Outward Bound

After a long hiatus from travel, and a longer break from blogging, I'm one more off to explore the Tookish side and put my Baggins away for a few days.

Twelve days to explore southern Spain and Portugal.

Sidenote, my seatmate on the plane is a lovely woman named Pilar, and I've already reached the limits of my Spanish, before we pulled away from the gate. SMH

Another day, another adventure

On the beautiful island of Puerto Rico with Andrea and Kevin. First beverage in hand! Already confronting cultural differences with a cockfighting arena right next door to the hotel.

Grandma Ellie

So grateful for this time to visit my lovely, funny, wonderful grandmother. 

Brrr

Glad I packed all the cold weather gear and carted it around 3 countries.  Barely needed even my coat in Korea or Japan, but I just landed in Reno and it's 32 and 18 tomorrow morning. Little shock to the system.  

More than worth a little frost nipping at my nose to see my grandma!

Last homely house

Bilbo described Rivendell as 'a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best...'

That's what Hawaii is. Whether you like mountains or beach, rest or acitvity, solitude or a party, rain (a little) or sunshine, silence or music, it offers it all. Everything except winter.

This morning, while Ive been sitting on my deck lazily listening to the waves crash against the shore and eating banana bread from a roadside stand, I saw people rowing a traditional canoe, and two long distance swimmers in the bay. 

Every little spot on the Big Island has its own feel and different ecosystems. Every one of them has been lovely.

Luau

The resort

Staying in a resort is kind of like being on a cruise. Sun, activities, poolside bars. Missed the hula and ukulele lessons,  so I won't torture anyone with my amateur theatrics when I get home. 

Taking a few minutes poolside, before cleaning up for the luau!