After a slightly tense morning, the day flip flopped into a sweet, nice day.
Me and one of my dudes spent the day in Kahalui. Just me and him. We started our adventure by going to a garden. We were going to go to a play ground at a park- but the GPS misdirected me and then I decided to ask my little guy where to turn. We ended up about a block from our original destination at a playground at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. As I posted a few days ago, I wanted to go here anyway and turns out I didn't even have to try to convince him. We played lava and monkeys for a bit and then took a nice stroll around the garden. We talked about native and non native plants and the difference between mulberries in michigan and their Polynesian cousins (which are freakin' gigantic, green and a little bit rough).
After that, we checked out story time at the library. The sweet little old lady, Alice, who runs it themed the day around creepy crawlies. She sang my favorite old-lady-rhyme about ladybugs that always freaks little kids (and me) out:
Lady Bug, Lady Bug
Fly away home
Your house is on fire,
And your children are gone
All but Ann,
Who hid under a frying pan
It kinda cracked me up, because I could see the kids faces twist and get confused and she had no clue that it was weird to sing. Too funny.
After that, we went to get some food at his favorite place- Panda Express (yes, plain chow main noodles- haha, the best in Maui?) And then ran errands- where I was charged 40 dollars extra on my card at Whole Foods. WHAT DAAAAAAAAAAA?!!? Even after he totally charmed the cash register when we were giggling about the lack of kombucha- 'Awwwww Pickles! They were outta ginger kombucha! Wait, Wait, wait, wait! Awwwwwwww Coconuts! they were out of ginger kombucha.... wait, wait, Awwwwww Pickles!" hahah It was tooo cute! But really- has anyone ever dealt with that? What can you do after you figure that out you were incredibly overcharged because the cash register was distracted by an adorable child AFTER you don't get a receipt??!?!!?! 63 dollars for a handful of groceries..... Geez oh PETES!
On the way home (and every where we go) the dudes like me to tell them stories off the top of my head and its starting to get really hard. I know that the more I practice oral story telling, the better it will get and the more creative juices will flow but I'm sort of at a stand still. Anyone with ideas SHOOT! Give 'em to me. Story starters, story lines, anything?
After we got back, I went to yoga. It was a very strange practice for me. The class wass titled, "Jungle Flow" and is supposed to be a power class. I usually am all about power classes but I'm so used to I am my fav instructor. And all the instructors I've ever had have been trained by the best of the best at Hilltop Yoga- the creme de la creme of studios. I want sanskrit names and gentle readjustments. I want sweet, smooth instructions not "YOOOOOOU CANNNN DUUUOOOOOO IIIIIIIIIT" aerobics yoga. I want power vinyasa paired with beautiful philosophy. I really need come to terms with the fact that no teacher will EVER be like Court. I feel like a disgruntled first grade student right now, and I know for damn well sure I sound like one. All teachers are different. I know this, because being trained in elementary school- I know that teachers can be different and wonderful. And trying to find a carbon copy will never happen. But, I'm still adjusting and WHUTEVER I'm just feeling and my feeling is frustrated haha.
Anyway the reason the practice was weird (other than the Tony Little factor). I felt very at home and safe in the Makawao studio but while feeling so at home and at peace with being in Maui I felt so far from my fam and pham in Michigan. It was weird. Like a mix between that ultimate feeling of love saturating into your being just by practicing in a room of pure happy yogi energy and a distance from that room- feeling not left out or unwanted but just almost judged. And I don't even think that judged is the right word. And it wasn't that I was comparing myself or even that the teacher or other students were judging me. I just felt like a bent puzzle piece- I fit in but something wasn't right. I almost cried in more than one pose and I'm not sure if I stopped myself or I just didn't need to. I don't know. After practice, sitting in my car I still had that yoga brain yoga high and it was nice. On the drive home, I started to feel a lot happier and remembered all the love that I have in my life. Feeling grateful for that helped me to rebound out of that and radiate it back to all the wonderful babes in my life- anyone who is reading this probably should have felt a little of that.
