Almost...no, TOTALLY paradise

[gwyn]

You guys you guys, I'm in Kauai! Sitting in my HUGE flat (this place is way bigger than my house, and they gave me a three-bedroom, three bath room for reasons I can't fathom since I'm here alone) with the sliding doors to the wraparound balcony open and the tropical wind stirring the palms and plumeria outside. My god, I am exhausted. It's quarter to midnight my time, and I've been up since 5 a.m., and since I did not pack light at all, I carried these heavy heavy bags around everywhere and Honolulu airport still sucks after 30 years! WTF?

But anyway, all my flights were actually on time, and I remember years ago, Hawaiian Airlines was kind of joke, but wow, they've turned themselves around -- that was some of the most pleasant flying I've ever had. I mean, yeah, I was in first class and that was divine, and totally worth the upgrade considering what a long flight it is, but the people all along the way were really wonderful. And so far everyone I've met here has been just aces. I totally want to move here now.

I've been taking pictures of everything, but I'm just too tired to deal with posting them right now. The thing I'm most enchanted with right now is the chickens -- there are gorgeous chickens everywhere I go, by the side of the road, in the parking lots, at the airport (I kid you not). At the little mall I stopped at to get something to drink on the way out of the airport, there was a beautiful red and purpley feathered mama with her teeeeeny little baby chicks and I was so worried about them there in this busy parking lot. They disappeared into the impatiens so I hope they do OK!

Alexfandra, I saw a bird by the road that was freaking spectacular, and I have no idea what it was, but if I can find another one I'll take a pic. I've also seen something that looked like an egret, and the usual small songbirds. It's just so beautiful here.

I tried to take a nap when I got here, but I couldn't, so I went to the natural foods store and picked up dinner -- fantastic roasted chicken, corn, a heavenly french bread loaf -- because I wanted to use this fancy kitchen with all the schmancy appliances. So there are two soaking tubs here, and three rain shower type stalls, and I considered taking a soaking bath, but opted to go down to the whirlpool tub (there are two swimming pools and Jacuzzis), which was lovely in the dark -- I could see so many stars it was crazy, even with the tiki torches around. My back is still killing me, and I tore a bunch of my nails off trying to get my carryon out of the bin when we landed, but the concierge here got me an appt for a mani-pedi and massage tomorrow morning. She is going to get a nice tip.

Haven't had the time or energy yet to read or write, but plan to start that tomorrow. And then Wed I think I'll head out to Waimea or Princeville -- I have a lot of exploring to do but my first priority is relaxing and trying to find my creativity again. Just sitting on the balcony on one of --no joke -- eight different lounging chairs, plus outside table and dining chairs won't be that hard to do. ;-)

Hopefully Dad and sis_r are looking down at me and approving.

Comments

[marycrawford]

Wow, that sounds fabulous. I'm so happy for you, and I hope you have a great time! I love this image of exotic chickens and songbirds everywhere, that sounds so charming.

[catwalksalone]

That sounds AMAZING. I'm grinning all over my face just thinking of how much you're enjoying yourself. Here's to a fabulous holiday with alllllll the comfy chairs. :D

[kass]

YAY! I am so glad. *HUG*

[dorinda]

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. That is the sound I am making even just thinking about where you are. It sounds so very lovely and peaceful and relaxing.

[dine]

enjoy paradise! you totally deserve a wonderful break

[arduinna]

Oh my god, that sounds so amazingly wonderful. May all your sprawls be boneless, and your drinks frosty!

[the_shoshanna]

Oh my god, that sounds amazing. (Almost intimidatingly amazing; I would rattle like a dried pea in a place that big!) You should get cracking on that relaxing and lounging, stat!

[batwrangler.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[belmanoir.livejournal.com]

wooooooooo! that sounds AMAZING.

[deejay.livejournal.com]

Alooooooooha! \o/

[kirbyfest.livejournal.com]

This sounds amazing-- I'm so glad. (I'm going to come sneak into one of your extra bedrooms. You won't even know I'm there! {g} )

[ann1962]

I said "Yay" out loud when I read this! Enjoy this trip, and they totally are approving.

[raveninthewind.livejournal.com]

That does sound like a heavenly vacation... a place to rest, relax, recharge! You made a good choice.

(Chickens! \o/)

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad that the grand getaway is thus far turning out to be grand!

[movies-michelle.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it's been so nice for you! I'm sure your dad and sister are nothing but happy for you.

[anoel.livejournal.com]

That sounds soooo nice. I'm glad it's going well! I need to check out Hawaii stat.

[sdwolfpup.livejournal.com]

I'm SO HAPPY it's going well! And I'm sure they are very approving. :)

[spasticat.livejournal.com]

Relax and just be...relaxed. Years ago I went on a canal trip in the south of England and it was bliss to just lay down on top of the boat and close my eyes and just...chill. So I know the beauty of a trip like yours. :)

[destina.livejournal.com]

Sounds like heaven to me! Enjoy yourself, you deserve it.

[ixchel55.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy for you. (And more than a little envious.) You deserve a wonderful vacation and this sounds like nirvana, beginning with being able to fly all that way first class.

I'll be looking forward to pics of your travels.

Wishing you sunny skies and soft nights.

[brynnmck.livejournal.com]

That sounds IDYLLIC and SUBLIME. Yaaaaay! <33333

[mackiemesser.livejournal.com]

YAY! I'm glad to hear that it's lovely. :)

[barkley.livejournal.com]

Sounds just lovely!