Relaxing in the Tropics

We were going to go snorkeling today. We'd planned all week that we would go this morning, first thing, while the ocean was calm and the sun was a bit weaker. (I'm still a bit timid after scoring the killer sunburn.) But, when we awoke, it really didn't feel like a snorkeling day. Instead, it felt like a "hang out and do nothing" day. One of the true benefits of being here for a month is that we can have those at least once a week.

So, we took it easy. Reta & Ellis got back mid-morning from their trip to Kaua'i, so Steve picked them up from the airport. Joe & Erin went sea kayaking and snorkeling near Captain Cook, and they came back mid-afternoon. I did laundry. We hit Walmart and Safeway for the supply run. But mostly we vegged. I really like it here (to visit, not to live, but that's a post for closer to the end of the trip).

Last night we were able to go out AGAIN without our kids, this time with Erin & Joe. (Thank goodness for grandparents!) We hit the sunset bar, where we enjoyed pupus (appetizers) and Mai Tais, Big Island Ice Teas and Patriots, made up of Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Blue Hawai'ian. (Amy, that pic's for you!) Sadly, there was a bit of rain, but we did get to see lots of fish just by peeking over the rail at our table.




Next, we went into "downtown" Kailua (there's not really a downtown, but a more touristy strip/boardwalk kind of area) and decided to eat at the Kona Inn. After enjoying the sunset at the bar, we grabbed a table for dinner. Steve & Joe both had this awesome ono (also called wahoo, for those of you at home) stuffed with a cream cheese and lobster mixture. It was incredibly rich (and so full of dairy that I would have been sick for a week. I got a bite, though!)

Steve's parents and the Klidas all leave tomorrow, leaving us sans houseguests for about a day. (The Turpens arrive Saturday night, fresh off their dive trip to Bonaire, near Venezuela.)