TravelStream™ news feed for member ameliafe on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/ameliafe en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:20:28 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194404640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194404640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194404640/tpod.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:20:28 -0500 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States

I can't believe how fast times flies and today was my last full day in Hawaii!! The morning wasn't terribly eventful, as I knew I had the trip to the Summit of Mauna Kea to look forward to. I spent a good hour repacking my bags...I didn't realize how many souvenirs I bought. It will be interesting to see tomorrow morning how I'll be able to cram everything else in! Then I drove 45 minutes down south to visit Kona again - the little downtown area is right on the water with lots of fun stores and coffee shops. I walked around, bought a few more souvenirs and then headed back north to Waikoloa to get ready for the summit trip.

After dropping my souvenirs, changing into warmer clothes and getting the few things I needed for the trip, I headed out to the Starbucks up the road where the shuttle was going to pick us up. As I was waiting, as much as I have loved my 9 days here alone (for the most part...although every day I pretty much made new friends wherever I went) I suddenly had a need to hear some familiar voices from back home...hence why some of you either heard from me or at least saw the missed call! Yet, don't get me wrong, a part of me REALLY wants to stay here!! Like, really...

The shuttle ride was fun as we ventured onto Saddle Road (one of the few main roads I haven't explored while here...many car rental companies won't let you drive it due to the conditions: poorly maintained, windy, foggy, etc.) which cuts through the middle of the island. It was originally created in 40 days by the military in WWII as a single lane road. Over the 2 hour drive, our driver also served as a tour guide and shared more interesting facts and history about the area and what we were seeing.

We made it to the Visitors' Center at 9,000 ft. and unfortunately were greeted by park rangers blocking the road!! Apparently the conditions at the top were too hazardous to drive through...snow, ice, fog. The original plan was to hang out at the center for about an hour anyway to get used to the altitude and have dinner. So we did that, in hopes that things would change and we'd be allowed through.

Meanwhile, people who were able to make it up the mountain before the road was blocked were coming back down with the back of their trucks filled with snow! They like to bring the snow down to the beaches and build snowmen! But alas and alak and woe is me, no such luck for the rest of us...we returned to the shuttle and headed back down the mountain. Well, at least we get a full refund, and we still got to check out the view from partway up the mountain and have a now free dinner...




I was SO SAD! But then I remembered, I was hoping to make it to a luau before I left and conveniently a luau was happening at my hotel tonight. I made it back to the hotel around 7pm and asked the concierge if it was possible to get into the luau late. She said yes, so I ran up to my room, threw my stuff down, changed out of my "mountain layers" and threw on my aloha dress, grabbed my cameras and booked it all the way to the other end of the resort! There was no one at the entrance to take my money, and I should have just sneaked in, but of course I had to open my big mouth and ask someone if it was okay if I came in late to watch the rest of the performance. At first the head waiter guy said sorry, they can't do that....the show is partway over, blah blah. But I laid on the puppy dog eyes, shared my sob story of my summit trip being cancelled, we just got dropped off and I was looking for something fun to do on my last night. Well, IT WORKED! Not only did they decide to let me in for FREE but I also got a free drink from the waiter (another tasty Lava Flow...yum!). Ahh, not all was lost on my last day!

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194312420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194312420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194312420/tpod.html Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:40:35 -0500 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Kealakekua, Hawaii, United States

I was originally worried after looking at the weather forcast last night that my last 2 days here were going to be rained out! Even as of this morning it they were predicting cloudy with scattered showers...noooooooo! Well, as long as there wasn't thunder or lightning, surf was still a possibility, as long as the waters weren't going to be especially rough. So I thought I'd call the surf shop, leave a message for when they eventually open and see how things were looking for lessons.

After saying my thank yous and goodbyes to Tabatha's parent's (they were all going fishing today), I hung out in the condo a little while longer, then packed up my things and was on my way. As I was leaving Waikoloa Village, I could see Mauna Kea in the distance and the top was covered in snow! I was hoping there would be snow on the volcano while I was here! So I pulled off the road and took some great pictures. I decided to go ahead and drive straight to Kona, where the surf shop is, since it is about a 45 minute drive. If I was going to be able to make the 9am lesson, I'd have to at least be on my way by the time they called. During this time, the sky cleared and it ended up being a BEAUTIFUL morning! Not only that, but I was in luck! 1. The Mauna Kea tour called and told me that they have room for me on tomorrow's (Tuesday's) tour! Hurray! 2. The surf shop said I would be the only person at 9am so it would be a private lesson-even better!

After sitting in a ridiculous amount of traffic (which the guidebooks warned me about...but they said remember: even if you are sitting in traffic, at least you're not at home sitting in traffic on your way to work!!) I finally made it to Kahalu'u Beach for my surfing lesson! Everyone there was of course very nice and my instructor Dominic was very patient. I was both excited and nervous, as compared the East Coast (and the Philippines, which was the last time I was in the ocean), the waves and currents are much stronger here (though smaller in comparison to the other Hawaiian island...which makes me glad I learned here on the Big Island and not the North Shore of Oahu!) We went over the basics on land, I practiced where and how to lay on the board and how to stand up. Sounds easy, right? Well, maybe on solid ground...I knew on water would be a completely different and potentially terrifying experience!

So I put on the little reef shoes and shirt that they gave me and we headed off into the water. I laid on my board and paddled my way through the waves. And there I was, far from the safety of solid ground, and he said, "Okay...start paddling and then stand up!" I'm like, "That's it? I just go and do my thing?" He helped give my board a little shove (since I wasn't good at picking up the speed of my board towards the end, like you're supposed to), I felt the wave catch the board...and I proceeded to do exactly what you're NOT to supposed to do! My hands were too far forward and as I tried to push myself up, my board completely nose-dived and I wiped out! Well no time to recover...after swallowing and inhaling a good amount of water, I had to get back on my board, paddle out and try again. I won't bore you with a total wave by wave dissertation, but me being the kind of person who wants to be good at everything...well I was getting frustrated, but luckily Dominic had complete faith in me. I think after that rough first experience, I got a little more nervous. I decided to take a step back and practiced kneeling (as I kept my hands in the right place) as I caught the wave, and I also had to get out of the habit of looking down and the board and looking forward in the directing that you want to go. Then I graduated up to getting my feet up and squatting while hanging on to the board (which was also a little annoying because I think I discovered too late that my shoes were a bit big, and when they filled with water, I sort of tripped on them as I was trying to get my feet under me). By the last couple waves I actually stood up!! YAY!!! I'm sure it wasn't pretty and I wasn't the most graceful, but at least I wasn't wiping out anymore. Not bad for my first hour of surfing...they say that's what the lesson is for, to get your comfortable and get the basics down so you can start going out on your own and practicing. Well darn it! When is the next time I'm going to go surfing?! I did some research online, and there are surfing camps...hmmm, next vacation?

So I took the expected cheesy picture with my instructor by the surfboard and was on my way. Since it ended up being a beautiful day, I decided to rent some snorkeling gear and a boogieboard. I made a feeble attempt to look into a kayaking/snorkeling tour group through Kealakekua Bay, with no luck. I didn't put much effort into a group thing or getting a single and taking myself out, as I haven't kayaked before and while I made it through the surfing experience, I wasn't ready to venture into unfamiliar open water alone. Anyway, it wasn't even 11am and I still had more than half the day ahead of me! I drove down south about another 10 miles to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau to check out the snorkeling. Once again I got a little nervous, as even though there weren't huge waves, it was a bit of a challenge getting into the water from the rocks and I definitely got a little banged up. I met a nice family and I asked if they minded that I tag along since I'm by myself. I knew I'd feel more relaxed and a little safer with other people around me. I don't think we were out for more than 20 or 30 minutes. I did see some beautiful fish, but the snorkeling I did in the Philippines was definitely way better! The water was clearer over there, more fish and they looked more vibrant!

I drove 5 miles back north again and thought I'd at least check out Kealakekua Bay. It was beautiful, but definitely not the type of beach where one lays out, or can just jump into the water for a swim. I watched some massive waves crashing into the boulders. As I was walking around, I saw a group of people by a launch area, putting their kayaks in the water. I asked one guy if there was a tour group that goes out today. He said there wasn't an organized group, but if I wanted, he could take his double out with me and do a private tour. It ended up being a pretty sweet deal (cheaper than what it would have cost through one of the companies, and I already had the snorkeling gear) and he was able to share with me some interesting history about the area. So Amancio and I were on our way, and not even halfway across the bay, we were greeted by a dozen SPINNER DOLPHINS!! They came so close to us, maybe 10-15 feet away. He told me to jump in and swim with them...so I did! I put my snorkeling gear on, but visibility in the water wasn't the greatest. At one point I could faintly see a couple swim by me, but I had better luck hearing rather than seeing them underwater. But they did put on a good show for us on the surface!

After a while, they disappeared, so I got back in the kayak, and we proceeded across the bay to the Captain Cook monument. This area which is not so easily accessible except by some sort of boat (unless you're hardcore and decide to swim across the bay or do an insanely steep hike down the mountain) is supposed to be some of the best snorkeling in the state. The snorkeling was definitely better than my previous location, but still, not as good as the Philippines. It also may be that there was a lot of sediment from the storm the day before. So I got back in the kayak and we proceeded across the bay. At first I was sad because it looked like the dolphins were long gone, but Amancio said to be patient. Sure enough they reappeared to say hello! I jumped back in with my gear. They were swimming around us for a bit, and at one point, as I was looking underwater, a couple dolphins were maybe just a couple couple arms-length away! They seemed to me getting closer to check me out. To think I considered paying a ridiculous amount of money at the Hilton to hang with the dolphins, and I could just pay half (or less) to kayak/snorkel/swim with them in their natural habitat!


So those were my BIG adventures for the day. The only thing I regret is not having an underwater camera to bring while I was surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming with the dolphins. By now it was late afternoon, so I headed back north to Waikoloa to check into my hotel. After enjoying a much needed shower, I decided that I deserved to be celebrated today and made reservations at a nice restaurant for dinner. I thought I needed to get another use out of the dress I brought for the wedding, so I got all dolled up! I took some silly pictures of myself, to prove that I really am having fun and ready for a night out!

I also thought maybe before and/or after dinner, I'd hang out in the lounge, where there was supposed to be Hawaiian music until 9pm, and then jazz music until midnight and read or even possibly meet some new people (which I pretty much gotten in the habit of every day since I've been here!). After walking about ¾ mile (I think from one end of the resort to the other is a mile), I arrived at the restaurant, actually the same place we ate after Tabatha's wedding. While I could have tried any of the other restaurants, I wanted to go somewhere with Hawaiian-style food...I can eat Italian or Japanese back home! Dinner was delicious: Blackened Mahi-mahi and for dessert a coconut crème brulee served in a halved coconut shell. I'm also in love with the bread at this place, or maybe it's the butter with I think garlic and herbs that does me in! Unfortunately halfway through dinner, the day's activities and also being up since 4 or 5 am caught up with me. I knew there was no way I could handle hanging out and being social at the lounge. Oh yeah, I did also have a lava flow with dinner (strawberries, rum, coconut and pineapple juice) so that lay have added to the tiredness. The hotel has boats and a tram that runs the length of the resort, so I ended up being lazy and instead of walking back to my room, I waited for the boat. It took every last bit of energy to just get myself to my room and ready for bed...I barely remember even getting under the covers!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194216240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194216240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194216240/tpod.html Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:38 -0500 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States

Last night a handful of Tabatha's friends and I stayed at her parent's condo. This morning, after hanging out over breakfast, we made out plans for the day. Everyone from the wedding got together for a BBQ down at the pool around 11am. Tabatha's friends Amy and Liz and I left the gathering early as Amy needed a ride to the airport, and Liz was also going to pickup a car at the aiport to make the drive to Volcano. I had made reservations to go on the 8 hour trip to the summit of Mauna Kea, but unfortunately after dropping them off, I got a message saying that it was cancelled due to weather. I'm on the wait list for Monday and Tuesday...keeping my fingers crossed!

Since I was already 30 minutes south of Waikoloa, I decided to explore the Kona area. I have to admit...I did my souvenier shopping at the Walmart. I know, I feel a litle ashamed. My new friend recommended I do my shopping there as everything would be cheaper than at the Hilton, airport or any touristy shop. Next, I found the place where I plan to take surfing lessons, got the basic information and learned that the morning would be best to catch some waves. I did more exploring of the area, and even met some guys visiting from Seattle who told me where they'd be tonight...one said if he saw me there he'd buy me a drink. What, you may be asking yourself, am I doing here on my computer when I could be getting free drinks from some guys? Well...they were a little young for me, although they seemed nice enough. Plus I'm taking another one of Tabatha's friends to the airport later tonight, so we're just hanging out here. I know...if I plan to bust out of the solitary single life, then I need to get out there...blah blah blah. Don't worry, I hope to make it to a luau on one of my last 2 nights...maybe I'll make another new friend then!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194143340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194143340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194143340/tpod.html Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:22:42 -0500 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States

This morning I packed up all my belongings and said goodbye to my little cottage. Following morning prayer was an amazing and inspiring keynote address which I had more energy to type and share about. I'll save that for either a future entry or a deep meaningful conversation when I return home. The workshop I attended on Lent/Easter was more of a music-sharing session where we sampled new music that could be used during those seasons. I enjoyed another lovely lunch with my new friend Eric, and then since a number of us had to leave the conference early, they gathered us together and the remaining attendees sent us off with a blessing. I was actually almost moved to tears by the words shared in the blessing, and maybe the experience seemed especially touching as they had those of us leaving stand in the inner circle facing out, and those blessing us facing inwards with arms stretched out, so we were looking at one another during the prayer.

