Sightseeing yesterday…WiFi issues today…

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We have a post ready to upload from yesterday’s sightseeing in Kaanapali Beach. Unfortunately, there’s some issue with the internet preventing the upload of any photos.

Most likely this issue will resolve over the next few hours. Please check back later today for this new post with photos. Sorry for the inconvenience. We’ll be back later today.

Hawaii’s favorite food…Unbelievable! Monty Python Spam video…

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It appeared that all 14 flavors of Spam were offered at the Safeway store in Kihei. The bottom shelf was selling out quickly yesterday in preparation for Thanksgiving, which I believe was the original Spam flavor.

Recently, we’d found that CBS Sunday Morning most current episode, a favorite TV show of our long-ago past is shown at noon on Sundays on the Smithsonian channel.

Click here for the video about Spam in Hawaii from CBS Sunday Morning

Spam flavored macadamia nuts we spotted on a visit to Lahaina.

Most often, we’re outside around noon, but on a few occasions, we’ve made an effort to come back inside to watch the show while I stand in the kitchen, able to see the TV while chopping and dicing for the next meal. 

Yesterday, a perfect day, we languished in the swimming pool contemplating going inside to watch the show.  After drying off, we returned to our condo 15 minutes after the show had started. Within five minutes after starting to watch the show, the story of Hawaii’s love of Spam started. 

We chuckled over our good timing and the fact that this was only the second time we’d managed to catch the show. Also, we giggled over the fact that when we’d shopped at Costco in preparation for Hurricane Ana, we’d purchased eight cans of Spam in a single typical Costco over-sized package and Tom has since eaten all eight cans. 

I never took a bite, although oddly, Spam is befitting my way of eating. Had we been stranded for weeks with no food, surely I’d have eaten some. In our cozy, well-equipped life here in Maui, I had no desire. Tom ate it cooked with eggs a few times. For the balance, he sliced it into thin pieces eating it with sliced cheese. 

Yesterday, during my last trip to the grocery store in Maui, I wandered over to the Spam aisle taking the above photo. I believe that the 14 varieties mentioned in the video were all represented but so many shoppers were clamoring to grab a can, I wasn’t able to count.

Here’s some of the dialog from Sunday Morning’s story:

“SPAM may come in 14 varieties, but as far as its detractors are concerned, it’s all just Spam. Not so in the place, our Lee Cowan has traveled to, where Spam always gets the warmest of receptions:

There is hardly more maligned meat than Spam. But if you think Spam is just a culinary punch line, you haven’t spent enough time in Hawaii.

Known for their trade winds and rainbows, the Hawaiian Islands are also a Spam-a-alcoholic’s paradise. In fact, no state eats more.

spam-musubi-244.jpg
Spam Musubi.
 COURTESY SPAM.COM

On the island of Kauai, at the Foodland Waipouli that Orlando Dutdut manages, Spam is as plentiful as sunblock.

“It’s a staple,” said Dutdut. “Everybody eats it here.”
They sell 14 varieties of Spam. There’s Spam with cheese, Spam with Garlic, with Turkey and Jalapeno anndand nothing says “Aloha” quote like Spam-flavored Macadamia nuts.
In fact, the taste of Spam is so popular in Hawaii you can even order it at McDonald’s.
Here, Spam and Eggs beats out the venerable Egg McMuffin, says McDonald’s Ruth Johnson.
“We call it Hawaiian prime rib or Hawaiian roast beef,” she laughed.
Hawaii’s love of all things Spam started during World War II. Millions of pounds of the stuff were shipped to GIs in the South Pacific, largely because it didn’t spoil in the tropical sun.
But when the serviceman left, the Spam stayed — and it became part of the Island diet. By far the favorite local dish is a Spam Musubi, which looks a bit like sushi. Robert Kubata’s grandmother taught him how to make a Musubi the Island way. He bathes the Spam in teriyaki and then places the pink rectangles between layers of sticky rice.
After it’s pressed together, it’s all wrapped in seaweed. “It’s like Asian culture, Western culture, everything was mixed up,” said Kubata. “Put it all together, wrap it in nori, and here you go!”
Spam has even entered the kitchens of the touristy restaurants, like Tiki Iniki in Princeville, where ordering the Spam Burger has become as daring as the owner’s blue hairdo.
Cowan asked, “So what do the tourists think?”
Michele Rundgren replied, “Most people say that’s the best burger they’ve ever had. Or, ‘Oh my God, it was good! It was amazing!'”
“Well, the cocktails have a lot to do with it as well!” laughed her husband, music legend Todd Rundgren. (Remember, “Hello It’s Me?”) Mixing Spam with ground beef was his idea.
Rungren says he wrote that — and plenty of others — while eating plenty of Spam. “He has been eating Spam since he was little,” said Michele.
“Really? It’s no worse than a hot dog . . . ” said Cowan.
“No, it’s way better than a hot dog!” said Todd. “It doesn’t have any snouts or anuses in it!”
“Dude! You can’t say that on TV!” said Michele.
The good folks at Hormel Foods — an ocean away in chilly Austin, Minn. — tell us Spam is mostly pork shoulder and salt, and not much else.
Spam is cooked in its own can. They rattle through the plant at an astonishing pace.
“We’re running about 395 cans a minute,” said Donnie Temperly, Vice President of Hormel’s Grocery Products division. “So we’ve created a real Spam highway right here next to us!”
Since its invention in 1937, Hormel has sold eight billion cans. But marketing the food with the quirky name has always been a curious challenge. At first, Spam was touted for its canned convenience, then for its versatility.
But it was Monty Python who did more for Spam than perhaps any commercial ever could:

