Glimpses of Kauai

As you may have already heard, we are relocating to Oahu soon. Although I am very excited to be near my family and Oahu friends and work at my former school, I will miss the Eden-like beauty of the Garden Isle. Ewa Beach will always be my home base, but Kauai has become my second home and will always hold a special place in my heart... Kauai is where I met my husband and where we started our life as a married couple. Vibrant proof of the Creator's existence is seen everywhere you go on Kauai, in the lush flora, grand mountains, vast ocean views, and flowing waterfalls. The gorgeous surroundings have a humbling effect and constantly remind me of the Paradise hope. Here are glimpses of Kauai... We hope to visit often and hope you can too! (Most photos were taken by either Jeff or my bro Rich)

Hanalei

Hanalei... Hanalei... Hanalei...
I will miss the twists of your windy road leading me down
I will miss waiting my turn to cross your wooden bridge
I will miss driving between your taro patch and your river, toward your mellow town
I will miss the A.I. signs and hearts remembering your boy, Andy
I will miss your keiki groms and their love of the ocean
I will miss your rainbows and the sight of countless waterfalls that flow like crooked vertical stripes on mountains after a gray, showery day

Hanalei School

Here are shots of us hanging out at one of the places that I work: Hanalei Elementary School. The campus has a cool rainbow/wave sculpture covered with a very detailed mosaic of sea animals and other island fauna. The office walls also have bright murals of beach scenes.

Kokee Kreativity

Kokee

The last time I was at the top of Waimea Canyon was when I visited with the gals (Kel, Bon, An, Lys) last summer... It was rainy and overcast and we couldn't see anything because of the fog and clouds. When Jeff, Rich, and I were at Kokee a few weeks ago, I was shocked at the view. Here is the view I missed last year:

Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Waimea Canyon... Its crazy that this huge canyon is on this tiny island.

Fun Factory (otra vez!)

Deb and Jenny met up with us at Shivalik, a Kapaa restaurant that serves authentic Indian food. The chicken tikka masala (Jenny's choice) was especially good. I devoured the garlic naan. Yum yum. It was Jeff's and my first time eating at Shivalik and given the fact that this place is between Foodland and Pizza Hut, we were surprised at the casually classy decor and friendly, attentive service.
What better way to work off dinner calories than a giddy-night of Fun Factory goodness? Deb plays a mean game of air hockey, by the way.

Anini

Here's a spot between Kilauea and Princeville.

Kilauea

We stopped by Kilauea Fish Market, a few minutes away from Kilauea Elementary School, where I work, to introduce Rich to their ono Ahi Wraps. The wraps are healthy AND deeelish!!! There is also a Thai-to-Go place close by that has awesome dishes.

Below is a pic near the Kilauea lighthouse lookout... Jeff saw a photo op in the reflection of a car's shiny side mirrors.

I am incredibly blessed with the most gorgeous drive to work. On the way to Kilauea and Hanalei, I pass this lovely ranch a few minutes before I take the turn to Kilauea Elementary. Its my favorite, favorite, favorite part of the drive. The ranch's soft knolls are always well-maintained and covered with verdant green grass. I often see cows grazing... I love it when I see a herd of sheep grazing near the edge of the ranch, by the road. It reminds me of the pastoral pictures in our books, especially the glow of the early morning light. Sometimes I get distracted when I pass by... I need to remember to focus on the road!

Oktoberfest

We visited Oahu twice last month. Here are some pics from our first visit, which included a trip to the Honolulu Zoo with ma and pa... and shopping at Pacific Supermarket in Waipahu! A whole aisle of coconut products!

This was the highlight of the zoo visit... a lick-happy baboon.