In a few minutes, we'll say goodbye to the U.S., goodbye to 24/7 connectivity (i.e. no cell phones), and hello to the world!
Although Brian and I have both backpacked before and he was in Peace Corps, Hawaii has been a good training ground for us. Here's what I've learned this past week and a half.
1. I'm not allergic to wasps and neither is Brian (he's quite the opposite).
After witnessing a beautiful sunrise on Sunday, I got attacked by a wasp. This was only the second time I'd ever been stung, so we were a little worried I could be allergic ... especially since I had some hives break out on my leg. Brian got me ice and made sure my breathing stayed steady (he did his own version of Lamaze) and then set out to avenge me. He returned the victor and brought me back part of the wasp nest. Ta-da!
2. Even when I think I can pass for a local, I will stand out as a visitor.
I tried to order from the Keiki menu. I thought it sounded great.
Turns out keiki means kids. Whoops.
3. I love heights... until I have to come down.
Brian and I set out for Olomana Trail. The access point was at a golf course and the guard there greeted us by telling us to run if wild pigs attacked, to be wary of some of the ropes because they had broken and been re-tied, and to be careful because two people had fallen recently and one didn't survive. And then when he found out that we were from Virginia he reminded us that UVa got whooped by Oregon. What a way to start our ascent!
It was an exhilarating hike and so much fun to climb up tree roots and boulder. And the view from the top was spectacular.
The view along with the refreshing ocean breeze made me want to stay up there forever. That's when I discovered I might have to. I was too scared to repel down. Granted all we had was a rope and no other equipment and if I fell it'd be a couple thousand feet until I hit the ground, but still - what took me five minutes to ascend took me thirty to descend. I've dubbed this fear descendaphobia aka "The Big D." Brian does not have descendaphobia. Here he is showing off his technique.
4. Just because things look different doesn't mean they are different.
A blue stop sign is the same as a red stop sign.
5. Go grocery shopping.
Both Brian and I are big on food and while restaurants exposed us to dishes and meals, grocery stores were where we could really try the local fare. Look what we found!
It's been great, Hawai'i. Mahalo!!
