year old's breakfast. They'd probably go for the Cheerios over the crepes and prime rib. And there were plenty of families there with kids.
In case you haven't guessed -- I'm not a gourmet "foodie." But plenty of people pay that kind of money for dinners. To each his own.
On a side note ... I have worked with people who have tens of millions of dollars. I guess it's all relative, and there becomes a point where a few hundred dollars seems like nothing.
I was poor for many years. I'm grateful to have that no longer be the case. But it has left me "frugal" and appreciative of what I have.
I still prefer Kountry Kitchen and Hamura's!
I couldn't agree more. I think I'd choke on it -- even if it included coffee ;-). With tax & tip that's well over $200 for a couple. How much can you eat?
FYI, it was "only" $60 for keikis (under 12). I can't imagine spending $60 for an 8 year old's breakfast. They'd probably go for the Cheerios over the crepes and prime rib. And there were plenty of families there with kids.
In case you haven't guessed -- I'm not a gourmet "foodie." But plenty of people pay that kind of money for dinners. To each his own.
On a side note ... I have worked with people who have tens of millions of dollars. I guess it's all relative, and there becomes a point where a few hundred dollars seems like nothing.
I was poor for many years. I'm grateful to have that no longer be the case. But it has left me "frugal" and appreciative of what I have.
I still prefer Kountry Kitchen and Hamura's!
Jun 18th, 2012, 01:05 PM
#50
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Brunches offer way too much food and most American's cannot afford to eat that much if you get my drift. I NEVER go to brunches. Oatmeal with soy or Almond Milk, fresh fruit and good coffee on the lanai or in the kitchen is plenty for me. Loving your report, thanks for working us into your work schedule.
Jun 18th, 2012, 03:37 PM
#51
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Songdoc - just loving your reports. We have hiked (well walked is more like it) - all around Princeville - and down to the beach about 3 or 4 different ways - but never did take that walk you describe down by the St. Regis.
And there used to be a Starbucks (or one just like it) in the St. Regis - and there coffee was reasonably priced - and we loved to take it out on the beautiful lanai overlooking Bali Hai.
I remember the gala dinner they used to put on at the Hotel being expensive - but hadn't heard about the "gold plated" type brakfast.
And I too have traveled with some deep pocket types - yet the "old money" can really be thrifty/frugal/smart/selective - while the noveau riche sometimes spend like drunken sailors on shore leave after a six month deployment.
We also had to look cafefully for the turn off to Tunnels - (we received some good advice from locals and did find it) - and parked there a couple of times, but usually parked down the road at the lots at Ke'e (Haena state park) and snorkeled there as well as making our way down the beachto Tunnels.
As always - we didn't leave any valuables in the rental car.
Again, appreciate your great reports and please keep them coming.
And there used to be a Starbucks (or one just like it) in the St. Regis - and there coffee was reasonably priced - and we loved to take it out on the beautiful lanai overlooking Bali Hai.
I remember the gala dinner they used to put on at the Hotel being expensive - but hadn't heard about the "gold plated" type brakfast.
And I too have traveled with some deep pocket types - yet the "old money" can really be thrifty/frugal/smart/selective - while the noveau riche sometimes spend like drunken sailors on shore leave after a six month deployment.
We also had to look cafefully for the turn off to Tunnels - (we received some good advice from locals and did find it) - and parked there a couple of times, but usually parked down the road at the lots at Ke'e (Haena state park) and snorkeled there as well as making our way down the beachto Tunnels.
As always - we didn't leave any valuables in the rental car.
Again, appreciate your great reports and please keep them coming.
Jun 18th, 2012, 10:55 PM
#52
Original Poster
Tom -- I never knew that path behind the St. Regis beach existed until I accidentally found it yesterday. I've never head anyone mention it.
That coffee shop is still in the St. Regis. I think it's called the Hanalei Cafe. Coffee and those Bali Hai views sound like a perfect combination.
Today's adventure ...
I’m dealing with some serious computer trouble and had to drive to a repair shop in Lihue. (Don’t ask!!!) Since I was already on that side of the island we continued on to one of my favorite spots: Maha`ulepu Beach. I hadn’t mentioned that I swapped my rental car a few days after arriving because the a/c wasn’t working. The only other vehicle available was a Honda Passport—an SUV. Compared to the little compact cars I’m used to, it was like a tank. I thought I’d hate it. I love it—and asked to keep it for the remainder of my trip.
I bring this up because the dirt road (past the Grand Hyatt) to Maha’ulepa has been horrible in the past. In February I wound up parking my little rental car on the side of the road and walking the last ½ mile. The potholes were that bad. Wow. What a difference a 4-wheel drive tank makes on a rutted dirt road! But much of the road has been improved since my last visit. There are still some very bad parts, but it’s something you can probably do in any car – if you’re very careful.
