Maui No Ka Oi!

Yes Maui is the best! Kim and I are just having the most wonderful time here. 

We decided that we didn't want to rent a car and have to deal with the expense, parking, theft issues, fuel costs etc. So instead we got off the airplane and took the bus. Someone else drove, it was nice and air-conditioned and we met some fun people on the way. I even traded e-mails with a gal from Australia. She said we could come stay with her in Sydney and I said she could stay with us in California when she visits. Only catch with the bus is, they don't like you to have too much luggage. They looked at us a little sideways because of the size of my bag but because I held it on my lap I think they let it slide.

We checked into the Napili Surf Monday afternoon with just enough time to take a dip in the ocean shower off and catch our rideshare to the Maui Lindyhopper's monthly dance. (SwingMaui.org) We lucked out and it happened to be their annual Luau potluck so we got dinner too! I can't imagine there is anywhere you can get a fabulous Luau dinner complete with purple sweet potatoes, shredded pork and fried rice along with a whole evening of music and dancing for only $10 per person!

We danced until 10pm, which felt like 1am to our bodies and were staggeringly tired but happy by the end.

The first full day here got off to a fabulous start with a 7am dip in the ocean. We had the beach to ourselves and enjoyed the cool, wet, wake-up swim. Then we went next door to the Gazebo where they make the most evil of delicious pineapple pancakes with coconut syrup!

To make up for not having a car, we took the bus to Lahaina and bought some cheap, used, beater, cruiser bikes for getting around. Mine is ugly, only has one working speed, and is perfect...I can lock it to a railing and not even worry if it gets stolen or rained on.

Since then we have made a point of swimming at least 2 to 3 times a day in the ocean. We ride to the market or into Lahaina and we are eating really well from the Honokawai Farmer's Market and fresh fish from Napili Market.

So Todd picked us up as well as two other friends to take to the dance. One of whom was Linley, a soon to graduate massage therapist. Yesterday she came over with her table and I gave her a massage in exchange for one sometime next week. It felt good to cut the nails off and stretch my arms and hands after a week off. She was nice enough to leave her table with us so I will try and work on Kim later. What, the massage therapist's husband getting a massage??? You must be joking!

I think everyone should get over here to Maui as I can't rave about it enough.  You have to experience it yourselves!

Gotta go swim the ocean is calling...

Hugs to all,

Dana

(Da Happy LeiLei)