Hanalei and Other Special Places of Kauai

In the last few years the beautiful island of Kauai has seen its fair share of tragedy and not just Covid.  100 year type flooding in the North Shore (Hanalei) where people were stranded and couldn't get in or out.  Eventually, they used all types of boats and even helicopters to transport people and supplies.  And then this March a massive slide came slithering down the hillside right before the famous Hanalei Bridge.  Cut off again...but they never gave up on the North Shore!!!

So, for the last month or so, during the week they have convoys leading cars in and out...you can wait in line for well over an hour.  Except for Sunday and they do it a little differently because they're not "working" on the slide.  So, "Aha!" I said and that's when I went this last Sunday.  I tried to get photos of the slide, but I was too busy driving and trying NOT to look down--it's rather scary especially if you have vertigo!!!

But I made it and now you can enjoy a few photos.  Note:  I'll be back!!!

I'm at Princeville and as I got in line to go "through" the slide, the line started to move!!!  The exact same thing happened as I was leaving Hanalei!!!

 

One of many one lane bridges.  Years ago I drove this alone, late at night in total darkness with rain, but I made it to my favorite resort which is the next few photos.

Hanalei Colony Resort...almost at the end of the road....

 I'll be back.

 

Another moon shot from my cottage.

What's that song about Jeremiah and the bullfrog?  If I'm out at night, this guy is always on the steps and he doesn't move.  He just gives you the eye and dares you!!!

Prosecco at the Hyatt in Poipu

More Hyatt

What's the Japanese Coast Guard doing in Hawaiian waters?

Enjoying Hanapepe with Lorraine and another bridge???

Lorraine lives in the back of my favorite cottage along the bike path.  And there's my car with new Hawaii plates:)

Leaving you with another beautiful tree...

A Hui Hou Makou

 

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!