This has been the most event-packed month I've had in a while... We went to Hawaii from 3/6-3/11, and we've just gotten back from a weekend trip to LA for a wedding.
Hawaii:
The Hawaii trip is the most relaxing vacation we've had in a very, very long time. We've always tried to pack so much sightseeing into our vacations that I've always felt like we need another vacation just to recuperate from it. But, with the lesson from our honeymoon fresh in our minds, we were very mindful of keeping it light for our 6-month anniversary trip. As tempting as it was to do a bit of island-hopping, we decided to stay in O'ahu for 6 days.
The first 3 days at Waikiki was everything (and more than) what we expected. The weather was gorgeous, and the view of the turquoise water from our ocean-view suite was to die for, especially when the upgrade and 2 of the 3 nights were paid for with my hotel points. ;) And, although we are both hopelessly out of shape, we managed to make it through the surfing lesson. The waves at Waikiki were gentle enough that we were able to stand up and feel our first waves. But, gosh, paddling to the wave sure is hard work!
With the rain and strong wind, the North Shore and Windward side of the island aren't nearly as nice as Waikiki, but
Matsumoto Shave Ice,
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, and the
Polynesian Cultural Center are definitely worth the yucky weather. (I'll chat more about the shave ice and shrimp later.) Speaking of the Polynesian Cultural Center, I think their operation model is definitely worth mentioning. Essentially all of the performers and workers at the PCC are students from the Polynesian islands, who are working at the PCC and learning about their own culture, while getting a fully-funded education at BYU, Hawaii. Although I do not agree with the teachings of the Mormon church, I think it's really admirable for them to help these students go to college, while keeping their cultures alive. Without the funding, these students wouldn't have been able to get a higher education and would have probably turned their backs on their cultural roots.
LA:This was the most elaborate wedding we've ever been to. The ceremony was in the beautiful Japanese Garden of the Pasadena Ritz Carlton. I wished I could hear the reverend and the music better, but the setting was very romantic. The reception was beautifully done in the courtyard, and that was followed by a lavish lunch in the Georgian Room. The couple had prepared a photo booth for their guests to take pictures of themselves for the guest book, which was really a scrap book. And, there was a Nintendo Wii to keep the kids entertained. In addition to all that, the groom performed a beautiful concerto with his friends from Cal Tech. Oh, and did I mention one of the prizes from the bouquet/garter tossing game was a brand new Nintendo Wii? As if that wasn't enough... the couple had also organized a Chinese banquet at night for their guests to enjoy themselves...
After almost 2 weeks of traveling, I felt a sudden urge to flip through my smugmug site tonight, even though I really should be cleaning up the house... And, I realize how much I had gained in my leave of absence last year. I may have complained about being lonely and homesick, but the experience of living in a different country was worth every bit of the 6-month loss of salary. I've learned so much more than from just working, and what better time to travel than when I'm young? Besides, the 6 months off didn't affect my career progression at all. But, so what if I don't move up the corporate ladder as quickly? What's in career if I don't really care about what I'm doing anyway? Although I'm a bit concerned about the mortgage, I think I'll take the next opportunity to go abroad with him when it comes up. I'm still not sure if I ever want to be a mom, but if I were to be one, I better do as much exploring as I can before I'm completely tied down with responsibilities.
The Hawaii trip is the most relaxing vacation we've had in a very, very long time. We've always tried to pack so much sightseeing into our vacations that I've always felt like we need another vacation just to recuperate from it. But, with the lesson from our honeymoon fresh in our minds, we were very mindful of keeping it light for our 6-month anniversary trip. As tempting as it was to do a bit of island-hopping, we decided to stay in O'ahu for 6 days.
... are now gone. Gone before I had a chance to take a good picture of them. It has indeed gotten so much warmer over night that most of the snow has melted away. OK, so they are really hills at best, but it was still good while it lasted. I know my friends on the east coast would think I'm crazy for liking snow so much. But, snow has the magical power of making everything prettier and more interesting, hiding all the flaws with a white powder. Kinda like how make-up helps. I agree that snow can cause a lot of inconvenience, but it sure is pretty when you look at it from afar. And, on top of all that, it reminded me of the first time I saw those snow-capped hills when he and I first set foot on Tuscany Hills last year. Who would have thought we would actually settle there...