OMG I FORGOT THE BEST PART ABOUT YOGA TODAY: OMG OMG OMG
I WAS IN DOWNWARD DOG AND IN ONE OF MY WEIRD MOMENTS AND THEN A LITTLE PUPPY RAN INTO THE STUDIO AND LICKED MY FACE AND SNUGGLED MY ARM AND IT WAS THE CUTEST THING IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD AND I GIGGLED AND IT WAS IRONIC TO BE IN DOWNWARD DOG AND HAVE A PUPPY RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE AND IT WAS AMAZING AND ONE OF THE BEST YOGA MOMENTS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think all of what I was feeling was just part of my adjustment. I am in the process of declaring my fourth home in life- first NY, the Northport, then Lansing now Kula. I know that of all the places I could have landed, this is the best for my soul right now. Kombucha, made in house, on tap at several local markets. Yoga studios in every town. Water. Mountains. Kids. Waldorf. Its the perfect culture and the perfect next chapter. I just need to find my peace- which I feel like 90% of the time. I am lucky and I know it.
Anyway, coming to a close- my good friends Gordy and Brooke want to visit Maui soon- and I'd really like to visit the Big Island soon too. AND I came home to a facebook friend request from a Leelanau county girl who is living in Makawao. MakaWOW is that cool. Friends! People I love! Yay! And HawaiiFunSuzy is coming home soon too! I need to stop being such a baby and go to bed.
There is no need to complain about living in Maui.
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Haleakala Crater
To sum up my first day of nannying:
It was a great time! Who knew you could get paid to go to the park, be a tickle monster, play Tarzan, meow like you're a cat, let children pretend you are a pony and take babies on stroller rides. Sweet.
After I was finished nannying for the day, I wanted to go for a hike to Haleakala Crater. I talked to my Kula family about it, and they suggested I wait for a day where I could take more time to do it. We decided, since the children are still getting used to Maui time- what better time to take a Sunrise hike than this morning! So, instead of a hike I decided to go to Kihei for a special 'you-made-it-thru-the-first-day-dinner'. Good choice, Bets!
Before I took off, I asked my trusty partner 'google maps' what restaurants I should try in the area. Because she knows me so well, she suggested I try the Grateful Dead bar, "Stella Blues Cafe"(http://stellablues.com/). I walked in, there was live music, and I felt right at home. I sat at the bar and ordered a small Maui Brewing Co. Big Swell IPA to start (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/11207/27364/). It was good, I was happy to find a local brew- coming from MI that was a big concern of mine. As my life style is drastically different here, as I am awake at 5:20 everyday, I won't have as many opportunities to taste test these types of things. It wasn't as hoppy as the bartender warned (she doesn't know me well haha) but it was satisfying, for sure. I looked over the menu and decided a side house salad with the house mango vinaigrette and the "Stella" pizza. Again- GOOD CHOICE, BETS! The salad was yummy and fresh- greens, a slice of tomato, cukes topped with sprouts and marinated red onions with a huuuuuuuge cup of their deliciously sweet mango puree dressing (not so much of a vinaigrette but I didn't mind). Its really hard for me not to get hype about pizza, I mean I'd get excited each time we'd go to Gumbys at 3:30 AM. But, wow. When I saw this ZZaaaa coming, totally loaded with feta, egg plant, roasted red pepps, garlic and pesto my grin spread from ear to ear. Sprinkled some crushed red pepper on- holy smokes. So yummy.
It was interesting sitting at the bar alone. I usually am in that type of setting knowing the bar tenders, surrounded by my friends. But, sitting alone I tried not to feel lonely. I kept remembering this one "Humans of New York" post to keep myself from feeling that way (a post I've been revisiting in my mind pretty much daily since I arrived). The picture was a really cute little old man in Central Park, eating Julia Child's soup. The blurb stated
"Julia Child would have been 101 last week. I celebrate her birthday every year. This year I cooked some smoky eggplant soup, and ate it in Central Park."
"Were you alone?"
