Hawaii's Big Island - An Ethereal Feel

A mind that is stretched by a new experience 

Can never go back to its old dimensions.

Oliver Wendell Holmes 

Roses of Siam from the ginger family - Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a must see

Our favorite of the three Hawaiian islands we visited: folks thinking and living outside the box and in constant uncertainty due to active volcanoes…

The very nature of having active volcanoes at your doorstep gives the Big Island a completely different feel.  The insecurity that this brings to everyday life means people live more in the moment, enjoying what is there right now for it may not be there tomorrow.  

Hawaii - Our Version of the South Pacific Islands

A tourist is a fellow who drives thousands of miles 

So he can be photographed standing in front of his car.

Emile Ganest

Surfboard are used for everything from wind-vanes to road signs

First stop Oahu – best known for Honolulu, Waikiki and the invention of surfing!

We had not planned a stay in Hawaii but a flight back to the US from Tahiti costs hundreds of dollars more if you don’t stop in Hawaii so with that incentive baiting us we decided to keep the adventure going a tad longer and visited three Hawaiian islands before returning to the mainland.

Tahiti - Third Time's a Real Charm

Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things

Cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little
Corner of the earth all of one's lifetime.

Mark Twain

Dancers' feet waiting to start...

I guess I misspoke when I wrote that Rurutu was our last stop in French Polynesia.  I had forgotten our needed quick return to Tahiti for our flight back to North America via Hawaii. 

We timed our return very well for we were able to participate in the first day of the Annual Arts Festival that usually precedes the Heiva (cultural festival we mentioned in previous post).  We managed to attend the opening ceremony with the welcoming of President Gaston Flosse, music, drumming, food, flowers, and dancing. 

Rurutu,The Island of Traditions

Be interested, not interesting.

Jane Fonda  

While very brittle, these rocks are amazing

I think following this saying is even more important while traveling. Stay open minded, ask questions, be curious, be mindful, share only when people are inquiring and you will discover much more about the community and places you are visiting. They love to know you are interested, inquisitive, very much like them, etc.