The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper

 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.

The variety and presentation is much like dining at a fancy restaurant. There is borscht on the stove for dinner tonight.

I am waiting for the ISU NCAA game while Cindy and Natasha are out exploring. 

Hindu Temple and Monastery

Kauai is not that large so over the years we have visited most of the most common sites. Cindy discovered the Hindu Temple and has been trying to pay a visit with some of our guests but it takes a while to get there and public access closes at noon. Yesterday, we made a stronger commitment with the closing time in mind and it turned out to be a very nice experience.

The Temple and Monastery have been around in some form since the late 1940s and while I am guess most of the folks who read this blog have little exposure to the Hindu religion, the presence on Kauai makes a lot of sense given the heavy presence of people from Asia. The grounds now total 380 acres and contain two temples - one open to the public and the other being renovated which is not. While open to the public, this is location is not intended as a tourist attraction and you can tell this from the makeup of the visitors who made this journey to spend time at a holy site. 

I did not enter the Temple because I was wearing shorts and did not take a robe when I entered the grounds. Photos are not allowed within the Temple.

One of the more interesting areas to me was a large meditation area built under a giant banyan tree. The area contained a centerpiece and smaller adjacent areas with chairs with several deep in meditation.

I sat on a bench while Cindy and Natasha visited the Temple and discovered that the Temple estate not only had nice WIFI, but even a blog. I read several entries and one described a recently inititated Monk. The post said "After six months in the Supplicancy program and several months sitting by the wall, begging entrance to the monastery". I tried to identify the wall described, but found nothing that fit the image in my head.

Kokee State Park

One location we always try to view with visitors in the overlook at Kokee State Park. Because the view is often obscured by clouds, having a clear view is even more rewarding. Cindy's long time friend was visiting and we had a great view on her final day in Kauaii.

On the way, we stopped to view the falls in Waimea canyon. The wind was very strong and you can see the impact the wind had on the falls.

Nourish

If you think there is not much to look at, you are looking in the wrong direction. The food stand is called Nourish.

Wealth

Cindy and friend are off exploring the island, so I decided to visit a different coffee shop. Rather than walk the 2 miles back after being dropped off in Princeville, I walked to the coffee shop a 1/2 mile away in the 1 Hotel at Hanalei Bay. I would typecast this place as where wealthy parents would gift newlyweds a two-week vacation after everyone else has gone home from a destination wedding. I put on a shirt with a collar in the hopes they would not throw me out, so I managed to drink a mediocre $9 latte and use their wifi for two hours.

I happen to be reading Caste and the combination of that book and my $9 mediocre latte put me in the mood to think about wealth. Many may assume Cindy and my lifestyle is extravagant. We are able to afford some great experiences, but there are many levels of magnitude beyond our opportunities. You get a great sense of wealth on Kauai. Zuckerberg has an estate near here and there are locations where they have to build housing for teachers so they can afford to teach in the local schools. There are also folks we see sleeping on a local soccer field each day because that is what they have. Zuckerberg wanted to dredge a path through the coral reef so boats could land near his estate, but local officials, no matter the gifts to local causes, would not allow this to happen. 

I don't have the attitude that such is life. Income inequalities are a serious problem in our country and things are getting worse rather than better.