I stopped by my host, Ira's gallery with pick up a couple things I asked them to hold. Once again I was moved by his wishes for me to be well, filled with peace and happy. I don't know what it was that made these moments seem especially genuine and special. Was it that they were new acquaintances or friends who so freely and genuinely wished for my happiness? Maybe it was just the language or way they expressed themselves? Maybe in general I felt the Spirit really working through these people who were strangers to me just a day ago. My corny self couldn't help but listen to "May the Road Rise to Meet You" a few times as I drove away from Volcano, thinking about all these people I only got to know for a day or less, and may or may not see again.

In an attempt to get myself out of a sappy mood, I searched the radio for some good island music as I drove to Kona for Tabatha's wedding. The drive itself was pretty uneventful. I arrived at the Hilton Waikoloa with about a half hour to spare before the wedding. The resort itself is pretty crazy, and I'll let you check it out for yourself: www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.



The wedding ceremony was in the gorgeous setting of the "Palace Gardens" which overlooks the ocean. Tabatha looked beautiful and I have the pictures to prove it! After some champagne, cutting the cake and pictures, we hopped on a boat which took us to a restaurant at the other end of the resort for dinner. We had a GREAT time and the food was excellent! I also drank my first strong but tasty Maitai...probably not helping my tiredness.





So now I'm at Tabatha's parents' condo and I'm ready for bed. I think everyone else is already asleep. I post pictures from the wedding in the morning...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194011700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194011700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1194011700/tpod.html Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:56:57 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Volcano, Hawaii, United States

Today was a good day, but not a whole lot to share. As it goes with most, if not all, church-related conferences, the day started with Morning Prayer and then the keynote address from his Highness the King of Samoa. The first workshop I attended was for keyboard improvisation. That went well: it was very interactive, there were 2 keyboards set up, everyone took turns playing different songs and doing different exercises, both my sight-reading and improving skills were pretty challenged, and I felt encouraged by my piano playing peers and Kate, the woman leading the workshop.

I made a new friend, Erik, at the end of the workshop who (as I learned as we had lunch together) is also not only a pianist, but singer and lover of musical theatre as well! The 2nd workshop was a massage workshop! I know, you're asking yourself, isn't this a liturgy and music conference? Well, besides obviously learning acupressure technique, she also talked about the importance of taking care of yourself, using massage to take care of others, in a way a nice segue from the keynote where he mentioned care for the body, mind and spirit.
Mid-afternoon we all attended a presentation at the crater site with hula and a blessing. I returned to the Kilauea Lodge again for dinner (because I loved it so much the other day...and the couple other places I went to this week weren't nearly as satisfying) and then returned to the camp for another concert. My new buddy Erik and I chatted for a while afterwards and I shared some of my brainstorms for my upcoming fundraiser which I'll share at another time. He also gave me a tasty sounding Tahitian chicken recipe which I can't wait to try when I get home...anyone interested in trying my first attempt at a Tahitian dish?!

And here I am at the end of my shortest entry. I'm going to get to bed soon and try to get to morning prayer early as one of the workshop presenters for hula told me to come to morning prayers early to learn some movements. I don't remember what I was doing, obviously some sort of dance-like movement, which encouraged this. Hmm, learning hula or Tahitian dance is still on my to-do list. Maybe I'll try and take a little class while I'm here...or finally sign-up in Charlottesville for my friend Aniseh's Tahitian dance classes!

Tomorrow is TabaTA's big day, so those of you who know her know you can look forward to fun pictures from the wedding tomorrow night!!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193969700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193969700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193969700/tpod.html Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:39:28 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Volcano, Hawaii, United States

Sorry, Kuya!!! Hehe, around 3:30am Kuya called me asking where I was...I was like, ummm, uhhh...in Volcano...sleeping. Oops, looks like we got our dates confused and Kuya thought I was coming back today when I'm really returning next Thursday! Good thing he only had to drive to Charlottesville Airport and didn't drive all the way to Dulles or Richmond!