"Of course. I love to be alone. I’m fabulous."
http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/59115858198/julia-child-would-have-been-101-last-week-i
I don't think that guy knows how much courage he has given me this week. Its not that I don't KNOW that I will be making friends. But to be honest, I have never lived on an island in the middle of the ocean with very few people to call up before. I've got some contacts- going to do the Road to Hana with my friend Mr. Jesse Moffett and hoping to meet up with April, Suzy and Buzz soon. But, for now its been really interesting for me- who is usually complete addicted to hanging out- to experience so much time by myself (or with little dudes and parents).
After dinner, I went on a little walk around Kihei and tried to catch the sunset- but wasn't able to find a public beach in time to catch it. So I just walked around the lovely strip malls, instead. It was a nice evening, so even though it just seemed like typical American landscape, there were palm trees and ocean breeze so I was still happy to have a nice half hour little stroll.
Today, me and the dudes woke up before the crack of dawn to try to catch the sunrise. But, even though we left the house at 5:30, the sunrise was at 6:02 and we missed it! We still did the hike, but I'd really like to go alone sometime so I can do the parts that were a little to difficult for their little legs to climb. Even after sunrise, this hike was breathtaking. We were in one of the highest parts of the island and could see almost everything. The crater was really cool too- so smooth made of teeny tiny broken up pieces of lava. We talked to the ranger about the volcano. Because the rocks are so brittle, the pressure never builds to much and it slowly erupts after making little mounds. There was a little tourist geology log- we got to write in about our rocks in Michigan and how the differ from those found in Hawaii. It was fun talking to my guys about how MI beach rocks are so different than HI rocks.
It was a great time! Who knew you could get paid to go to the park, be a tickle monster, play Tarzan, meow like you're a cat, let children pretend you are a pony and take babies on stroller rides. Sweet.
After I was finished nannying for the day, I wanted to go for a hike to Haleakala Crater. I talked to my Kula family about it, and they suggested I wait for a day where I could take more time to do it. We decided, since the children are still getting used to Maui time- what better time to take a Sunrise hike than this morning! So, instead of a hike I decided to go to Kihei for a special 'you-made-it-thru-the-first-day-dinner'. Good choice, Bets!
Before I took off, I asked my trusty partner 'google maps' what restaurants I should try in the area. Because she knows me so well, she suggested I try the Grateful Dead bar, "Stella Blues Cafe"(http://stellablues.com/). I walked in, there was live music, and I felt right at home. I sat at the bar and ordered a small Maui Brewing Co. Big Swell IPA to start (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/11207/27364/). It was good, I was happy to find a local brew- coming from MI that was a big concern of mine. As my life style is drastically different here, as I am awake at 5:20 everyday, I won't have as many opportunities to taste test these types of things. It wasn't as hoppy as the bartender warned (she doesn't know me well haha) but it was satisfying, for sure. I looked over the menu and decided a side house salad with the house mango vinaigrette and the "Stella" pizza. Again- GOOD CHOICE, BETS! The salad was yummy and fresh- greens, a slice of tomato, cukes topped with sprouts and marinated red onions with a huuuuuuuge cup of their deliciously sweet mango puree dressing (not so much of a vinaigrette but I didn't mind). Its really hard for me not to get hype about pizza, I mean I'd get excited each time we'd go to Gumbys at 3:30 AM. But, wow. When I saw this ZZaaaa coming, totally loaded with feta, egg plant, roasted red pepps, garlic and pesto my grin spread from ear to ear. Sprinkled some crushed red pepper on- holy smokes. So yummy.
It was interesting sitting at the bar alone. I usually am in that type of setting knowing the bar tenders, surrounded by my friends. But, sitting alone I tried not to feel lonely. I kept remembering this one "Humans of New York" post to keep myself from feeling that way (a post I've been revisiting in my mind pretty much daily since I arrived). The picture was a really cute little old man in Central Park, eating Julia Child's soup. The blurb stated
"Julia Child would have been 101 last week. I celebrate her birthday every year. This year I cooked some smoky eggplant soup, and ate it in Central Park."