Maha’ulepa doesn’t look even remotely like anything else on Kauai. I felt as if I’d found an alien planet. The cliffs and geological formations are spectacular and incredibly beautiful—in an otherworldly way. Sort of like natural sculpture. Today, the waves and wind were intense, which amplified the effect. We hiked along the cliffs, loving every minute – even when the waves reached up high enough to splash us.
I’ve gone swimming there in the past—but there’s no way I’d have attempted it today. The surf was way too rough. The past three days have been mostly overcast; no rain to speak of, but windy and mostly cloudy--not what you’d call nice beach days. I feel bad for the sun lovers who want to lie out by the pool or on the beach and bake, but I’ve enjoyed being cool--and we did have almost a whole week of sunny days.
Driving through the tree tunnel in Poipu, singing along with a favorite old Joni Mitchell album on the car stereo, I thought, “It can’t get any better than this.” Then as I drove through Anahola I felt as if I were driving into a painting. It really was that beautiful.
Dinner was fried coconut shrimp at the Shrimp Station in Wailua ($12 pp). Delicious! Now back to my boring, healthy eating.
I watched the sun pushing through the clouds while sipping my decaf back on the lanai. Ahh … heaven …
That coffee shop is still in the St. Regis. I think it's called the Hanalei Cafe. Coffee and those Bali Hai views sound like a perfect combination.
Today's adventure ...
I’m dealing with some serious computer trouble and had to drive to a repair shop in Lihue. (Don’t ask!!!) Since I was already on that side of the island we continued on to one of my favorite spots: Maha`ulepu Beach. I hadn’t mentioned that I swapped my rental car a few days after arriving because the a/c wasn’t working. The only other vehicle available was a Honda Passport—an SUV. Compared to the little compact cars I’m used to, it was like a tank. I thought I’d hate it. I love it—and asked to keep it for the remainder of my trip.
I bring this up because the dirt road (past the Grand Hyatt) to Maha’ulepa has been horrible in the past. In February I wound up parking my little rental car on the side of the road and walking the last ½ mile. The potholes were that bad. Wow. What a difference a 4-wheel drive tank makes on a rutted dirt road! But much of the road has been improved since my last visit. There are still some very bad parts, but it’s something you can probably do in any car – if you’re very careful.
Maha’ulepa doesn’t look even remotely like anything else on Kauai. I felt as if I’d found an alien planet. The cliffs and geological formations are spectacular and incredibly beautiful—in an otherworldly way. Sort of like natural sculpture. Today, the waves and wind were intense, which amplified the effect. We hiked along the cliffs, loving every minute – even when the waves reached up high enough to splash us.
I’ve gone swimming there in the past—but there’s no way I’d have attempted it today. The surf was way too rough. The past three days have been mostly overcast; no rain to speak of, but windy and mostly cloudy--not what you’d call nice beach days. I feel bad for the sun lovers who want to lie out by the pool or on the beach and bake, but I’ve enjoyed being cool--and we did have almost a whole week of sunny days.
Driving through the tree tunnel in Poipu, singing along with a favorite old Joni Mitchell album on the car stereo, I thought, “It can’t get any better than this.” Then as I drove through Anahola I felt as if I were driving into a painting. It really was that beautiful.
Dinner was fried coconut shrimp at the Shrimp Station in Wailua ($12 pp). Delicious! Now back to my boring, healthy eating.
I watched the sun pushing through the clouds while sipping my decaf back on the lanai. Ahh … heaven …
Jun 19th, 2012, 11:11 AM
#53
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Still loving your up to the minute report...I get to work every morning and the first thing I do is check for your next installment!
Living through you and wishing I was there...still trying to decide on my dates for next year. It will either be May or June.
Songdoc--you are in Kauai, every year, in June/July and when?
Living through you and wishing I was there...still trying to decide on my dates for next year. It will either be May or June.
Songdoc--you are in Kauai, every year, in June/July and when?
Jun 19th, 2012, 01:41 PM
#54
Original Poster
louistraveler5:
Thanks so much for the kind comment! That'll keep me writing.
For the past 5 or 6 years my summer trips to Kauai have been timed to coincide with the Kauai Music Festival which is mid-July (July 11 - 14 this year). My love of Kauai is all the fault of that festival;-). I came here to teach and perform one time ... and I fell in love with the island. (FYI, the concerts are open to anyone and they're awesome.)
My additional trips to paradise are contingent on my other engagements. This year I spent 5 weeks in Jan/Feb; I'm currently in the midst of 6 weeks in the summer; and will be back for the month of October (in Sealodge J2). I'm hoping for January '13, but waiting to see if I can squeeze that in before another big trip in February.
This year I'll have to leave immediately after the festival to teach a Song Camp in Nashville. The following week I'll be in the Canadian Rockies! Talk about a contrast!!! I like my life.
