This Island is Big

This past week Ryan and I were able to go over to the Big Island to see Ryan's parents. It was a week of "first-timers". We had a lot of new experiences, hence calling it the week of "first-timers." For starters, this was the first flight I had been on. We were in the air for about 30 minutes. 

The airplanes are never that packed when traveling interisland so they moved us to the emergency exit for more leg room. The stewardess came over and asked us if we wanted to exchange seats. I think she noticed Ryan folding up to sit down in our measly tiny seats. We landed and the airport was so neat, if you can even call it that. It was all outdoors and just looked like a few huts in a circle. We took a ramp to get off the airplane and walked for 2 minutes to the exit of the "airport".

We ran into Marilyn who was waiting for us. Barry was around the corner waiting on a bench. Ryan decided to sneak up on his dad. When we saw Barry up ahead with his back to us, Ryan left his luggage and ran over to scare him. With the few seconds his baggage was left UNATTENDED, security came over right away and asked whose luggage it belonged to. Oops. Apparently you are NOT to leave baggage unattended.

We got in the Kia minivan and hit the road!

These are some of the sights we saw our first day. We drove around the entire island.

I don't remember the name of this beach, but it was where everyone would come and snorkel. So I refer to it as the Snorkeler's beach. So clever i know. I thought it was quite funny because there was a group of people in a small area of the water. People were bumping into each other. I probably would have held on to someone's leg and just let them pull me around to avoid swimming into someone. Oh yeah, there was also a bunch of old people. And not much sand, so everyone was like sardines on the beach. Check out the picture of Ryan and I and see if you can find Marilyn hiding.

I'm pretty sure these people don't know each other. That's how crammed it was on this tiny beach.

The Big Island is pretty different from O'ahu. It was weird seeing fields of lava. Not quite what I picture Hawaii to be like.

The trees are crazy big here too.

South Point

We went to the most south point of the United States. Now how many people can say that eh?

I love this picture. We have Barry with his umpteenth bag of Cheetos and I have my triscuits. You would think we would have set our food down for a group photo but no, we didn't let those out of our sights.

Next stop: Black Sand Beach
And no I didn't make that name up, I'm pretty sure that's what they call it and I'm sure you can figure out why.

 Volcano National Park

I love these pictures when you can tell that the camera was set upon something with a timer. Hence, the long long pole you see. haha. Just follow the pole down a mile and you will see us.

Yes. A deer in the headlights. I'm so embarrassed.

Barry and Marilyn walking through the lava tubes.

Everyone needs a picture of themselves in front of nice sunset. One thing about Hawaii, the sunrise/sunsets are so beauitful. Lately, every morning I get up, grab myself some breakfast, and go watch the sunrise before my sleeping beauty gets up. :) That's one thing that I've never been able to take the time and watch, mostly because the sunrise would be way too early for me to even consider getting up to watch. The sunrise here is about 7 so it's perfect timing.

Here is our sunset picture. This was after our long day of circling the island.

Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantation fields. It is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodoin Temple located in Uji, Japan on the southern outskirts of Kyoto.

Some of you Lost fans may recognize it. It was Sun's father's home. Yeah, I thought you would recognize it now. For those of you who aren't, I only suggest the first 4 seasons. It loses its thunder from then on.

There were tons tons tons of birds and you can buy food to feed them. Ryan would put some of the food in his hand and they would all swoop to his hand. It was hard to get them to come to Jeri, Rita and me. We figured Ryan and branch-like arms that the birds were more comfortable landing on.

 We wanted Rita to be able to hold a bird. None of them would go to her and her poor arm was getting tired from holding it out. Ryan was able to catch one and put it in her hand. I love this picture. She was saying "hello little birdie". Awwww. A few seconds after the picture was taken the bird fluttered away and scared Rita quite a bit.

 Jeri and I meditating

Got Mail?

It's better exercise for her if she pushes me than if I push her.

Our New Ohana (Family)

When was the last time you tried something for the first time?

Speaking of new beginnings, did I mention I joined a martial arts class. Well, I did. And it's one of the best things that I've done in a long time. I've only had two classes but I find myself qualified enough to share with people that I do martial arts. Not only is it something new and challenging, but we have practice on the beach. Yes, just like this guy here (a picture I found off google), we meet 3 days a week in the mornings at the beach. I found myself getting in a routine and not experiencing new things. I never saw myself doing something like this and when I sit back and think, man, i'm in a martial arts class, i chuckle a bit to myself. But that's okay. I'm trying something new and it is a rewarding feeling. My first day of class was a killer! My teacher asked me if I could do man push-ups. (Which by the way, I don't really like that they are called man-push ups. I think that's sexist. What... only men can do full push-ups? pff.) Anyway, I told her no and she said well just do them anyway. Oh really teacher? I ended up doing about 50. No they were not complete push-ups but I wasn't on my knees and that's a huge achievement in itself. Hopefully, by the time we leave hawaii i will have abs like this guy below.

Another great part about this class is that everyone is really close and have become our Ohana. A majority of the class is actually related, and the others are so close to each other you would think they were related. They told me that they do everything together and to expect them to invite us to everything. After knowing them for a few days, they invited us out Friday night to watch one of the students play in his band down in Waikiki. Ryan and I haven't gone out late at night much because of my job and we thought it was funny that it took a group of 40+ year olds to make us stay out till 1am. We went out to eat and then went over to Jimmy Buffets to watch Mark's band.

They even brought their grandma who is 92! We all went out to the dance floor and she would come with us. I hope that when I'm that age I can go out late at night with the young folks and party it up still. That must be her fountain of youth. She went out to the dance floor and performed a hula dance for everyone. This is something I have to learn while I'm here... and Ryan too of course. 92 years old! it's hard to believe i know.

Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club

The New Year means new adventures. Ryan and I are officially members of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club. We meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for paddling out in the ocean. We will be the first to admit that 1.) it is so much fun and 2.) you will be so sore.

Today was PERFECT weather. Let me define what I think is perfect weather. First of all, it's sunny but occasionally the clouds will provide some shade. You have a nice breeze to keep you cool but not any more than that because you want to be feeling the sun on your skin. Am i right or am i right? Well, that's exactly how it was today.

On our ride today we went out to the Twin Islands a.k.a. Mokulua's. The water was 100% crystal clear. You think that the turquoise clear water only exists in pictures... but you can actually see it in real life too!

We paddled around the islands and pulled up on the small beach on the island. We were able to rest and soak up the amazing view!

*These photos were not taken by the blogger. Only posted to provide readers with a visual. Although the man in front of the canoe does bear some resemblance to Ryan. jk.