Anyway, I actually "slept in" this morning and didn't get out of bed until around 7am (the past few days I generally woke up between 4 and 6am, gradually later every day). I wanted to get a relatively early start to my day and began my hike around Kilauea Iki Crater around 8:30.

It took me about 2 hours to hike a mere 4 miles, but I did take a detour to a lava tube, stopped for pictures, and got a little lost at one point!! I was also so sweaty by the end...not only did I go the hard way: taking the nice and gradual path leading down into the crater, and then up the steep steps to get out of the crater...should have done it the other way around!) but I foolishly wore jeans and a long-sleeved, medium-weight wicking shirt. Yesterday I was so cold, so I thought I'd dress more warmly this time! Check out the fun pictures.




I came back to the cottage, finally met my host Ira and checked out the various artwork in his gallery. I was considering, since I didn't have time to do it this morning, to drive down Chain of Craters Road (19 miles one way) which basically goes from the crater, descends 3,700 ft to the coast and ends where lava has covered 10 miles of road since 1983. I had originally hoped to do that this morning as well so I could read on the beach this afternoon. Ira suggested that I drive 30 miles south of Volcano to another gorgeous black sand beach (Punalu'u Beach) where I would also get to see some sea turtles. There is no beach at the end of the Chain of Craters drive, so we agreed this would probably be more fun. I've had enough of craters for one day...or make that two days in a row! See more fun pictures of the beach and the turtles...

After enjoying a couple hours of reading Eat, Love, Pray, I was on my way back to the cottage. I showered, got dressed for the concert, grabbed a quick dinner and enjoyed some inspiring church music. I attempted to be social, but was anxious to get back, journal, and go to bed early so I could potentially hike early tomorrow morning. Not sure if that will happen, as morning prayer begins at 8:30am, so really I could only fit in a quick 1 hour hike in decent daylight. Since I'm not working out like I usually do when I'm home, I need to feel like I'm doing something!

We'll see...until tomorrow!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193716680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193716680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193716680/tpod.html Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:27:19 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Pahoa, Hawaii, United States

I left Waimea early this morning so I could try and sign-up for the horseback riding tour of Waipi'o Valley. I didn't make a reservation in advance, but I thought if they didn't have the required minimum of 2 people or already filled the maximum of 12 people for the ride, then I'd just hike or take the shuttle into the valley and walk from there. Well I lucked out as a couple was signed up for the 5 hour tour and so I was able to join them. I haven't been on a horse since I was a kid, so I was SO excited about today! I totally fell in love with my horse "Trigger" and if I ever come back I hope to be reunited with him. This was such a perfect group to spend the day with. Dwayne was our tourguide and Dale and Petra were the other two guests. Originally I thought, great, of course in my state of romantic jadedness I'd end up with a couple on my first day of vacation. But those feelings quickly disappeared as they were a mature, fun, interesting couple who didn't overdo it with schmoopy talk and actions. On a coincidental note, Dale and Petra are actually from the Toronto area and live not too far from my family who live in Mississaugua. Dwayne does these tours part-time and is actually a musician, so we enjoyed talking music. Another funny coincidence, that after talking for some time, we came to realize that his group was the SAME group that was playing at the restaurant where I ate last night!!! The place was so crowded while I was there that I didn't get to see all the musicians.

Anyway, about the tour: we learned some interesting history about the land as we rode to the valley. We stopped at a beautiful scenic point where the 1,200 ft. waterfall was to our left (but unfortunately due to lack of rain didn't have the mist impressive flow), the ocean was to our right and we could look down into the valley. At another stop we ate fresh guava off the trees and fresh macadamia nuts (he even showed us how to husk and de-shell the nuts as they come from the tree). We came to another waterfall where we had lunch, and had it been warmer and sunnier, we would have gone swimming in the little pond at the base of the falls.

