Friday, April 2, 2010

Home!

I made it to the continental US around 7:00 am (CST) this morning.. ten hours after leaving the Honolulu airport. Finally (by the grace of God) I arrived in Mobile at 12:30. [I missed my connecting flight and waited four hours to get a flight to Mobile instead of Gulfport.] Regardless, I am home now adjusting to the five hour time difference and pace of life (hah!).

Since I haven't blogged since Tuesday, I have some catching up to do: Wednesday morning I hiked up Diamond Head - one of the most notable landmarks in Hawaii.

this 150K year old volcanic formation has an elevation of 762 feet. 

shot of Diamond Head from Waikiki. not my photo.


The look-out is 0.8 mile up, including unpaved trails, 74 stairs, a small tunnel, another 99 stairs, and three flights of spiral staircases.


The hike was worth it: the views were breathtaking.

view south.


view southwest.


view west. this is Waikiki.


view east.


After the hike, I explored Honolulu's Chinatown, met Will for lunch, packed up and headed to the airport. It was time to come home, but I was (and am still) sad that I had to leave.

Some neat things about Hawaii that I already miss:
- no need for air conditioners; the breeze kept you plenty cool.
- hands-free driving is required by law - the drivers were polite, attentive and easy going.
- rainbows. I saw at least 8 of them in the 8 days I was there.
- delicious fish: fish tacos, fish sandwiches, fish deliciousness.
- open air restaurants and buildings; even the airports were open air.. it was like staying outdoors.
- beauty. the beaches, the mountains, the ocean, the people. everything was beyond words beautiful.
- no cigarettes. I don't think I smelled one or saw anyone smoking them the entire time.
- Will's music. ALO, Jack Johnson, and other random beachy/tropical jam bands. I need a play list, please.

The countdown to Europe has begun - only two weeks away!

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