Exploring Kauai

I'm exploring the beautiful island of Kauai while relaxing, writing my Mongolia Memoir, joining a self defense class and book club...and oh! yeah having that cup of coffee!  Enjoy my photos below and see the "new" me!!!

What do you think...the new island me:)

Voila!!!  My car made it from Long Beach to Kauai on its own cruise LOL

Waimea

My dear friend, Robbie

It's not all sunny on the green island!

Okay, I'm scaring myself LOL  So far one lesson of self defense!  In the background is the Womb Bookstore where we are reading a novel about old Hawaii written by a local, John Tana by Bill Fernandez.  Great discussions!

Great spot for ocean watching in Kapaa and walking on the bike path and....

....it's not Jaws, but a seal.

I always find a special house and this one is on the bike path right across from the beach:)

Yummy Neapolitan pizza in town.

I love this shot.  Near the Grand Hyatt in Poipu:)

A Lifelong Dream to Live in Kauai

 On my quest to be a "wandering nomad," I'm now living in Kapaa, Kauai fulfilling a lifelong dream!

LAX to Lihue, Kauai

Me on yet another flight with a mask on and number 6 in Covid testing...yikes!!!*I have been vaccinated twice...lucky me:)

 However, before I talk about Kauai and show my wonderful photos, I want to talk about Cambodia...a place and people I do miss!!!

When I left Cambodia, the Covid numbers were down about 400 infected and NO deaths.  It was amazing!!! Today, the number has risen to almost 11,000 infected and 80 deaths...since Feb. 20...a two month period!!!  Cambodia's population is around 16 million.  Phnom Penh, the capital where I taught as well as the entire country are in some type of lockdown with movement greatly restricted and sometimes food and water hard to get.  One of my 4th graders recently got the virus.  I was sent a photo of him in a bed in a makeshift hospital with lots of beds.  It broke my heart and I thought about my own grandkids.  We communicated through Telegram voice messages which I will try to figure out how to send to you...so very sweet:)

Cambodia is not the only country struggling with Covid-India and many other third world countries are facing uphill battles.  As I hear people in this country struggling with masks, no masks and we all seem to be able to get the vaccine if we want...I want to scream, "Please remember those less fortunate, let's all of us remember what's important and what isn't...and who...please...and that goes for me as I enjoy Kauai!"

Here's a link to Cambodia and Covid

Kauai

I live in this sweet cottage surrounded by orchids (a great place to write which I'm doing!)  The owner and his wife grow the most beautiful orchids:)

Up the road...less traveled....

At my cottage...outside and inside and around the island.

I love cemeteries!

Of course, you knew I had to find a Java place:)

I think this guy is also on the "road" less traveled....

This is the best bookstore and located in the artsy town of Hanapepe.  Check out their site:

Talk Story

Swinging bridge in Hanapepe

This is what I call a standoff...LOL

I leave you with the pink moon and positive thoughts for all of us...the adventure is always there if we would just touch it....

I'm back in California

It’s with bittersweet feelings that I have returned to California.  Given what’s going on throughout the world with Covid, I thought it best that I return.  It was very hard to leave my students as well as all at East-West International School and of course, Cambodia.

Last night I was on Skype with my 4th grade class and Ms. Nary...it was very special:)  I have been given a place there when the "war" is over.

But I'm excited because I just received the 1st dose of the vaccine...yeah! team!!!

Please see below photos from my journey of leaving and arriving.

A farewell party at EWIS.  Wow! they gave me the best gin...Seekers/Mekong!!!

I had the negative Covid test, but at the Phnom Penh Airport they only wanted to see this app that said I understood what was going on in Southern California.  Suffice to say, I knew nothing about this and couldn't get it to work until a very nice young man stepped in:)

Still at the PP Airport, but celebrating with the most delicious hot dog:)

Finally, made it to Seoul Airport which had even less people than in July.  When I flew from Korea to LAX, the plane maybe was at 10% capacity with lots of military type.

Staying up in Santa Barbara with my dear friend, Robbie.  Sunday, yes, that's me getting the vaccine.  What a relief!!!  Don't lose the card!!!

 

 

Happy 2021 New Year New Hope New Beginnings

 

Happy 2021 New Year

I chose this first because I thought they represented New Hope New Beginnings.  They looked so happy and filled with promise.  I was up in Siem Reap/Angkor Wat over the holidays.  This was taken at a temple gate. 

Beautiful lights in Phnom Penh

The holidays at Rambutan Resort Siem Reap

Wat Preah Prom Rath-Buddhist temple in Siem Reap

Walking out across a lake to Neak Pean which at one time was used as a hospital.

 Just a few of us and extremely peaceful:)

Hope and Peace to all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I know this is a difficult time for many, but I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and that I’m grateful for each and every one of you.  When I look at your names, I realize how lucky I am that our paths have crossed…and as you know I have taken many paths, many roads in my travels and what I do.  But there you are following my adventure while making your own!
    One thing I have discovered as I meet people from all over…we are more alike than different.  We all want the same thing, have the same desires…and the same fears.  It’s amazing to me!  And maybe that’s what can bond us in this journey.
God Speed!!!
Diane

I love Halloween!!!

                                                       

Nervous about the election...LOL

Celebrating!!!

Just when we thought we were out of the woods...back for two weeks doing only Online and my first time from home!  Two laptops and lots of caffeine!!!

Now Cambodia does not celebrate Thanksgiving, but they're ready for Black Friday and...

...we're not the only ones who rush Christmas LOL

MAKE IT A SPECIAL TIME THIS YEAR:)