Our time in Kauai is coming to an end and we were able to fit in a whale-watching, sunset cruise. We had planned a similar outing earlier, but had that event cancelled because of high winds. This trip was one of our most successful outings of this type in terms of the number of whales we saw, but most did nothing exciting such as leaping or slapping their flukes, Mostly we just saw spouts, backs, and tails,
We are moving into the time of year when school its Spring break and some families and wealthy students take vacations in Kauai. Tbere is a spot across the way that is on the edge of a cliff over the ocean and once a week I see a yoga class meeting there. Because it is early morning, I see the class silhouetted against the sky. The class was extra large today and I tried to capture what I saw with my telephoto. It turned out pretty well.
There are plenty of strange things you can eat in Kauai. Some you discover at Farmer’s markets. The picture included below is Cacao. Eventually, this could have become chocolate, but this is the original component of that process. I have tasted a “bean” at a Cacoa farm, but one of our Russian friends saw it on the menu at Nourish and ordered. I think everyone had a small taste and then the delicacy was discarded.
Poipu beach is the place to go to see turtles. The numbers have decreased since we arrived, and they are now moving north about 400 miles to lay their eggs. Turtles and large crowds of people must share the same area. There are signs posted that explain the distance you must stay away from the turtles, but not all pay attention or read the signs. Usually, volunteers would position the signs around the turtles and tell those who strayed to move back.
Natasha came to get me to view the scene as I was at my post under cover reading a book. Cindy had taken charge and had moved the signs to an appropriate distance. She was warning people to move back. Natasha wanted me to take a photo. No disrespect intended by the title, but there are some folks who step up and some who know better but stand around looking at the ground. She was nice, but firm.
I have been reading a lot while in Kauai and one of the recent books was “The Notebook:A History of Thinking on Paper”. As the title suggests, the book covers the history of individuals keeping track of different experiences and ideas throughout history. I started to think about my own history of such activities. I started writing online in 2002 and most of the content I generated for this blog was professional in nature. I wrote about Cindy and my experiences promoting uses of technology for teachers. As time went on, I began to write more about a variety of topics including personal experiences. When I retired, about ten years ago, I began a blog focused on our experiences as we traveled about the world. You are reading this blog.
As I read about the history of individuals recording their experiences in similar ways, I took a look back at some of our travels. I decided I used to write more and I wrote more about places than people. You get glances that include our companions and personal reactions, but not as many as others might emphasize. I should make an effort to change my emphasis a bit. We have interacted with many interesting people on our trips.
One of our most interesting friendships has been with a Russian family and their associates. Cindy first met Natasha when Cindy made education-focused trips to Russia and Natasha was her interpreter. I eventually had the opportunity to visit Russia and we spent several weeks exploring the country with Natasha, Alec, and family. Most of that family has now immigrated to the U.S. and Natasha just became a citizen within the week. Alec and Natasha were with us in Kauai when the war with Ukraine started and they were on the phone talking with acquaintances and family members in both countries.
Natasha is with us now soon to be joined by her son Victor and girlfriend who we have yet to meet. Natasha and Cindy have a good time exploring together and spend some time on beaches which allows me to avoid the sand. Natasha is an amazing cook and she and Cindy also have a great time in the kitchen.
Here is my breakfast this morning.
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