Man: “Well, what’ve you got?”
Waitress: “Well, there’s egg and bacon; egg sausage and bacon; egg and spam; egg bacon and spam; egg bacon sausage and spam; spam bacon sausage and spam; spam egg spam spam bacon and spam; spam spam spam egg and spam; spam spam spam spam spam spam baked beans spam spam spam spam; or Lobster Thermidor aux Crevettes with a Mornay sauce garnished with truffle pate, brandy and a fried egg on top and spam.”
Wife: “Have you got anything without spam in it?”
Waitress: “Well, there’s spam egg sausage and spam — that’s not got much spam in it!”

In the end, Spam’s marketing director Nicole Behne says Spam’s kitsch maybe its best selling tool. “People make up love songs about Spam,” Behne said. “We have a fan who actually created a rocket out of Spam cans. People make musical instruments out of Spam. So there’s a lot of fun that’s had out there with our brand.”
Not that everything’s funny. Hormel wasn’t laughing when “Spam” officially entered the dictionary as a word to define unwanted emails.
But Hormel’s CEO Jeff Ettinger says the company realized that having a sense of humor about its flagship product was really the only way to go.
“I think maybe our low moment with it was when we decided to sue the Muppets,” Ettinger laughed. “There was a movie they put out that had a Spa’am character that was an evil character. I think that was kind of a turning point to say, you know, I guess we really need to be with the joke.”
This seemingly indestructible meat has been matched by its indestructible image. It’s fed armies, helped America through recessions, and has endured as a true slice of Americana.” To watch the “Spam” sketch from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” click here.”
We hope you enjoyed our Spam story.  Back tomorrow with exciting new photos!
                                           Photo from one year ago today, November 24, 2013:
On this date one year ago we dined at our favorite Sail’s Restaurant in Diani Beach, Kenya after a bad dinner out the prior night. For details of that story, please click here.
Tom, that same night with me at Sail’s Restaurant in Diani Beach, Kenya.

Golfing in Maui…Heavenly activity for many tourists…

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Lovely drive into the Kahili Golf Course.

Playing golf in Hawaii is a favorite recreational activity for locals and visitors. Although neither of us plays golf, we appreciate the beautifully sculpted courses, meticulously maintained and often challenging for the most adept or amateur golfers.

The greenery of Hawaiian vegetation is available year-round, making Hawaii an ideal spot for golfers.

Unfortunately, neither of us falls into either category. Firstly, neither of us has found ourselves to be particularly adept at hitting that little ball nor have we had any interest in learning.

The view of both the mountains and the ocean is a highlight of many Maui golf courses.

Golf became especially less appealing after we’d both injured our right shoulders 10 years ago, playing aggressive and excessive amounts of Wii golf, Wii tennis, and other Wii games. We were extremely competitive, to say the least

The drive through the roads of the Kahili Golf Course was a statement of the commitment to preserving the local vegetation.

Our doctor in Minnesota explained that many baby boomers suffered from “Wiinjuries” (Wii injuries) after beating ourselves to a pulp in playing Wii games. I must say, we loved Wii golf, although we never enjoyed the “real deal.”

Although there was a road sign warning of “crossing by the Nene birds (Hawaiian geese), only these Cattle Egrets ran back and forth across the road.

Most likely our aversion to golf has been due to a lack of natural ability if there is such a thing in golf as “natural ability.” You know how that goes. Some people just pick it up more easily than others, after trying on multiple occasions. Neither of us ever became competent enough to warrant further efforts

The lush lawns are similar to the type of grass at our condo.

Nor, did we cherish the idea of being bad at something and yet continuing to do it. It was more embarrassing than fun. What do “they,” say? “If you keep doing the same thing over and over again and it’s not working…stop doing the same thing.” We get that philosophy.

A gazebo and foot bridge on the course with the ocean at a distance.

In any case, we certainly like the idea of golf enough that recently we visited a local Maui golf course, Kahili Golf Course, located in Wailuku, Maui. While driving through its appealing grounds, we frequently stopped for photos and as shown, occasionally stopping for wildlife walking across the road

A manmade pond on the course created a pretty scene.

Although, when we noticed this sign for a buffet, it was tempting to give it a try, we’ve found that most buffets especially in Hawaii have few dishes that work for me with most items containing starch, grains, or sugar, making the expenditure not worthwhile.

We were tempted to try either of these buffets offered at the Kahili Golf Course. But, as usual, buffets in the US seem to offer less acceptable options for my way of eating.

We’d found a great buffet while in Honolulu and all Tom ate bothered to eat was the prime rib and mashed potatoes. I had no choice but to order off of the menu when nothing on the buffet worked for me, other than a lettuce salad.  Even the peel-and-eat shrimp had a starchy and sugary sauce. We had some luck with buffets in Africa but not in the US thus far.

Another Cattle Egret on the lookout.

We took several photos as shown at the beautiful Kahili Golf Course. Here’s a list of all of the golf courses in Maui and their fees at this link. It doesn’t appear that prices are much higher than they were 26 years ago when I was last in Maui when 18 holes ran over $200 per person.

Note the pond and ocean in this scenic view.