"Were you alone?"
"Of course. I love to be alone. I’m fabulous."
http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/59115858198/julia-child-would-have-been-101-last-week-i
I don't think that guy knows how much courage he has given me this week. Its not that I don't KNOW that I will be making friends. But to be honest, I have never lived on an island in the middle of the ocean with very few people to call up before. I've got some contacts- going to do the Road to Hana with my friend Mr. Jesse Moffett and hoping to meet up with April, Suzy and Buzz soon. But, for now its been really interesting for me- who is usually complete addicted to hanging out- to experience so much time by myself (or with little dudes and parents).
After dinner, I went on a little walk around Kihei and tried to catch the sunset- but wasn't able to find a public beach in time to catch it. So I just walked around the lovely strip malls, instead. It was a nice evening, so even though it just seemed like typical American landscape, there were palm trees and ocean breeze so I was still happy to have a nice half hour little stroll.
Today, me and the dudes woke up before the crack of dawn to try to catch the sunrise. But, even though we left the house at 5:30, the sunrise was at 6:02 and we missed it! We still did the hike, but I'd really like to go alone sometime so I can do the parts that were a little to difficult for their little legs to climb. Even after sunrise, this hike was breathtaking. We were in one of the highest parts of the island and could see almost everything. The crater was really cool too- so smooth made of teeny tiny broken up pieces of lava. We talked to the ranger about the volcano. Because the rocks are so brittle, the pressure never builds to much and it slowly erupts after making little mounds. There was a little tourist geology log- we got to write in about our rocks in Michigan and how the differ from those found in Hawaii. It was fun talking to my guys about how MI beach rocks are so different than HI rocks.
Looking over the island from Haleakala we could see clouds below us. At such high elevations, before sunrise and after sunset it regularly gets down around 40 degrees and sometimes freezing ON MAUI. We were all bundled up, so it was okay- but the contrast in plants up that high vs. down where we live, halfway up Haleakala in Kula, was really interesting. It was pretty dry, so the plants were small and there weren't any trees. And the plants that did live there needed to be resistant to pretty serious temperature fluctuations It was neat. The drive down the mountain after our snack-nic was suppper twisty and turny and smelled like Eucalyptus. We passed a huge lavender garden that has a cafe- I'm thinking I'd like to stop there when I go solo. It looked like the best smelling place to ever have coffee in the world.
After I nannied, today, I wanted to do some yoga. After looking up some of the local studios, I decided based on proximity and my budget, to try Makawao Yoga. I got a 10 day unlimited pass for 20 buckaroos and enjoyed a slow flow class taught by my neighbor! It was really cool because she talked about some yoga philosophy as she taught- today we focused on satya or 'truth'. She didn't force this as an intention but sort of offered it as a light to look at your practice through. I liked it. I'm excited to try the power class called "Jungle Flow" tomorrow. Should be pretty fun- power classes are my absolute favorite. I think I'll try a few studios before I commit to a membership, but the feel of this studio was really comforting, I liked my neighb's style and their prices are really reasonable.
Holy smokes- its almost 9:30! This girl needs to hit the hay!
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
After I nannied, today, I wanted to do some yoga. After looking up some of the local studios, I decided based on proximity and my budget, to try Makawao Yoga. I got a 10 day unlimited pass for 20 buckaroos and enjoyed a slow flow class taught by my neighbor! It was really cool because she talked about some yoga philosophy as she taught- today we focused on satya or 'truth'. She didn't force this as an intention but sort of offered it as a light to look at your practice through. I liked it. I'm excited to try the power class called "Jungle Flow" tomorrow. Should be pretty fun- power classes are my absolute favorite. I think I'll try a few studios before I commit to a membership, but the feel of this studio was really comforting, I liked my neighb's style and their prices are really reasonable.
Holy smokes- its almost 9:30! This girl needs to hit the hay!