After returning from our little excursion, Dale, Petra and I stopped for a snack and exchanged contact info, originally to share photos from the ride. Then we started talking about our plans for the coming days, and we may actually try to meet up for some hikes around Volcano or a possible helicopter ride. Then we went our separate ways, they back to Kona and I down south a couple hours to Puna/Pahoa. I arrived at Yoga Oasis after dark, so I haven't been able to check out the grounds yet. It's a yoga bed & breakfast, and there are some separate cabins and then 4 rooms off the mainhouse (I'm in one of these rooms). We share common bathrooms, and as you leave your shoes at the door and also share the kitchen and living space, it sort of feels like a cross between being a guest in a friend's big house and living in a dorm again. There are no locks on the doors (in fact, mine isn't even closed, I just have the screen door closed) and all the sheets and towels are mismatched...which is fine, but if you know how type-A I can be, it was a little unsettling for about 5 seconds. But it's totally fine - I feel so relaxed right now just listening to all these new jungle sounds outside my door and I have a 2 hr. yoga class in the morning to look forward to, followed by what I heard is a huge and delicious all-natural breakfast with all the other folks staying here!

And how appropriate, before I go to bed, I'm now going to read the 2nd Chapter of the book Yvette recommended that I read while I'm on vacation: Eat, Pray, Love.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193629920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193629920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193629920/tpod.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:20:04 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Waimea, Hawaii, United States

Well after approximately 16 hours of travelling, I finally made it to Hawai'i!! Considering the fact I've gotten more or less used to travelling to the Philippines...this was pretty easy. I flew out of CHO (the Charlottesville Airport) at 6:30a.m., had brief layovers in Dulles and San Francisco and arrived in Kona on the Big Island around 3:30 p.m. Hawaii time (9:30 p.m. EST). I pulled my typical all-nighter the night before I left, so I pretty much zonked out on all the planes. As per usual, I slept through nearly every runway taxi, take-off and landing....only waking up to take advantage of the beverage service, an occasional glimpse of the movie (2, in fact! Evan Almighty and Harry Potter 5: OOTP) or a quick game (or dozen) of solitaire. I'd say in that 16 hours of time spent in an airplane or airport, I got close to total of 8 hours, maybe more, of sleep! A necessity, as once I landed in HI, I had to pick-up my rental car and drive another hour to my first destination, Waimea.

Ah, Waimea. Waimea is a little town in the middle of the Big Island, probably best known for the Parker Ranch, which was at one time the largest cattle ranch in the US (225,000 acres). The tourbook says it has been compared to Northern CA , and to expect to see more cowboys and trucks rather than surfers in aloha shirts in this area.
Upon my arrival in Waimea, I did a quick drive-by of my accommodations and initially felt apprehensive at first glimpse of the building and the sketchy folks hanging out outside. So I decided to grab a bite to eat first. May I thought that if I can't see the place when I come back later when it's dark, then it won't seem as sketchy, right? I proceeded to a restaurant up the street that was highly recommended by my guidebook: a mix of French and Asian with a local twist...ok, I'll give anything a try. So I was completely tickled by the fact that as I walked up to the restaurant I heard live Hawaiian music, and as I entered I saw everyone out of their chairs and holding hands, swaying to the music. I stood back and waited to be seated until after the next and final song ended, which required audience participation....The Hokie Pokey! Times like this I truly think God has a sense of humor. The VA Tech Hokie leaves to go on vacation...and am greeted in HI by the Hokie Pokey.

The menu looked excellent, but I decided I only had room for soup and salad, I had my first DELICIOUS butternut squash soup and a Lobster-Mango-Avocado Salad. And well, the guidebook raved about the dessert there, so I saved a little room for local strawberries served with Tahitian vanilla ice cream (who knew plain old vanilla could be SOOO yummy?!) and toasted macadamia nuts.

So the time came for me to return to the lodge and check in. Everyone seemed to be in their rooms as I proceeded to the office. I checked in and headed up to my modest accommodations. As I got myself settled in my room, I quickly realized that I wasn't alone, as cockroaches and other critters made their appearance as I moved things around. Eh, I thought, we'll just have to get along for the next 12 hours until I head to my next destination, Waipi'o Valley.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193876760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193876760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193876760/tpod.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:28:07 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Volcano, Hawaii, United States

This morning after putzing around on Facebook and chatting with my mom, I booked a 3:00pm reservation for a helicopter ride to the lave flow. I would need to leave by 1:30pm (to be there in time for a 2:15 pre-flight briefing) as we would be flying out of Hilo, which is about 45 minutes north of where I am in Volcano. Knowing I wanted to save money by eating lunch here at the cottage before hitting the road, I was left with little time to do anything else this morning.

