Lahaina and the Banyan Tree

A few years ago, probably close to 7 or 8 now, my grandparents paid for the kids and grandkids to take a cruise around Hawaii.  I remember Lahaina and the Banyan Tree, as well as the fact that my cousin and I took surf lessons on the beach.  So, when Rebecca said she wanted to go and check it out, I was all in favor.  Her previous employer, Spruce Bruce, had recommended a coffee shop in the area, an Italian one.  

The drive over from Kihei was about half an hour with a decent view of the coastline.  We parked a few blocks off the main road and started our adventure.  We made our way to the Banyan Tree first, seeing as how that was the main attraction, for us anyway.  Sadly, we were both put off by the vendors and commercial use (some might say exploitation) of the tree itself.  So, we did a bit of walking and found ourselves in an art gallery.  We asked and got semi-helpful directions to the 'Italian coffee shop.'  Then we strolled on the beach for a bit, watching a few 'surfers' give it a go for the first time.  We made our way back into town, stopping to ask at least 3 people if they knew of the 'Italian Coffee Shop.'  (For some reason, a name was never given in regards to the coffee shop.  A few people recommended a gelato place that sold coffee.)  Needless to say, we never did find it. 

We spent the evening watching the sunset, quite possibly my favorite Hawaiian activity, and making some delicious food on the grill.  

(Got the Hawaiian theme going on in the shopping plaza we walked through)

(The Banyan Tree information)

(I spotted a model as I was strolling through the Banyan Tree...)

(I must admit, the tree itself was quite impressive and well worth the view.  Incredible, in fact.)

(Requisite jump shot)

(A view of the vines/branches/roots intertwining)

(From my understanding, given the opportunity, these vines will come down and form new roots)

(A little Banyan Love...  We only got asked twice if we were on our honeymoon...)

(Another shot of us and the Banyan Tree)

(I spotted the same model, this time posing in front of an anchor)

(Inside the art gallery.  This piece was really textured and came out probably a good inch from the canvas.)

(Here's a boat.  I'm sure it has a special name, I just don't know what it is...)

(Someone picking bananas and I can assure you it wasn't this guy - looks like model hands to me...)

(Not sure what this captain was doing but I found myself attempting to do the same thing...)

 (Awwww...  cute, wonder who wrote that in the sand?)

 (Foot shot)

(This beach was literally a 3 minute walk from our room.  The beach itself wasn't that great; however, it was perfect for sunsets.)

(Happened to run into that model just in time for sunset, so we watched it together...)

 (And then we started having fun - a unibrow and a mustache)

(And Rebecca wanted to get it just right...)

 (A little better I guess...)

 (Pyahhh!)

 (And I can no longer see and her hair is in my mouth...)

(We feasted for dinner - pork chops for the meat eater, grilled salmon for the pescitarian, shish kabobs, grilled pineapple, kale salad, onion rings, and a beer.  We both enjoy food, that's for sure.  Do not fret, we had leftovers...)

First Days in Hawaii

After a 24 hour adventure which included a stop in Chicago, an overnight in San Diego, and another stop in San Francisco, the flight finally arrived in Maui where Rebecca had been waiting for about an hour or so.  The thought had crossed my mind that she would be waiting in the terminal but I eventually saw her as I made my way down to baggage claim.  We picked up my bags and made our way to the rental car company.  

We unloaded at a place called Maui Sunset, a graduation gift from her father and step mom that she had been waiting to cash in for quite some time.  It also worked out to be 2 weeks after my 30th birthday so I figured, sure, why not.  We actually had this trip planned before the Louisville trip, but decided to book Louisville so we wouldn't have to wait so long to see each other.  This whole Canadian/American situation seems to be quite a problem for our governments.  (Speaking of which, if anyone has any advice on the whole immigration issue, please feel free to share.)  

Anyway, here are a few photos from the first few days...

(This little guy came right up to us the first place we stopped)

 (Made his rounds and ended up on the hot sauce.  We were there for Taco Tuesday I believe and the tacos were a dollar.)

 (Passed this sign on our adventure - coincidence???)

 (Pineapple and coconut French Toast with coconut syrup)

(New shirt and swimsuit for the trip)

(They called this the loco moco - rice, burger patty, egg, gravy.  I was not overly impressed from the one I got from the Kihei Cafe - not much flavor.  Then again, I don't have anything to compare mine with.  However, Rebecca's food was delicious.)  

 (Inside the Kihei Cafe)

 (You order your food and then take it outside to eat.  There's no room to eat inside.)

(Here you can see the deck/patio a little better.  Good thing they usually have great weather in Hawaii...)

(View of the courtyard at night)

(With the time change I was up at 4 am most mornings, possibly slept in till 4:30.  So, the first morning we made our way to the beach for sunrise.)

(As you can tell the sunrise left a bit to be desired...)

(At the resort we were staying out there was bocce ball, shuffle board, a pool, hot tub, 6 grills, an herb garden to cut your own herbs, and a little green to practice your putting.)

(Here we practiced shuffle board for the Olympics - STAY TUNED for more on the Olympics...  a hint - Team Canada vs. Team USA.)

(Jump shot)

(Other than our date night and our last night we used the grill every night)

(A belated birthday kiss)

(This was my birthday meal - an amazing pasta dish)

(Here is a view of the courtyard with the ocean in the background)

(The putting green)

(We were on the 3rd floor.  Lots of older people and families at the place we stayed.  Just sayin'...)

(We ended up at the flea market and I have no idea when this picture is from but it somehow made it on to this post.)

Bulguksa Temple - First Stop in Gyeongju

We recently had a 4 day weekend - long semester so they gave us a "semester break" at Avalon which was wonderful. For 3 of the days, Katrina, myself, and 3 other friends went down to Gyeongju. I've never been but heard great things - especially from the historical side of the province. It was home to one of the previous Korean dynasties and has quite a bit of history. I learned quite a bit on the trip and got some good shots. Our first stop after checking into our amazing pension was Bulguksa Temple. (For more information, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulguksa)

(Welcome to Bulguksa Temple, according to some, the 'oldest temple in Korea')

(It was a very serene and peaceful corner of the world)

(The actual temple itself - quite large)

(Katrina and I on the same bridge in the beautiful landscape photo above)

(This is strictly a new camera shot - wanted to try a different lens. I like it. It's cute.)


(Some Buddhist guardians along with their protector)


(Rockin' the dragon in one hand)

(Not sure why but I just loved the way this little shop looked)

(Sunset)

(This one particular plot/temple was reserved as the 'stone stacking' area. It's difficult to see but there were stones stacked upon each other everywhere.)

(Stones stacked on the roof, on the door, on a tree...)

(Along the wall, on tiles, on the ground... everywhere...)

(The lighting was interesting so I snapped a few photos)


(Just an idea of how far in the mountains you are)

(A farewell to Bulguksa Temple)