It appears that one can golf for as little as $49. The problem that enters the equation for the traveler is the additional cost for preferred tee times, golf cart rentals, equipment rentals, tips, taxes, and fees which could, even at the lowest starting prices, be upwards of $400 per person.

This lush greenery outlined the entrance to the golf tunnel. What a beautiful way to mask an otherwise less appealing entrance and exit!

For the avid golfer, these expenses result in “chump change” and they don’t flinch to pay it. Then again, the avid golfer would have brought along their own golf clubs, paying excess baggage fees when flying to the islands.

As we ended our visit to the golf course, one more panoramic view was in order.

For us, we got a kick out of visiting the course, stopping to enjoy the scenery, birds, and vegetation which for us is simply, “par for the course.”

Have a happy Sunday. Later today, Tom will watch football on the NFL Game Pass app on his computer. Go Vikings! Ha. Green Bay. Ouch.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, November 23, 2013:
As we wound down our time in Kenya, we assessed what leftover items we find necessary to discard or give away. No photos were posted on that date. Please click here for the story.

High in the trees…Observing an unusual task…Life among the palms…

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 Video #1, coconut tree trimming.
Video #2, coconut tree trimming.
Each of the three workers climbed the trees at different speeds. At this point they were on the ocean side of the property.

Living in a tropical climate not only offers amazing weather, ocean views, unusual and exquisite vegetation and a smattering of wildlife, it has processes that are less familiar to those of us from more seasonal locations.

Nearing the top of a tree in the parking lot.

If its bananas or coconuts are growing in the yard, enormous sea turtles are swimming at the shore at high tides or whales are breaching out to sea, it’s the scenery that we travelers find interesting and somewhat unusual.

A few days ago, three muscular looking men appeared on the property after we’d received a notice attached to the door asking we move our car far from our assigned parking spot, away from the coconut trees to allow for coconut tree trimming.

Another view in the parking lot.

Apparently, some neighbors had complained that the coconut palms had grown full and were blocking the views of the ocean. With whale watching season fast approaching (some have been sighted) it wasn’t hard to understand the frustration of those neighbors on the upper floors who’s view may have been impeded to a degree.

As much as citizens and tourists from Hawaii appreciate the vegetation, their passion for dolphin and whale watching far exceeds their interest in large palm fronds.

They had a special apparatus on their feet that were instrumental in climbing the trees.

Since our condo is on the first floor, we’ve had no such issue. Also, of late, we’ve spent considerable time outdoors with camera and binoculars in hand ready for any sightings. The three guys immediately got to work shimmying up the 100-foot coconut trees in the parking area, later moving to the ocean side of the property.

If unsuccessful in our quest to see whales in Maui, we’ll certainly take it up again on the Big Island when we arrive in a mere 10 days. There are perfect spots on the lanai of each of the two houses to peer out at the sea for hours.

Let me add something here. We are not condo dwellers by nature. We love quiet and privacy. In Hawaii, housing costs are so high, we had no alternative but to spend 11 nights in Honolulu, 45 nights in Maui, and 120 nights in Kauai, living in condos, as opposed to single-family homes. 

At the top of a very tall tree, this worker’s equipment is more easily visible. They each carried a collapsible bucket for collecting the smaller pieces, letting the big branches fall to the ground.

Upcoming on the Big Island, we’ve rented two single-family houses to accommodate the space requirements for our family at a considerably higher cost than any of these other condos. To rent single-family homes in Hawaii is upwards of $400 a night and much more. (We’ll share our actual costs for the Big Island in later posts).

Anyway, back to the three guys shimmying up the 100-foot coconut tree. Running outside with the camera as they worked in the parking lot, I was amazed at the equipment and ease with which they maneuvered their way up the trees as well as the ease they exhibited when using their machetes to hack the heavy palm fronds to the ground.

The larger palms fell to the ground as they whacked at them with machetes. In the lower portion of this photo, you can see the tops of the windmills atop a hill at a distance. I was standing perpendicular to the ocean when taking this photo.

Their caution and skill were evidenced in their quick and fluid movements and the confidence in which they made their way from tree to tree throughout the property.

In less than four hours, their task was completed, the pristine carpet-like grass was cleared of all debris and off they went to their next job, safe and unharmed, confident, and proud of their good work.

Another closeup view or a trimmer atop a coconut tree.

Of course, we couldn’t resist taking photos and a few videos which we’ve included here today. I apologize for the jittery nature on the longer video when a cluster of biting flies attacked me and the camera. I had to swat them away making the camera move.

I’ve finally finished all of the revisions leaving a few that I was unable to edit due to the excess number of photos which always has an effect on editing. In addition, posting during poor WiFi connections in various countries affected the quality of many of the posts. 

Apparently, removing the bulk of the branches didn’t prevent the tree from continuing to grow coconuts and more fronds.

Someday, if I feel ambitious, I may go back and entirely rewrite those posts. But, for those new readers, we wanted to leave them in place until such a time may arise. 

My latest project is cleaning up my thousands of emails still sitting in my inbox. I always attend to new email messages as they arrive, deleting those I no longer need. 

It was fun to watch them palms falling to the ground, although we stood far enough away.

There are literally hundreds of email messages relative to future travel that need to be placed into appropriate folders, many of which I’ve yet to create. This is a task I don’t enjoy, as compared to redoing the old posts which made me smile during the five hours I spent each day for many weeks. 

Once this final task is completed, hopefully by the time we leave Maui, I’ll feel organized enough to begin planning the grocery lists and meals for our upcoming family get together, in itself a daunting task.

These bananas are growing in the yard at waist level.

See, I’m not as organized as one may think. My underwear drawer is messy. My clothing suitcase is not packed in a tidy manner. My single handbag, used only on travel days, is a convoluted mess of this and that. Then again, I set a lovely table, keep the refrigerator clean and pick up after myself regularly. 

Let’s face it, we all have our “weirdnesses” (sic) and I’m certainly no exception. Ask Tom.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 21, 2013:

Gucci and Jessie (with the tongue sticking out) were Hans and Jeri’s dogs in Kenya. They visited us almost every day. For a period of time, we happily looked after them when Hans and Jeri went away for several days. We had one laugh after another and became quite attached. As the time neared, again to depart on December 1st, we said our goodbyes to these sweet two dogs. For details, please click here.

Contentment prevails in a simple life in Hawaii…Many more new photos…A glass bottle wall…

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The beauty of the Maui we know and love.
Vine covered building at the Maui Tropical Plantation.
A colorful variety of Hibiscus.

We’d hoped to do more sightseeing while we’re in Maui. What can we say? We haven’t felt like it. Plain and simple. After being on the go non-stop from July 31st to October 5th, 77 days on the go, we’ve had our fill for a while, spending blissfully relaxing time over this past month in Maalaea Beach.

We picked up this star-shaped pod from the Autograph Tree ground. 
More star-shaped pods from the Autograph Tree, clusia Rosea seed pods.
Clusia rosea - Autograph Tree, Scotch Attorney, Copey, Pitch Apple, Florida Clusia, Signature Tree (brown flower)
The above seed pods from the Autograph Tree result in these flowers.  (Not our photo).

No more long lines, traffic, pushing past anxious tourists walking tight along the sidewalk refusing to let this couple in tow pass by, we’ve had our fill. For now, we’re in heaven, grasping at every morsel in time that too quickly wafts through our days and nights, leaving us wanting more of this blissful quiet existence in this peaceful spot on the island of Maui.

Cordyline Indivisa leaf.
Hawaiian made items for sale in a shop on the grounds of the plantation.
Yet to bloom, Spathoglottis Flower Plicata.

We have no desire to jump into the rental car, begging to be used at $25 per day, that sits beaconing us to explore, for which we’ve yet to use a full tank of gas. Contentment. Enjoy it when it’s present. That’s how we feel.

Plumeria, often used in making leis.
We walked under this mass of vines creating a gorgeous arbor.

In but a few weeks, the family will begin to arrive and surely we’ll be on the go, exploring the Big Island with them, interacting with them, loving every precious moment with them. And again, the time will quickly pass, too quickly.

Colorful plants lined the walkways.
Anthurium, also known as bleeding hearts. This variety may be the Watermelon Obake Anthurium.
Jade plant, one of many varieties.

For now, we welcome the snail’s pace when presently it consists of peaceful days and lazy nights in gentle contemplation, of what is yet to come, in the coming month during which they will come and then, they will go.

A palm frond along the walkway.
Another pretty scene in the gardens.

What can I say? Contentment prevails. Contentment wraps its eloquent arms around our currently subdued state of mind, offering a respite from the otherwise complex nature of our unusual lives. 

The stone wall in this photo was actually made with glass bottles. See photos below.
Glass bottles protruding from the wall created an interesting scene.  Talk about recycling!
Photo of the opposite side of the bottle wall.

Bear with us, as we spend these next 11 days, leaving Maui on December 1st, while we continue to embrace this simple life.  In the interim, we’ve gathered and continue to gather, many more photos and stories of this uncomplicated existence, not unlike the life of those who actually live full time in Hawaii, who seldom, if ever sightsee, finding themselves at peace and content, at home in these islands, as we are now…

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 20, 2013:

It was a windy night in Kenya when we dined out as the only guests in this quaint beachside restaurant. Tom relaxed with a beer, his hair blowing in the wind as I wandered about taking a photo of an upcoming moon, as soon as the cloud would pass. For details from the date, please click here.

“Another boring day in Paradise,” he says…Maui never stops giving…More photos…

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“Another boring day in Paradise.” Ha! No boredom here!

Then again, Hawaii never stops giving. Every morning, as soon as we awaken, we open the doors at either end of the condo, the sliding door in the living room, and the main entry door, for the trade winds to waft through for what feels like the most stupendous breeze on the planet.

Greenery at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Who needs AC in Hawaii if this breeze is available? Surely, when we were in that tiny studio in Honolulu, we had the AC constantly running when we were perpendicular to the ocean with no chance of a cross breeze.

Cotyledon Flower.

The weather in Hawaii, although rainy at times, is the most perfect we’ve experienced thus far. In Belize, although wonderful while we were located on the ocean, it was hotter and more humid. In Madeira, on the sea, it was too cool, even in the summer often requiring that we kept the screen-less windows and doors closed. 

Tom was on the move searching for points of interest.

We’ve lived in many varying climates, these past two years, many of which were unbearably hot, without AC, and most without screens. Without a doubt, Maui has been our first perfect weather location, easily explaining why so many travelers throughout the world dream of living here.

Humor me! I can’t ever resist admiring any living being.

Is it doable to live here? The answer lies mostly in the cost of housing and utilities. Fuel, food, and sales tax are tolerable even though literally everything is taxed at a rate of:

The Hawaii sales tax rate is 4%, and the maximum HI sales tax after local surtaxes is 4.35%.
  • Counties and cities are not allowed to collect local sales taxes
  • Hawaii has 69 special sales tax jurisdictions with local sales taxes in addition to the state sales tax
  • Hawaii has a higher state sales tax than 86.5% of states
Haapala, an Orange Trumpet Vine.

Utility costs are high although from what we’ve been able to determine it isn’t more costly than what we paid in Minnesota two years ago. Few residents of Hawaii use AC frequently to keep costs at bay.  So far, we’ve only seen window AC units and no central AC.

Zebra Dove Geopelia Striata.

Once we were settled in, we decided eating out in Maui wasn’t important to us. So far, after a little over a month, we’ve dined out twice at a total cost of $110 without drinks, appetizers, or desserts. It just wasn’t worth it to us to dine out when we could finally cook our own meals after a 77-day hiatus due to past travels and cruises.

Various ducks, so comfortable around humans at the plantation, that they didn’t mind our intrusion.
This guy was particularly friendly.
Our grocery bill will be approximately $1600 in total for the 6 weeks including all the excess products we purchased at Costco in preparation for Hurricane Ana, much of which we’re mailing ahead of us to the Big Island.
Another cooperative duck.
The actual cost for our food for this period, including some household goods, is closer to $200 per week, a similar amount to that which we’d spent in our old lives in Minnesota.
Another body of water on the grounds of the plantation.
Keeping in mind, that we purchase organic and free-range, grass-fed meat, eggs, and produce when available, we’re thrilled with how much we’ve spent on food here. We’ll end up at no less than $1600 under budget on food alone.
This restaurant on the right was in the process of being remodeled.
Housing in Hawaii is by far the most costly aspect. However, as we perused booklets with houses for sale, we’ve been surprised how a buyer can easily purchase a one or two-bedroom condo with ocean views in the $235,000 to $250,000 range in many lovely areas.
The roof on this building near the footbridge was covered in greenery.
Rentals (non-vacation rentals) are expensive from what we’ve perused online. Buying appears to be the most practical means of affording housing. 
I can’t resist admiring chickens and roosters.
This guy was checking us out, not happy we were walking across his road.
He wandered over to the dirt and greenery for some pecking.
Would we consider living here? If we were interested in buying and staying put, possibly. However, buying a home is not on the horizon for us. Neither is staying in one place. Sure, down the road, old age and bad health may require a less mobile lifestyle. 
The zip line store on the premises.  No thanks.
At this point, we prefer not to speculate that eventuality, although we’ve discussed emergency back-up plans at length. As far as we’re both concerned, this life, for now, is the life we choose.
Another view of the main pond with sugar cane gears.
And, as the days in Maui wind down to a mere 12, we look forward to our next adventure; Big Island, our family, the excitement of the lava flow, and seeing the whales that according to a news story daughter Tammy sent us today, have arrived in the islands. We were already watching for them and will continue to do so with considerable enthusiasm.
An old fashioned windmill that was pumping water on the premises.
The mechanics of the water pumping windmill.
Perhaps in 12 days, we’ll be sitting on the lanai at the first house in Big Island overlooking the ocean to see the whales breaching the water. That, dear readers, is why we live this crazy life!
The koi pond.
                                         Photo from one year ago today, November 19, 2013:
Colorful sky at night at sunset as we wound down our time in Kenya, one year ago today.  For details, please click here.

Further reducing the checked baggage load…Sightseeing in Maui…A wonderful afternoon…

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Tom got a kick out of this old Ford “woody” that was on display at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

On Saturday, while at Costco, we purchased a 23″ semi hard-sided, lightweight expandable piece of luggage.  With the hope of further reducing the number of checked bags to three instead of four.

Tom at the entrance to the General Store on the premises.

Doing so reduces the extra $35 cost on three more flights in the Hawaiian Island; one, to the Big Island; another to Kauai; the third back to Honolulu for the cruise to Australia in May. 

Complimentary Hawaiian coffee was served in a shop.

With a combined savings of $105 and the price, we paid for the bag at $72, more than pays for itself while in Hawaii, and more on future flights throughout the world.

Our new 23″ lightweight bag that allowed us to dispose of two smaller bags.

Besides, the two smaller orange wheeling bags had begun to show serious signs of wear and tear, especially when the zippers had become corroded due to the humidity in Kenya over a year ago

The main building and entrance to the Maui Tropical Plantation.

We choose the blue color for easy spotting and the semi-hard sided for hopefully a little less wear and tear.  Yet at $72, who’s going to complain if it only lasts a year or two, as have all of our bags, now handling and weather-beaten? Not us.

This handmade log house was located by the entrance to the main building at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

We’ve come to the conclusion that the quality of luggage has a lot less of an effect on its ability to last for long periods, than the number of times it goes through typical baggage handling at airports and on cruises. Replacing bags from time to time doesn’t concern us a bit, especially when we can always find something durable enough to last for a while.

A display of antique hand-cranked coffee grinders.

Once we returned home from Costco on Saturday, I was anxious to empty the two smaller bags to see if the new 23″ bag would in fact hold their entire contents. With the careful arrangement, it was a breeze. 

A handmade cruise ship was on display.  The cruise ship industry has a substantial effect on the economy of Hawaii when thousands of tourists flock to its various attractions.

The next step was to determine its weight using our portable scale. At 45 pounds,  we were pleased knowing we won’t be charged for overweight baggage when most airlines accept 50 pounds, some 60.

An old fashioned coffee mill.

This leaves us with three bags, each weighing under 50 pounds, plus one duffel bag, one laptop bag, my handbag, and the pill bag as carry-on luggage. We can easily manage these without an airport cart, especially since we still have the luggage cart that will easily handle the new 23″ bag and all the carryon luggage, while one of us wheels the two large bags. 

A smaller version of a modern coffee mill.

When we start packing again in 12 days, I imagine at this point, we can be done in less than 30 minutes. Yeah!

The shelves were lined with locally made food products.

Yesterday at noon, with daily tasks and time outdoors under our belts we hopped in the car and took off for the Maui Tropical Plantation.  

After leaving the shop, we wandered into the grounds, excited to see the various farm animals and vegetation.

With our extra tight budget in place for the upcoming family visit, we’ve hesitated to pay for sightseeing and are excited to have a few events planned that don’t require expensive entrance fees and tour charges. 

Although the fall season is less noticeable in Hawaii by changing colors of vegetation, there were plants that had changed to typical fall colors.

We didn’t see entrance fees posted on their website and were expecting a $20 per person entrance fee which would have been in the budget.

A shaded building for viewing the expanse of the plantation.

Much to our surprise, there was no fee for entrance to the exquisite plantation. Instead, there were several lovely shops with locally made merchandise as an inducement for visitors to shop, shop, shop.

We stopped to watch the glassblower at work.

Had we been candidates for shopping, I could easily have gone nuts since there were many beautiful items on display in each of the venues. Although not disappointed that we’re unable to shop (Tom especially), we enjoyed wandering through the shops savoring their tempting displays ranging from local nuts, candies, and coffee to housewares, jewelry, homemade soaps, and locally made garments.

There were numerous pools throughout the plantation.

On a few occasions, I found myself checking prices and touching a few items noticing the fine quality and ingenuity. I still wasn’t tempted to make any purchases instead, content with our lighter load of bags.

Another symmetrical Bird of Paradise.

Then, we wandered throughout the unique and varied grounds of the plantation, spotting numerous photo-worthy scenarios many of which we’ll share over the next few days. With Tom’s good sense of direction, we never missed a single area of the grounds available to exploration.

Here is a map of the plantation:

Easy-to-print map HERE.
We borrowed this map from the Maui Tropical Plantation’s website.

With mixed reviews online at cruisecritic.com after some cruise passengers claimed that visiting the plantation was “underwhelming,” we could understand their comments as less than five stars when they paid upwards of $89 per person for the bus ride, the tour, and a light lunch arranged through the ship’s excursions.

Gears for the sugar cane plantation.

For us, driving on our own, wandering at our own pace, and with no interest in dining on the premises, it was easy to give it a good rating if not an excellent rating, especially for the tourists with several children or a group desiring a low-cost outing. The Maui Tropical Plantation appeals to all ages.

Hand-carved whale tail.

In addition, for adventure seekers, the largest zip line facility is located on the property. We saw several 20 something’s (all male) gearing up for the zip line. With our bad right shoulders, we realized long ago that ziplining is not for us or, for that matter, for seniors  (or others) with any mobility or medical concerns.

The artist was on the premises explaining various pieces to the shoppers.

Of course, a huge attraction for this amateur photographer was the ducks, geese, and especially the chicken which, for some odd reason, I’m always attracted to. Go figure. 

We loved this sea turtle.

Enough “words” for today. Sit back and enjoy our photos knowing that we thoroughly enjoyed every step along the way at the Maui Tropical Plantation, a simple but delightful experience

Please stop back tomorrow for more plantation photos with some close-ups of farm animal shots.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, November 18, 2013:

We’ve made an effort to watch a movie made purposely for the country or continent we’re visiting at any time as was the case, one year ago on this date, that we posted photos and a story of watching the movie, “Out of Africa.” With many more months in Hawaii, we’ve yet to watch a movie but we surely will when we get to Kauai. For details from that date one year ago, please click here.

The rich history of Wailuku, Maui…Surprises in a small town…

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The old Wailuku Courthouse, built in 1907, is located on the US National Register of Historic Buildings.

To visit the city of Wailuku required we take a turn down a road we’d yet to visit. Little did we know what a quaint and charming little village lay ahead as we made our way through the narrow streets.

Wailuku Union Church, built in 1911.

Although it was raining during our entire visit we still had an opportunity to see what little treasures this tiny town had to offer even with its low population from the 2010 census of 15,313. Wailuku is the county seat of Maui county which makes an excellent representation of its historical buildings and small-town feel.

Bailey House Maui.jpg
The Bailey House Museum is also listed on the US National Register of Historic Buildings. (Not our photo).

There are only a few low key hotels in Wailuku that laid back tourists may enjoy. The popularity of nearby Kaanapali Beach and its row of luxury and mid-range hotels draws many tourists from the area. However, a visit to Wailuku would certainly be a memorable experience for the tourist with transportation and a little time to wander.

Kaahumanu Church, another building on the US National Register of Historic Buildings

“Historic sites in the town include Kaʻahumanu Church (named after one of Hawaiʻi’s great monarchs, Queen Kaʻahumanu) which dates to 1876, the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District, the site of the Chee Kung Tong Society Building, and the Bailey House, a 19th-century former seminary and home that houses a history museum and the Maui Historical Society.”

On the return drive to Maalaea Beach, the rain stopped and the sky cleared to this bright blue. No more than 10 minutes after we returned we were outside enjoying the sun, sea, and surf for another fabulous day in the Hawaiian islands.

To have the opportunity for an unplanned breeze through Wailuku on a rainy day and to discover all of these treasures was definitely awe-inspiring. With the return of the laptop, the re-doing of the car rental contract, the purchase of a new piece of luggage at Costco (more on why tomorrow), and the visit to Wailuku, it was definitely a good day.

This common sandpiper stopped running long enough for us to take her photo.

Two weeks from today, we’re leaving Maui. How the time has flown! 

                                        Photo from one year ago today, November 17, 2013:

Ironically, a year ago today, we booked the hotel with our cruise ending in Boston, with the intent of visiting my father’s grave site and seeing family. This is my parent’s wedding photo we posted one year ago on this date. For details of that date, please click here.

More amazing vegetation…What’s a Monkey Pod?.. A village visit in the rain…The magic of Life..

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The massive short trunk Monkey Pod tree we found in the village of Wailuku on Saturday. 

Yesterday, we took off at 10:00 am for Costco to return the floor model laptop Tom purchased in Boston on September 15th. Costco offers a 90-day no-questions-asked return on all digital equipment enabling him to purchase a new preferred Acer model online, transfer his files, and finally be done with the problematic floor model. 

With the new laptop data transfer completed and assured he’d taken everything off the old one that he needed, we were ready to return the old one. True to their commitment, Costco handed us the cash for the return in a matter of minute, indeed with no questions asked.

With our RFID wallets (security enabled) there isn’t a lot of room for that much cash. For safekeeping, we purchased a gift card for $500 which we’ll use toward the purchase of food and supplies for our upcoming family gathering next month. The gift card (now in a secure spot) won’t put a dent in it, but we decided it’s better than carrying cash.

A pretty scene from Wailuku in the rain.

After Costco, we headed the few short blocks to the airport to sign a new contract for the rental car. The 30 days was up and renewing can’t be done over the phone for more than a few days, as we’ve learned from past experience. 

Luckily, we were able to get the same excellent online rate, prorated for the remaining 15 days. At $725 for 30 days, we were content with a total of $1100 for the six weeks in Maui. We’d expected it would be considerably higher in Hawaii. Booking cars online makes all the difference in the world on pricing (as opposed to booking from a vendor’s website).

Another tree in Wailuku that had a variety of plants growing in the “Y” of these branches.

We’d hoped to explore Maui on the return drive but, as it seems to be the case each time we attempt to explore, it was raining in buckets. Determined to get a few decent photos, we decided to follow another path and check out Wailuku, the city for the mailing address where we’re now living, although several miles from our condo.

I didn’t hesitate to get out of the car in the rain to take some shots. What’s a little rainwater? As it turned out, the most exciting find of the day was the huge Monkey Pod tree as shown in these photos with Tom getting the car in a perfect position enabling me to get out of the car with unobstructed views of the enormous tree.

Could this Bird of Paradise look more like a bird?

Tom is great when I’m trying to take photos, maneuvering the car to the most advantageous spot, driving around blocks retracing our steps in order to avoid missing a possible subject we’d passed and couldn’t stop to capture. It’s a perfect pairing, to say the least.

As the rain escalated, it only made sense to find our way home. It’s hard to get lost in Maui. It’s merely a matter of finding the sea with major highways that follow the coastline to some degree or another.

Once we were back home to find the sun shining we put on our swimsuits to head to the pool. Sun in one area and not another is not unusual in the Hawaiian Islands – raining in one area of an island and not the other; raining when the sun is shining, both frequent occurrences in Hawaii.

As we welcomed the warmth of the sun, we came to a mutual observation. We are not only drawn to wildlife but, we are almost equally mesmerized by vegetation in any form; a tree, a flower, a plant. 

Ah, we still get our “animal fix”  in Hawaii including this free-range chicken in Wailuku.

Vegetation in any form has a life cycle that is often mysterious and profound. In our travels, we’ve strived to gain knowledge and admiration of vegetation with the same passion we glean from all forms of life. 

Sure, a tree may not have a brain with an endearing personality and behavior patterns that humans find appealing. Instead, they have a unique life cycle that we are free to enjoy at varying stages, as they cross our path.

We discussed the Milo tree we’d shared in yesterday’s post and now the equally interesting Monkey Pod tree that we happened to encounter in the rain, a tree that also has its own unique story to tell as illustrated in today’s photos and links.

Link to documentation of the University of Hawaii’s report on the Monkey Pod tree.

Monkey Pod tree flower which only blooms for one day, later becoming the shown pods with a green bean-like structure. (Not our photo).

Based on this article, the Monkey Pod tree is now banned from new plantings in Honolulu due to its massive structure which can reach over 60 feet tall and 100 feet wide, obstructing and destroying everything in its path.  Luckily, many of these gorgeous trees still stand on the various islands of Hawaii. 

We expect, with the people of Hawaii’s reverence and regard for their surroundings, the Monkey Pod tree will remain as a legacy for its citizens.

We drove down a dirt road to get this rainy photo of the hills near Wailuku.

Ten minutes later, the sky clouded over and heavy rain began to fall. We hurriedly headed back inside, by no means disappointed, especially when we consider that the rain provides much-needed moisture for the exquisite vegetation surrounding us.

Hawaii is no Masai Mara or Marloth Park with wildlife all around us, although hopefully soon, the whales will arrive in the islands, a treasure for our viewing. Having seen the sea turtles now on several occasions, we’re hoping to soon see the whales. 