The cottage is just a couple miles from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park, so I thought I'd check out the Visitors Center, Kilauea Military Camp (where the conference is being held Thursday-Saturday) and various scenic spots around the crater as time permitted. Once again I was blown away by the impressive views and I wish I had the writing ability to truly express everything I am seeing and experiencing here on the Big Island! Sadly, I didn't bring the cords I need to upload from my video camera, so those will have to wait until I return to VA. I have taken a few pictures with my digital camera, so I can at least upload those in the meantime. Since I can also use my camcorder for still pictures, I've been using that more than the regular camera.

As I drove around Kilauea Crater and discovered the paths that go around and through the crater and surrounding areas, I considered running around one or more of those paths tomorrow morning! But then I realized not only was that a silly idea, but I haven't run that long of a distance in over 4 years, my recent running history = potential knee/hip issues, and although I have most of my running needs (clothes, shoes, gels, HRM), I was only planning on going out for some short runs, and don't have a running pack for water. THEN, I saw a group meeting to begin what looked like a BIKE TOUR of the crater/park. Ahhh, maybe I could do that instead?! I have been wanting for years to get back into biking again! But...I have already spent a ridiculous about of money in 3 ½ days and have other adventures planned for next week - I need to keep myself under control! I don't have to do EVERYTHING...I'll save that for next time. So instead I'm considering a 4-5 hour hike tomorrow morning.

After having lunch in my fabulous tiny cottage that I seriously think I just may have to move into, I was on my way back north to Hilo listening to more David Sedaris. On a side note, I had hoped to discover some fun Hawaiian music stations to listen to while I was doing hours of driving on this trip...you know, for some extra "vacation ambience" but all I could find were your typical oldies, Christian, classical, mainstream pop/rock and yes, even country. What do you expect though, right? Even though I'm over 3,000 miles from the mainland, and another 3,000 miles from VA, I am still technically in the United States. The places I have stayed are pretty much in the middle of nowhere, allowing me to enjoy that feeling of being in a completely different, far away land. But this afternoon as I drove to the airport, I had to battle the Hawaiian equivalent of 29 North or El Camino Real: stoplights, stripmalls, chain restaurants, Sears and Walmart! I immediately began to feel my blood pressure rise...

Anyway, enough about THAT. After checking in, I proceeded to the lounge area and played several games of solitaire until the pre-flight briefing began. There were about 24 people, and we were divided into 4 helicopters, seat assignments based on weight distribution. I was hoping for the very front window seat and was thrilled when I got it (you can practically see through the floor beneath you!)! I wasn't nervous at all about my first helicopter ride, more excited, really. I videotaped a good amount of the trip, knowing that they also record your trip live and will burn it onto DVD as soon as you get back (the chopper is equipped with 4 cameras, 3 on the outside and 1 on the inside, and also records narration from our pilot). I wasn't sure how good my footage would turn out, so I went ahead and got the DVD as well. I was shocked by how fast the lava was flowing; I thought it would just be slowly creeping along. Depending on the lava type, some was moving slowly, but some was also moving as fast as a river! I'm definitely glad I chose to do the ride rather than the hike to the flowing lava. Besides the time it would have taken to hike out there and the numerous safety issues, I got to see and learn so much more on this trip! I think I'm going to watch the DVD now, as parts of it were a blur, especially towards the end. I thought I was doing so well...and then about 2/3 to ¾ of the way I found myself fighting off a feeling of nausea. Darn it! I've never gotten airsick, except when I think I had food poisoning coming back from the Philippines the other year and took over one of the plane's bathrooms.

I was SO close to going up to Mauna Kea this evening, but it looks like that will be happening sometime next week. The pre-conference concert is tomorrow evening, so I'll probably do some crazy hiking in the early morning, maybe hang out on the beach again mid-day, and/or go to a spa mid-afternoon and try some of these special Hawaiian treatments or massages. I doubt I'll have much to share until the weekend...maybe some fun (or dorky) church/music inspiration. Until then...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193799600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193799600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ameliafe/hawaii_2007/1193799600/tpod.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:02:41 -0400 Amelia's Adventures on the Big Island of Hawai'i

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Volcano, Hawaii, United States

Today began with the 2 hour yoga class. Technically, I found the class both easy and challenging. I've been practicing Bikram Yoga on and off since this past spring, so the familiar poses were fairly easy, but the new poses were tough because I lacked strength and/or flexibility of certain muscles. The class consisted of people of all levels...from very beginners to the advanced folks who looked like they were practicing moves for the next performance of Cirque de Soliel! Overall, it was a great meditative as well as physical exercise to start off my day.