Thanks so much for the kind comment! That'll keep me writing
.For the past 5 or 6 years my summer trips to Kauai have been timed to coincide with the Kauai Music Festival which is mid-July (July 11 - 14 this year). My love of Kauai is all the fault of that festival;-). I came here to teach and perform one time ... and I fell in love with the island. (FYI, the concerts are open to anyone and they're awesome.)
My additional trips to paradise are contingent on my other engagements. This year I spent 5 weeks in Jan/Feb; I'm currently in the midst of 6 weeks in the summer; and will be back for the month of October (in Sealodge J2). I'm hoping for January '13, but waiting to see if I can squeeze that in before another big trip in February.
This year I'll have to leave immediately after the festival to teach a Song Camp in Nashville. The following week I'll be in the Canadian Rockies! Talk about a contrast!!! I like my life
.
Jun 20th, 2012, 07:44 AM
#56
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Great comment LoveMyLab! It's torture to read but I can't stop!
October, really Songdoc, really...okay now I'm swimming in envy!!
Songdoc says "I like my life"...how about LOVE my life
Also, the Canadian Rockies are on my list. I've been to the Colorado Rockies the last 5 years. DH & I go to our favorite cabin in Estes Park once a year. I have a list of places I would love to see in the world but we haven't gotten enough momentum to pursue other adventures outside of Kauai and Colorado.
Songdoc- Where is your big trip in February?
October, really Songdoc, really...okay now I'm swimming in envy!!
Songdoc says "I like my life"...how about LOVE my life
Also, the Canadian Rockies are on my list. I've been to the Colorado Rockies the last 5 years. DH & I go to our favorite cabin in Estes Park once a year. I have a list of places I would love to see in the world but we haven't gotten enough momentum to pursue other adventures outside of Kauai and Colorado.
Songdoc- Where is your big trip in February?
Jun 20th, 2012, 12:03 PM
#57
Original Poster
Aloha. I'm blown away that people are actually reading this! I love making people jealous. hehehe.
Not much exciting to report from yesterday—but I’ll do my best to keep you salivating;-). It was a rainy day—the first one in the twelve days since I arrived. I mostly dealt with computer repair issues. The interesting thing is that if I were in Nashville, these same issues would have turned me into a ball of solid tension and stress. In Kauai … they’re unimportant, minor annoyances that will get dealt with. That’s the effect this island has on me – and one of the main reasons for my addiction.
Around 3 PM a glimpse of sunlight poked through the clouds and we headed for a walk at Hanalei Bay. The beach was almost deserted, and the waterfalls in the distance were incredible. I’ve never seen them so large and powerful. From the beach we could see four waterfalls—and one of them was so large we could see the movement of the water gushing down.
As we walked, the sky was bright blue ahead of us; behind us—cloudy and ominous. We’d walked about 30 minutes before the rain began. We were soon drenched. The obvious solution was a swim. So refreshing. Once again “the Kauai Effect” took hold and I couldn’t have cared less about the rain. The mist on the mountains and the light on the ocean approximated an impressionist painting.
This morning we woke to bright sunshine—but it didn’t last long. It’s overcast and cloudy. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to hear how I spent today … especially since I haven’t decided yet ;-).
The next installment will make you weep. I'll tell you about my upcoming travel schedule.
Not much exciting to report from yesterday—but I’ll do my best to keep you salivating;-). It was a rainy day—the first one in the twelve days since I arrived. I mostly dealt with computer repair issues. The interesting thing is that if I were in Nashville, these same issues would have turned me into a ball of solid tension and stress. In Kauai … they’re unimportant, minor annoyances that will get dealt with. That’s the effect this island has on me – and one of the main reasons for my addiction.
Around 3 PM a glimpse of sunlight poked through the clouds and we headed for a walk at Hanalei Bay. The beach was almost deserted, and the waterfalls in the distance were incredible. I’ve never seen them so large and powerful. From the beach we could see four waterfalls—and one of them was so large we could see the movement of the water gushing down.
As we walked, the sky was bright blue ahead of us; behind us—cloudy and ominous. We’d walked about 30 minutes before the rain began. We were soon drenched. The obvious solution was a swim. So refreshing. Once again “the Kauai Effect” took hold and I couldn’t have cared less about the rain. The mist on the mountains and the light on the ocean approximated an impressionist painting.
This morning we woke to bright sunshine—but it didn’t last long. It’s overcast and cloudy. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to hear how I spent today … especially since I haven’t decided yet ;-).
The next installment will make you weep. I'll tell you about my upcoming travel schedule.
Jun 20th, 2012, 01:11 PM
#58
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Of course we are reading Songdoc and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for each installment!