In the interim, we continue to find joy and fulfillment in our love and appreciation of the “Life” surrounding us, in whatever form it may be, wherever we may be.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, November 16, 2013:

A year ago we wrote about the size of Africa as compared to other continents and countries. As shown, it’s huge comparatively. For details of that story, please click here.

Vegetation in Hawaii…The interesting Milo tree…

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The trimmed Milo tree that we held with little regard until manager Mike told me its story.

Yesterday morning, as I wandered the area looking for interesting vegetation, I was particularly curious as to the trees that often appear in our photos when we take shots of the ocean from our lanai.

Originally, their recently trimmed appearance was somewhat of an eyesore in our photos. More than once, I maneuvered the camera in such a way to ensure they weren’t included in the photo.

Another trimmed Milo tree on the grounds.

Now, I feel a little foolish after meeting Mike, the property manager here at Milowai, our condo complex, explained this building was named after these interesting trees,  “Milo,” after the Milo tree, with the “wai” meaning “water,” tree by the water.

Mike explained they are a hearty tree with a major significance to the Hawaiian people as indicated in this quote below from this website.

“There are those who say that the beautifully grained milo wood utensils, furnishings, and jewelry were only for the chiefs of ancient Hawai`i. It is told that the Waikiki home of Kamehameha I was surrounded by milo trees.

Although rare today, in old Hawai`i milo was a commonly found tree, cultivated as a shade plant around homes near sunny coastal areas with loose soil. It does not grow in the high inland forests.
Brought to these islands by early Polynesian settlers who carried the seeds, this fast-growing evergreen tree was planted around the temples in Tahiti, as it was said to be spiritually connected to the chant and to prayer. It is a widespread species throughout Polynesia and Micronesia, as well as in tropical Africa.
Milo’s scientific name is Thespesia populnea, and it is also known as a portia tree. A member of the Hibiscus family, the malvacceae, it is a close relative of hau, `ilima, and ma`o, Hawai`i cotton.
The bark of milo was used for cordage fiber, similarly to hau, but it is inferior in quality to hau and to olona. The tree also yields tannin, dye, oil, medicine and gum, from various parts of the plant. The milo wood was skillfully crafted into poi bowls called `umeke `ai, and into plates, too. Calabashes/bowls of kou wood were more highly prized than those of milo, and were more often used.
`Umeke `ai is an honored implement in a Hawai`i home, for, through the ceremony of eating poi one at a time from the bowl at the center, the traditions and protocol of Kanaka Maoli is maintained. The `umeke `ai filled with kalo (taro) is considered the means of survival of the people of Hawai`i Nei.
`Umeke la`au is the Hawai`i name for these containers or calabashes of wood, which were used for the storage, transport and serving of food in various stages of preparation. Milo wood is flavorless since it is lacking in any unpleasant-tasting sap that could contaminate stored food.
The milo tree is a small to medium-sized one, growing to less than 40 feet high. The trunk can be 2 feet in diameter at full maturity. The bark is corrugated, with scaly twigs. The branches are widely spread and usually horizontal, making for an ideal shade tree. The glossy heart-shaped leaves are 3-5 inches across.
Young leaves are edible. Bell-shaped pale yellow flowers with maroon or purple centers turn purplish-pink as they within their short one-day hibiscus life. Following the flowering stage, the one-inch diameter seeds grow in globular 5-celled woody cases that have downy hairs on their surface. These remain on the plant for some time and ripen only in areas of dry climate.
Milo wood has an attractive grain that takes to a high polish and, in addition to food utensils and containers, was fashioned into paddles and other carved objects, as well as for an occasional canoe, although koa was considered to be the most popular material for canoes.”
Mike further explained that the Milo tree produces flowers as shown in this borrowed photo below (flowers aren’t blooming at this time) that are messy on the pristine lawn. As a result, they are trimmed once a year which occurred shortly before our arrival a month ago.
Beautiful flowers that bloom on the Milo tree. (Not our photo).
For more scientific information on this exquisite tree, please click here.
The flowers only last for one day, closing into and becoming a seed pod of sorts as shown in this photo below, none of which we’ve seen on the trimmed trees.
The flowers as shown above bloom only for one day, later becoming these seed pods from which eight seeds are eventually released. (Not our photo).

Mike also explained that the Milo tree does well growing near the sea and is unaffected by the salt from the sea which is very close to the Milo trees on the grounds here at Milowai.

I was also curious as to the type of grass on the lawn here. It is so perfect, it almost appears as if it isn’t real.  But, it is real. It’s called South Coast from which a fake turf is actually named. It too, like the Milo tree, suffers no ill effects from its close proximity to the salt from the ocean.

The carpet-like lawn at Milowai.

It’s ironic how we’ve dismissed this odd-looking trimmed tree to discover that in fact, it has its own story to tell, profound in the history of the Hawaiian Islands and its people. Now, we look at it with new eyes and interest.  Going forward, we’ll make no effort to exclude it from our photos.

Sorry, Milo.

                                         Photo from one year ago today, November 15, 2013:

This was the tiny freezer in Kenya. On this date a year ago, when we were leaving on December 1st, we assessed our food on hand to use in the remaining 16 days until we left for South Africa. And here we are now, assessing the food we have left for our departure date once again on December 1st before we leave for the Big Island. For details from that date, please click here.