And so, if it’s Monday, it must be Hawaii . . .
After our day trip to Catalina we were rudely awakened by our 5.00 am alarm to get us up, out the door, and to the airport for our morning flight to Hawaii, land of sunshine, palm trees and beaches. Paradise.
We were met by our dear friends Leca & Chip Boynton who shepherded us through the mountains to the eastern side of Oahu where Leca stays for much of the winter. Her place is wonderful – it feels like you’re up in the trees, a perception enhanced by the early morning squawks of the feral chickens or “Red Jungle Fowl,” descendants of the first Moa brought to the islands by early settlers. It has a magnificent view overlook Kāneʻohe Bay with Mokoliʻi, also known as Chinaman’s Hat, front and centre.
And, because it’s on the “other” side of the mountains from Honolulu and Waikiki, it gets markedly fewer tourists – the beaches were “empty,” the sun was shining and the water was warm. What’s not to like?
Leca was a superb tour guide – we ventured to North Shore to see the surfers and to have a decidedly delicious lunch amongst the half dozen or so food trucks just off the beach. She took us to two magnificent mountain overlooks, one looking out over each side. In contrast, we visited a Buddhist temple set in a gorgeous multi-denominational cemetery.
And, of course, our epicurean journey continued – Leca and Chip know how much I enjoy the occasional nimble or so and the places they took us to were excellent – from the wonderful food trucks to the sandwiches at the Kalapawai Market to the live music at Nicos (fortunately I was discouraged from joining in) to the magnificent meal we had at Haleiwa Joe’s where they don’t take reservations so you arrive an hour or so early to leave your name & number and wander the gardens and perhaps enjoy a tipple or several at the bar until a table comes free. The place was packed and jumping.
On our last full day we went back to Honolulu and visited the excellent Honolulu Museum of Art before strapping on our beach-ready bodies and strolling amongst the crowds of similarly beach-body ready holiday makers along Waikiki Beach. We picked our way along the beach, heading to the magnificently well-appointed Royal Hawaiian Hotel for a round of drinks and a bit of a poke around. Lots to admire along the way.
After a wonderful jam-packed week, it was back to LA for Halloween and other assorted adventures. Thanks to Leca and Chip who were gracious and generous hosts and thank you to Oahu for its sunshine, great food and marvellous sandy beaches.
And so, if it’s Monday it must be LA . . . again.
Pressure of time means that will have to wait for next time. We’ve one other important piece of news to relate.
Last Sunday we went to dinner at the Cromwell Cottage as a “Farewell” celebration for Adam & Ava and the girls as they embark on a fabulous adventure. They’re off to China for a time and then some time travelling around southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, et. al.. Who knows? Adam’s work has been very accommodating and he will be able to work remotely from wherever he happens to be. Jessie’s school has promised to send work but she will have so many adventures and exciting opportunities in any case.
We’re very proud of them and very excited. Nick, Lucy and Annabelle came along to dinner as well, as, of course, did Ava’s folks. They’re returning to China with them. A couple of good friends of Adam & Ava’s also came along and it was a marvellous feast which everyone enjoyed. Penny and I will be taking them all up to Heathrow this afternoon on the first leg of their adventures. We will miss them!
And finally, Friday mornings’ Pickles was appropriate once again.
Meanwhile, keep breathing, keep happy, keep smiling, keep exercising, be good, be careful, and keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees – we need all the pollinators we can get.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg