Night Drives across Pineapple Fields

Once or month or so, I find myself coming home late from the North Shore. I'm usually alone, but occasionally with friends or my sweetie. Even though I'm inevitably sleepy, it is a beautiful drive and my senses awaken for the experience. I remember dreaming when I was younger about a long two-lane country highway with expansive fields that ended only to touch the sky. Now I know where those fields lie: I drive across them every day.

At night, however, the drive across the pineapple fields is a different experience. The skies in Hawaii are always clear. Even when there are a few clouds, the skies are clear. There is very rarely haze or fog. Drifting clouds only briefly obscure the infinite stars or a brilliant moon. The air is fresh and warm, yet cool. Its not like the daytime when the sun bears down intensely on everything below.

The best part of all, however, is the smells. As you first start up the fields, there is a faint smell of sea air - slightly salty, slightly fishy, but very fresh. As you drive further up, you notice the slightest hint of pineapple in the air. The smell then evolves into a faintly fermented smell. I've never smelled anything else like the faint odor of fermenting pineapples. When it mixes with the smell of upturned earth and the warm night air, it is a heavenly experience that wipes away all your worries and intoxicates your thoughts. At last, you pass the ends of the fields transformed as the fading scents roll through you mind and prepare your for a calm, peaceful sleep.

Outrigger Waikiki Sunset Cruise

Yesterday George, Jason, Tiffany, and I took a sunset cruise on a catamaran from the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki. I can't believe we've been here nearly two years and we hadn't done this yet. It was so fun and relaxing, I'd be willing to go every weekend. Even with mere 3- to 4-ft waves outside the channel, we go completely drenched as the boat bounded up and down in the water. It was so beautiful, though. We could see Diamondhead Crater and Kokohead Crater from a totally different perspective. Some flying fish even made an appearance. They are amazing creatures. We met some really nice people on the cruise and it was great to enjoy company of friends old and new in beautiful surroundings. Next time you're in Hawaii, I highly, highly recommend a sunset cruise. We capped off the evening at our favorite Waikiki hangout, the Shorebird Restaurant, listening to great live music. More Pictures of our cruise can be found here.

Graduation Party!

I seriously have the best job in the world. I work with awesome young people who are bringing new ideas and energy to our world every day. In honor of the upcoming graduation of three of my students, George and I celebrated with the junior and senior ELL class from my school. We had a great time and the students did too. Yummy fresh garlic shrimp, music, baseball watching, interesting political discussions, a darts game involving push ups for the losing players, and delicious chocolate cake made for a pleasant evening. And in case there were any doubts, there was absolutely NO alcohol of any kind at the fiesta. :-)

Aiea Loop Trail Hike

Yesterday, George and I headed out with his platoon to explore a Hawaii trail that neither of us had hiked before. It was really beautiful. I'm always amazed at the unique plant life here in Hawaii. The elevation of the whole trail was pretty high and there were amazing views in several places. George works with a really nice bunch of guys and ladies and we had a lot of fun just tromping along and chatting along the way. Check out more pictures here.