Now you are going to keep me in suspense...so not fair. It's 4:05 in Austin, TX and I get off work at 5:30. I check every morning at 8:30 for your next installment...until then I'll be waiting impatiently! It's only 11:05am in Kauai, more jealousy that you have the whole day ahead of you on my island...okay, I'll share, our island
I love knowing that someone out there knows exactly how I feel about Kauai! For next year, my Kauai year, I'm considering 1) May 18-25; 2) May 25-June 1; 3) June 22-29.
Our 2011 trip we were there May 28-June 4. DH's bday is May 31 so we could go again during his birthday but still deciding. In a few months, probably around October I'm going to book our Sealodge B10!
Here's hoping for a bright sunny and dry trip in 2013! I'm waiting for you to make me weep Songdoc!
Now you are going to keep me in suspense...so not fair. It's 4:05 in Austin, TX and I get off work at 5:30. I check every morning at 8:30 for your next installment...until then I'll be waiting impatiently! It's only 11:05am in Kauai, more jealousy that you have the whole day ahead of you on my island...okay, I'll share, our island
I love knowing that someone out there knows exactly how I feel about Kauai! For next year, my Kauai year, I'm considering 1) May 18-25; 2) May 25-June 1; 3) June 22-29.
Our 2011 trip we were there May 28-June 4. DH's bday is May 31 so we could go again during his birthday but still deciding. In a few months, probably around October I'm going to book our Sealodge B10!
Here's hoping for a bright sunny and dry trip in 2013! I'm waiting for you to make me weep Songdoc!
Jun 20th, 2012, 03:33 PM
#60
Original Poster
Yes, I'm evil. Prepare to weep … long and loudly:
Re: the Canadian Rockies … for many years it’s been very high on my list, but I do so much wonderful work-related travel that I rarely just pick a location to vacation—unless I tie it in with teaching a workshop. So I could hardly believe my luck when I was invited to teach 15 minutes from Banff! We’ll stay an extra week to visit Jasper and Lake Louise, and to visit a dear friend’s sister, who insists on showing us her hometown of Calgary.
In addition to the Canadian Rockies, and October in Kauai, I’ll go from Kauai to work in San Francisco and L.A. – then Philadelphia and New York City (for the second time this year). In February/March ‘13, I’ll be working in Ireland and England. We’re deciding whether to add another European destination. If so, we might go early, but that would probably mean skipping Kauai in January.
May and June ’13 will bring us back to Australia and New Zealand. That’s a typical year for me. But last year we substituted Scandinavia for OZ and NZ.
In case you’re still not weeping and wailing … I actually get paid for this!!! Most of the time, I teach all day Saturday & Sunday – and we’re off Monday thru Friday to sightsee and get to the next city. Depending on the location, we sometimes add time for vacation before or after the tour.
I do LOVE my life. But you have no idea how many years of struggling it took to get there. There was a period when I lived in Los Angeles in one room – no kitchen; no bathroom. Cockroaches, mice, junkies, and hookers were my friends. When there was no money for food I ate cat food—repeatedly. My dream was to have enough money to eat at McDonald’s – but that was an entire week’s food budget.
Sixteen years after I moved to L.A. to become an “overnight sensation” all the hard work paid off.
Gotta head to Lihue for more computer repair fun.
PS. B10 looks like a beautiful unit. But I love the lighthouse views.
Re: the Canadian Rockies … for many years it’s been very high on my list, but I do so much wonderful work-related travel that I rarely just pick a location to vacation—unless I tie it in with teaching a workshop. So I could hardly believe my luck when I was invited to teach 15 minutes from Banff! We’ll stay an extra week to visit Jasper and Lake Louise, and to visit a dear friend’s sister, who insists on showing us her hometown of Calgary.
In addition to the Canadian Rockies, and October in Kauai, I’ll go from Kauai to work in San Francisco and L.A. – then Philadelphia and New York City (for the second time this year). In February/March ‘13, I’ll be working in Ireland and England. We’re deciding whether to add another European destination. If so, we might go early, but that would probably mean skipping Kauai in January.
May and June ’13 will bring us back to Australia and New Zealand. That’s a typical year for me. But last year we substituted Scandinavia for OZ and NZ.
In case you’re still not weeping and wailing … I actually get paid for this!!! Most of the time, I teach all day Saturday & Sunday – and we’re off Monday thru Friday to sightsee and get to the next city. Depending on the location, we sometimes add time for vacation before or after the tour.
I do LOVE my life. But you have no idea how many years of struggling it took to get there. There was a period when I lived in Los Angeles in one room – no kitchen; no bathroom. Cockroaches, mice, junkies, and hookers were my friends. When there was no money for food I ate cat food—repeatedly. My dream was to have enough money to eat at McDonald’s – but that was an entire week’s food budget.
Sixteen years after I moved to L.A. to become an “overnight sensation” all the hard work paid off.
Gotta head to Lihue for more computer repair fun.
PS. B10 looks like a beautiful unit. But I love the lighthouse views.
