Jungles!

Today Mathilde and I decided to head back into the Jungle. And yes, I capitalize Jungle here. We had previously ventured out to hike up the Manoa Falls (the waterfall itself was somewhat disappointing, but the trek there was simply amazing... I have a new found obsession with Banyan trees! They are perfect to climb, draw, stare and marvel at). Our new destination was the Makiki Valley Trail, which was a short 20 minute bus ride from Waikiki.

After a little difficulty in finding the actual trail head (we ended up in the Contemporary Museum and can now claim that we've been in a museum on our trip!), we started our ascent. The first part was an uphill hike on what seemed to be a mountain ridge. The vegetation was really different than it was on the Manoa trail, mostly it was drier... but most impressive to me was the ground, a crazy maze of tree roots atop what seemed like dried lava rock! Quite fun to climb actually. Then it was snack time (we learned from our previous trip out that food is a must for both of us!), and time to go back down.

We were about a quarter of the way down when the rain stared, at the halfway mark it started coming down stronger, and a few minutes after that we seemed to be in the middle of a torrential downpour! A real jungle experience! (I think it's called an afternoon shower?) It was surprisingly enjoyable, probably because we both kept our spirits high! The bus ride back was slightly uncomfortable, but still I had a great day! Made better with the addition of a mochi-icecream snack this evening. That's ice cream covered in a thin layer of mochi. Yum yummy! We tried lychee, strawberry dark chocolate chip, and vanilla chocolate. Can't wait to try the other flavours!

Welcome to Honolulu!

It's been 24 hours, and I must confess Waikiki does not disappoint!

The trip had a rocky beginning: I woke up from a fitful to a snow-covered Vancouver. The cherry blossom trees, already in full bloom, were weighted down and quite forlorn looking. I was nervous that planes would be delayed, but all was well on that front. I did however get another scare, after talking to the customs agent I was asked to go into a room labelled "secondary screening"... yikes! Luckily it was just for a random baggage check (though my overly stuffed backpack did cause embarrassment with underwear stuffed into all available corners)!

6 hours later, reunited with Aunt Eva and Uncle Bill, I got my first view of Waikiki Beach, from their 14th storey balcony. Gorgeous, simply gorgeous. A quick dip later, my hair curly from the sea water, I had my first taste of local fish, yum yummy! Oh and also a shaved ice bowl...

Today was pampering day: pedicure time! I'm happy to report that my toes have never looked fancier, red with pretty little yellow flowers. I'm almost embarrassed to walk around with them looking so dressy. How will I ever go back in the water? (quite easily I'm sure... I must still try out the boogie boards found in the closet earlier!) Earlier I tried out my newly purchased snorkel and mask, I saw a huge needle fish with its possy and was quite intimidated. There were also Dory-like fish, sea urchins, Angel fish, and little hermit crabs about.

Quite an amazing first 24 hours to say the least! Tonight Mathilde is arriving, more exploring to do tomorrow...