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.
.jpeg)
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 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.
If you think there is not much to look at, you are looking in the wrong direction. The food stand is called Nourish.
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 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.
The vegetation here is dense and grows quickly. Being a groundskeeper seems a common profession and several different individuals work within this complex constantly. One thing I have noticed about their work is how aggressively they trim things and the reaction of the plants indicates this is what needs to be done. These two trees or bushes were just cut back and I can no longer identify them. The plant identification app I use is also perplexed.
I did figure out what the trees were by using an app to identify a different tree. It is a Sago Palm.