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Kalahui Kite Boarders
This morning, I was chillin' in the front yard with the birds and reading. About an hour after I went out, the birds started singing lullabies and they put me straight into a nap. It was really nice, but I started to get really warm and woke up. So, I got crafty making a little welcome home 'aloha' sign for the family. I was supposed to pick them up at 3 today, but their flight was delayed so I had until 6 to dink around. So, I decided to go back to Paia Bay to eat my lunch and sit on the beach.
When I got there, I noticed there was a guy doing yoga on the beach. Almost immediately after I sat down, I started getting SANDBLASTED. I mean, sand in my ear drums, sand in my spaghetti and so much sand in my book that it no longer lays flat kind of sand blasted. I was having a really hard time understanding how he was staying so engrossed in his practice when he flopped out of his headstand (no judgement, it was SUPER windy, he was brave for even attempting that) and ran to the water to rinse off. It was kind of entertaining to observe someone trying to be so zen at this time. I was having a hard time concentrating on eating and reading, I couldn't imagine trying to get into a practice. Anyway, the yogi took off with a smile and so did I after I finished my chapter. After talking to Amy later this evening, I learned that Paia is a 'morning and early afternoon' beach because at 2PM it does that evvvvvvery day. Me and the yogi must both be new in town :)
I decided to take a spin around town and walked up to a few shops. I saw some cool wire wrapped crystals that reminded me of my friends Ed and Bieke at home. The lady in the shop was really nice and showed me all the of pieces- some of which had some of the most unique gems I've seen in awhile. One was an aqua aura, really cool, I've never seen anything like it. BUT, it made me miss my buddies back home because, as far as the wire work goes, so far Michigan has headier wraps :) hehe
After exploring Paia Town for a bit, I decided to try to check out the Maui Nui botanical gardens but as soon as I arrived at 4 PM, the woman who runs it let me know that she was closing the last gate! I didn't want to get locked in, so I'll just go back another time. I wish they had posted their hours somewhere, but I'm sure the boys would like to check that out with me someday.
Luckily, I have a brain phone so I asked Google Maps what else was cool in the area. Turns out ONE OF THE BEST KITE SURFING BEACHES IN HAWAII was riiiiiiight down the road. SCORE. WOW. I wish that I had my camera cord so I could post some of the photos I took (MamaBonnnnzooo call me so I can dooo thatttt). There were, at the very least, thirty people on the water. It was so gorgeous. The sun was just over the West Maui Mountains and it was shining down on all of their colorful kites. They were all zooming around looking like they were having a jolly good time. One man who sounded European, I think his name was Peter, came over and chatted with me for a bit. When he found out that I was new, he told me that Maui is a magical island and that only the best people live here. He said that as soon as I could, I needed to find a guide to teach me to kite board. He was pretty insistent and it looked incredibly fun so I think I'll have to take his word for it.
Finally, it was time to go to the airport and scoop up the fam. I pulled up to the curb and was greeted by a very smiley and very tired set of brothers and a pile of boxes. We got everything all packed up and brought home, ate some dinner and here I am.
9 PM seems to be a good time for me to hit the hay these days, so I have only five minutes til bed time. I am so excited for tomorrow- I can't wait to see what the boys have in store for me.
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
When I got there, I noticed there was a guy doing yoga on the beach. Almost immediately after I sat down, I started getting SANDBLASTED. I mean, sand in my ear drums, sand in my spaghetti and so much sand in my book that it no longer lays flat kind of sand blasted. I was having a really hard time understanding how he was staying so engrossed in his practice when he flopped out of his headstand (no judgement, it was SUPER windy, he was brave for even attempting that) and ran to the water to rinse off. It was kind of entertaining to observe someone trying to be so zen at this time. I was having a hard time concentrating on eating and reading, I couldn't imagine trying to get into a practice. Anyway, the yogi took off with a smile and so did I after I finished my chapter. After talking to Amy later this evening, I learned that Paia is a 'morning and early afternoon' beach because at 2PM it does that evvvvvvery day. Me and the yogi must both be new in town :)
I decided to take a spin around town and walked up to a few shops. I saw some cool wire wrapped crystals that reminded me of my friends Ed and Bieke at home. The lady in the shop was really nice and showed me all the of pieces- some of which had some of the most unique gems I've seen in awhile. One was an aqua aura, really cool, I've never seen anything like it. BUT, it made me miss my buddies back home because, as far as the wire work goes, so far Michigan has headier wraps :) hehe
After exploring Paia Town for a bit, I decided to try to check out the Maui Nui botanical gardens but as soon as I arrived at 4 PM, the woman who runs it let me know that she was closing the last gate! I didn't want to get locked in, so I'll just go back another time. I wish they had posted their hours somewhere, but I'm sure the boys would like to check that out with me someday.