Breakfast was quite tasty and I enjoyed the company of the other guests and staff. Most visitors are staying for a week or so, and the staff (who aren't one of the 2 owners) are doing a work-study program for a month or even up to 4 months. So everyone eats and hangs out together like a little family. Those of you who are cheering me on in hoped that I meet some fabulous men during my vacation will be disappointed to know that I failed to engage in conversation with the 2 surfer-like guys who impressed me with their killer yoga moves in class earlier. I befriended 2 gals my age (Jennifer and Alicia) and an older woman (Loretta) in her 50s, all from CA and who commented as we continued to talk, that I have the personality of someone from CA and don't seem like I'm from VA or the East Coast in general. Oddly enough, I've heard that many, many times in the past. We then had a little discussion on East vs. West Coast personalities/mentalities. But more on that another time... This doesn't mean I'm now convinced that I must move back to CA. We did have an interesting talk about life transitions.

The 2 younger gals had to get to work, so Loretta offered to take me to a black sand beach. As we drove to the beach, I truly saw some of the most BREATHTAKING views I've seen in my life! I remember when I first saw the Pacific Ocean in CA thinking how much bluer the water was compared to the East Coast, but the water here seems almost unnaturally blue! The water in the Philippines is also quite blue, but it is more flat and you don't have the impressive waves (which is where you see the briiiiight blue water) crashing against the jet black volcanic rock coastline. I promise I'll eventually post those pictures/video footage, although I'm sure it won't do nearly enough justice to the real thing! Accessing the beach required a very short hike (or more like climb) down some volcanic rock...a minor thrill as I looked down to the other side of the rock I was climbing down and there was a little cliff leading straight down to the crashing waves and rocks below. And to add to the little adventure...Loretta had informed me ahead of time that this is a "clothing optional" beach to which I responded with, "Okay!" A first time for everything...

I waded into the water for a bit, but spent most of my time reading. Besides the fact that I'm not a huge fan of swimming unless I'm actually hot, I was also intimidated by the large waves...largest waves I've seen in my life so far. After experiencing what it feels like to get caught in an undertow, I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to swimming in the ocean without a friend or a lifeguard to sort of keep tabs on you. Later I drove down the road to the point where the 1990 lava flow cut off the main road. I parked the car and got some cool footage of the huge lava bed as I walked across it (1/4 mile) to the ocean. It was pretty wild to think I was walking across new land that is younger than I am!

I had hoped to see more sights in that area this afternoon, but unfortunately I had to hit the road so I could check into my next Bed & Breakfast before dark. This evening I arrived in Volcano which is where I'll be staying until Saturday. I must say I am totally THRILLED with this little cottage! http://www.volcanoartistcottage.com It really can't be any more that 400 sq. ft., but it's perfect and so adorable!! Everything from the efficient use of space to the décor is fabulous! The kitchen is stocked with fresh fruit, homemade pumpkin bread, yogurt, granola, Hawaiian chocolates, milk, an assortment of teas and coffee, and other various beverages in the fridge! Plus there is a gas stove, microwave and toaster so I can prepare some of my meals here and save from eating out a lot.

Speaking of eating out...(a minor weakness of mine) I did go out to eat tonight as I did have a plan to try and eat at the most highly recommended restaurant in each main town. I feel like my palette has been under-stimulated and I really wanted to try some different foods while I'm on this trip. I had the MOST tasty margarita EVER...I forget what it was called, but it was a special at the restaurant and had this sort of passion-fruit sugar with a little salt around the edge...SO good! I'm not a big salad eater, but for the 3rd time this trip I've really liked my salad: just simple lettuce with carrots and this yummy blackberry-papaya?-vinaigrette dressing. For my entrée, I branched out and tried a new fish (Ono, I believe) Blackened, Cajun, with a papaya salsa.

I haven't worked out in over a week...for multiple reasons (unless you count yoga this morning and the amount of lugging and heaving of my 45+ pounds of luggage I've had to do over the past 3 days!). I think tomorrow morning it will be time to put on those running shoes. As for what will come after my run tomorrow...I haven't decided yet. I guess that means I should hit the guidebooks and maps and come up with a plan! The 2 big adventures I'm thinking about are the helicopter ride to flowing lava (after hearing stories from Dwayne, my tour guide from yesterday, I'm feeling apprehensive about that night hike to flowing lava) and the Mauna Kea Summit Adventure which is 7-8 hours long! That will be interesting...my body has never had to acclimate to an altitude of 13,796 feet above sea level before, I have no idea what to expect except some AMAZING stargazing!
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