My life is rough, I tell ya

As we speak, I am lounging on a deck chair, listening to the roar of the Pacific Ocean. I never want to leave.

Yesterday, we took a boat out to the sandbar, which is essentially a beach in the middle of the ocean. People set up chairs, tents, and even barbeques... right in the water.


Today, we headed out to Coconut (Gilligan's) Island.


Famous for its place in the opening credits of Gilligan's Island, it is now a research facility owned by the University of Hawaii. We got to learn all about its history and a little about their current research. I met some sharks, conspicuous sea cucumbers, feather duster worms, a baracuda, and a very friendly puffer fish who followed us around.


This afternoon, we headed over to Honolulu to go parasailing.


This isn't us, but it could have been. I'm regretting not bringing my camera up for the ride. I was going to, but then chickened out... worrying that I might drop it in the ocean. But the ride is fairly gentle and I could have held on to it, no problem. Oh well. I'll know for next time!

Tomorrow, we're getting up at the crack of dawn to drive to the other side of the island for our dolphin/sea turtle adventure. Can't wait!

Have I mentioned that I never want to leave?

Sunshine and lollipops (no more rainbows for now, please... I'm tired of the rain)

Forgive me, readers, for I have sinned. It has been 3 weeks since my last blog entry.

Last time I wrote, I spoke of my loneliness in London and my plans to do something about it. Do something, I have. My social calendar has been downright packed ever since! The changing weather has helped a lot too. I think the dreary London winters really encourage people to crawl into their holes, but as soon as the sun comes out, they all crawl out again in droves. Literally. Anyway, the combination of sun and socializing have gone far toward improving my mood.

And so has... being in Hawaii! I arrived here on the island of Oahu a couple of evenings ago. It's remarkable how very different it is from London and yet how very at home I feel. We're staying in an incredible beach house in Lanikai/Kailua. And yesterday, in fulfillment of the main purpose for my trip, my dad and his wife had their ring blessing here. It was fun and lighthearted and I met dozens of new people.


Isn't it beautiful? That's the view from our back yard!

Other than that, I haven't been up to much yet. After encountering at least 40-50 Man o' Wars on the beach yesterday, I wasn't brave enough to get in the water.

I have quite a few exciting plans for the rest of this trip, though. Swimming with wild dolphins and turtles, surfing, parasailing... the list goes on! I can't wait. But until then... aloha!

Looking on the bright side

Today has been pretty rough, but at least I have....


... to look forward to in T - 20 days.