where i've been

although i've been home for several days,

my mind has been

~here~

the scent of plumeria is unlike anything else.

it just about knocks me flat.

if i was running from a burning hawaiian building,

i would take the time to stop and collect
these freshly fallen fragrant flowers.

i am powerless in their presence.

open air lobby in our hotel {royal kona resort}

{mary ann ~ i took this picture of the teeny tiny catholic church for you}

little gecko breakfasting on guava jelly

again with the flowers

these are tuberose ~ mmmmmmmmmmm...

can you smell the fruit?  guava is the prevailing scent here.

after you drink the coconut water, you chop it in half,

then a cut little slice of husk for a spoon

to scoop up the coconut jelly.

we ate fresh papaya every day.

i snapped this just before diving in to swim with them.

after swimming with dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles,

and amazing tropical fish,

i'm vowing to bring an underwater camera next time.

piña colada 

kahlua colada

mai tai

there were others not pictured, like a lychee cocktail and liquid aloha.

never let it be said that i was remiss in my support of the tropical drink.

this was a spectacular hawaiian culture performance

as part of the ironman welcome banquet

{the real reason for the trip}

blurry shot of the nightly luau at our hotel,

with waves crashing in the background.

i really miss that sound at night.

coconut lilikoi {passionfruit} almond scone.

must. recreate. this.

race day - local drummers on the cycling route.

what a beautiful sound.

yes, i like piña coladas

this spot lodged itself in my heart 14 years ago.

back home in idaho, it's chilly october.

i'm struggling with island love.

it's actually seriously getting in my way.

i am usually head over heels for fall and winter,

but i need more aloha.

.sigh.

this trip would not have been possible without my mom.

she came & stayed with marian & ned
and took care of everything.

thanks, mom {and dad for sharing her}.
i love you so much.

♥