Luckily, I have a brain phone so I asked Google Maps what else was cool in the area. Turns out ONE OF THE BEST KITE SURFING BEACHES IN HAWAII was riiiiiiight down the road. SCORE. WOW. I wish that I had my camera cord so I could post some of the photos I took (MamaBonnnnzooo call me so I can dooo thatttt). There were, at the very least, thirty people on the water. It was so gorgeous. The sun was just over the West Maui Mountains and it was shining down on all of their colorful kites. They were all zooming around looking like they were having a jolly good time. One man who sounded European, I think his name was Peter, came over and chatted with me for a bit. When he found out that I was new, he told me that Maui is a magical island and that only the best people live here. He said that as soon as I could, I needed to find a guide to teach me to kite board. He was pretty insistent and it looked incredibly fun so I think I'll have to take his word for it.
Finally, it was time to go to the airport and scoop up the fam. I pulled up to the curb and was greeted by a very smiley and very tired set of brothers and a pile of boxes. We got everything all packed up and brought home, ate some dinner and here I am.
9 PM seems to be a good time for me to hit the hay these days, so I have only five minutes til bed time. I am so excited for tomorrow- I can't wait to see what the boys have in store for me.
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
Monday, August 26, 2013
Moving to the Middle of the Pacific Ocean
I have made it safely to Hawaii!
My flights went well, it was a LONG ride chasing the sun. But after missing my first flight (silly mistake, easily fixed PHEW), I ended up with fewer layovers, extra time with Ma and Pa and arrived at the same time I was supposed to! I flew from TC to Chicago, Chicago to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to LA and LA to Maui. WOW. What a day.
I sat next to a really nice lady on my flight from Traverse City. When she was in her twenties she began flying and when she heard of my apparently adventurous spirit, suggested that I try my hand at flying when I get the chance. Its never been a dream of mine, but hey! Maybe someday?
In Chicago, I had my longest layover. I ate some terrible pasta at the Cub's Bar and Grille at the airport (Just say no! Even the pasta was so greasy it gave me a tummy ache). I slept most of the flight to Salt Lake but then woke up to see some mountain chains and THEN THE SALT LAKES. WOW- I'm not sure if any of you have had the chance to fly into this airport- but it was incredible. The mountains wer gorgeous, you could see a lot of the stratification in the rocks, which were mostly red. You could see how the rain shadow made one side of the mountain forested and the other desolate and dry. Flying over the lakes was cool too! The water was quite murky but there was this crazy lime green algae or something that lined the shores and would pool in certain parts. Other spots looked really salty because they were so white/murky. I didn't get any pictures and I haven't had the time to research more about this phenomena but it was REALLY weird. I liked it. I tried to find some pictures but I didn't.
The flight into LA was neat. I happened to sit by a guy who was a drummer for The Generationals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2GMQShkJYM) They were on their way to the Monterey Music Festival and we talked about music. They're music is poppy and fun. He was really kind and it was fun to chat music with him. Flying over LA was not as beautiful as Salt Lake City. The contrast between the mountains, which were unihabitated and foot of the mountains was CRAZY- immediately FULL of houses, pools, industrial buildings, SPRAWLING for as far as I could see JAM PACKED. I don't even know how they had room for trees- maybe THATS why they have such a smog problem. LAX reflected this mess- you have to RIDE A BUS to get to the terminals and THEN you have to walk about 600,000 miles to find your gate. Luckily, I had plenty of time and was able to chat with Mamabon while I found and waited for my flight. I know one thing for certain, I will absolutely never, ever live in LA. Ever.
The ride to Maui was LONG LONG LONG LONG- five hours. I tried to read for a little while but I was exhausted, so I slept for about three hours I think. When we flew in at 7:45 it was totally dark. The family had asked one of their friends to meet me at the airport, Mel. She was lovely! She took me to whole foods so I could get some grub (I was STARVING and all they had for vegetarian options on the plane were nuts and berries... comme onnnn) The ride up to the house was kind of interesting- while I wanted to see Hawaii for the first time, at just 8PM it was SO dark that I couldn't see anything! Maui, so mysterious when arriving at night! Much of the ride up the volcano to Kula is covered in
My flights went well, it was a LONG ride chasing the sun. But after missing my first flight (silly mistake, easily fixed PHEW), I ended up with fewer layovers, extra time with Ma and Pa and arrived at the same time I was supposed to! I flew from TC to Chicago, Chicago to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to LA and LA to Maui. WOW. What a day.
I sat next to a really nice lady on my flight from Traverse City. When she was in her twenties she began flying and when she heard of my apparently adventurous spirit, suggested that I try my hand at flying when I get the chance. Its never been a dream of mine, but hey! Maybe someday?
In Chicago, I had my longest layover. I ate some terrible pasta at the Cub's Bar and Grille at the airport (Just say no! Even the pasta was so greasy it gave me a tummy ache). I slept most of the flight to Salt Lake but then woke up to see some mountain chains and THEN THE SALT LAKES. WOW- I'm not sure if any of you have had the chance to fly into this airport- but it was incredible. The mountains wer gorgeous, you could see a lot of the stratification in the rocks, which were mostly red. You could see how the rain shadow made one side of the mountain forested and the other desolate and dry. Flying over the lakes was cool too! The water was quite murky but there was this crazy lime green algae or something that lined the shores and would pool in certain parts. Other spots looked really salty because they were so white/murky. I didn't get any pictures and I haven't had the time to research more about this phenomena but it was REALLY weird. I liked it. I tried to find some pictures but I didn't.
The flight into LA was neat. I happened to sit by a guy who was a drummer for The Generationals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2GMQShkJYM) They were on their way to the Monterey Music Festival and we talked about music. They're music is poppy and fun. He was really kind and it was fun to chat music with him. Flying over LA was not as beautiful as Salt Lake City. The contrast between the mountains, which were unihabitated and foot of the mountains was CRAZY- immediately FULL of houses, pools, industrial buildings, SPRAWLING for as far as I could see JAM PACKED. I don't even know how they had room for trees- maybe THATS why they have such a smog problem. LAX reflected this mess- you have to RIDE A BUS to get to the terminals and THEN you have to walk about 600,000 miles to find your gate. Luckily, I had plenty of time and was able to chat with Mamabon while I found and waited for my flight. I know one thing for certain, I will absolutely never, ever live in LA. Ever.
The ride to Maui was LONG LONG LONG LONG- five hours. I tried to read for a little while but I was exhausted, so I slept for about three hours I think. When we flew in at 7:45 it was totally dark. The family had asked one of their friends to meet me at the airport, Mel. She was lovely! She took me to whole foods so I could get some grub (I was STARVING and all they had for vegetarian options on the plane were nuts and berries... comme onnnn) The ride up to the house was kind of interesting- while I wanted to see Hawaii for the first time, at just 8PM it was SO dark that I couldn't see anything! Maui, so mysterious when arriving at night! Much of the ride up the volcano to Kula is covered in
sugar cane fields so there weren't even many street lights. I was so curious. Mel helped me settle in and gave me a tour of the house. After she left, I called my mom to let her know I was safe and passed out almost immediately.
Yesterday I woke up with the birds around 5 30 AM and unpacked all of my clothing and set up my room before 7 AM, and then sat on the porch watching the sky get brighter and brighter wondering what I'd do with the rest of the day- the family I am nannying for doesn't arrive back from MI until tomorrow at 3 PM. So, I decided to hop into the car and head down to Paia Town for a cup of coffee.
Yesterday I woke up with the birds around 5 30 AM and unpacked all of my clothing and set up my room before 7 AM, and then sat on the porch watching the sky get brighter and brighter wondering what I'd do with the rest of the day- the family I am nannying for doesn't arrive back from MI until tomorrow at 3 PM. So, I decided to hop into the car and head down to Paia Town for a cup of coffee.
First, I went to the beach to eat more breakfast. It was only 9 AM at this point and I was starving all day (I think it was dehydration, but today I drank over 2 liters of water... so I'm feeling a lot more normal- need to get used to this HEAT) It started to sprinkle so I walked up to a coffee shop and met a nice girl named Cher who also lives in Kula. She was very welcoming, I'm sure I'll see her again. Just meeting her gave me confidence to meet new people. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/paia-bay-coffee-paia) I sat outside and drank my iced coffee and read a book the parents use to guide their interactions with their children. I'm really happy that they provided it for me- its really helped me to figure out what to expect but also showed me that everything I learned in school will be used in their home (Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline and Its Okay Not to Share). Reading the books, I feel like reading my child development textbooks but instead of being aimed at early childhood educators/psychology its phrased for parents. Basically, review! Wahoo! It makes me feel comfortable to know that we share so many views on raising children.
After I finished my coffee it warmed up and I went down to the beach where I swam and read more. It was GORGEOUS (http://www.paiamaui.com/beaches/paia-bay) I'll post my own photos when I upload them. I went on a walk up-town and found a spot a yoga-friend in Lansing recommended I practice called Maui Shala (http://www.maui-yoga.com/). It was so open and bright. I talked to the owner, who was very friendly. I think that when I have some money, I'm going to try it out. Next I went to a cool little market called Mana Market (http://manafoodsmaui.com/). Walking up to the front, it seems run down and teeny, tiny. Walking through, the building jusssst keeeeeps going and you realize how FULL it is of so many local and bulk foods at reasonable prices! I loved it- defffffffffinitely going back there. I ate my maui fresh avocado and tomatoes today and almost melted they were so flavorful and delicious.
After a long day out of the house I returned to Kula and rested.
When I woke up today, I ran a bunch of errands and got prepared for the family's return. I'm not really burnt, but I was weary of the sun, so I didn't want to go back to the beach.
The sun is going down now, its about 7:15. It will be interesting having such short days- but its all the more reason to keep in my flow of waking up and going to bed with the sun. I am so excited for this new chapter of life. I miss my friends and family back at home, but I know that this is an opportunity for self growth and development. I cannot WAIT to see the children's school and engross myself in the Waldorf Education (http://www.waldorfmaui.org/). I have waited a few years for a chance to experience this type of curriculum- I can't describe how grateful I am to have this experience in Maui. It sounds like there are a lot of great educators at the school who truly will make wonderful mentors. I CANNOT WAIT.
Anyway, by now if you're still reading, I'm sure you are bored and I'm thinking of watching a movie. I will post some pictures of my adventures soon!
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
When I woke up today, I ran a bunch of errands and got prepared for the family's return. I'm not really burnt, but I was weary of the sun, so I didn't want to go back to the beach.
The sun is going down now, its about 7:15. It will be interesting having such short days- but its all the more reason to keep in my flow of waking up and going to bed with the sun. I am so excited for this new chapter of life. I miss my friends and family back at home, but I know that this is an opportunity for self growth and development. I cannot WAIT to see the children's school and engross myself in the Waldorf Education (http://www.waldorfmaui.org/). I have waited a few years for a chance to experience this type of curriculum- I can't describe how grateful I am to have this experience in Maui. It sounds like there are a lot of great educators at the school who truly will make wonderful mentors. I CANNOT WAIT.
Anyway, by now if you're still reading, I'm sure you are bored and I'm thinking of watching a movie. I will post some pictures of my adventures soon!
Aloha Pumehana,
Betsy
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