Walking to Taihiti, or Swahili, or Hawaii

The vacation is over, and it's back to work again.

It was a good vacation, even if it was a lot of nature (for me, but not for H).

Key highlights :

Volcano National Park. Hiking through an old volcano caldera, and knowing that the rock only solidified 12 years ago, seeing steam come out from vents because the rocks below were so hot that they would boil any rainwater that seeped down to them. Driving all the way down to see where lava had entered the ocean and formed new land. Seeing old Hawaiian petroglyphs (ancient carvings).

Staying in one of the coolest Bed and Breakfasts ever. Huge tall windows in an octogonal cottage, with a forest surrounding you. Felt like camping, but with all the comforts of home.

Snorkeling for the first time ever in Hamauna Bay, where i got to see fish and coral and sea urchins up close. On a side note, snorkeling is tough, especially when you have to breathe through what is essentially a big straw.

Attending my first luau. It was a fun experience, but as H said at the end of it, the luau reminded us why we didn't like group tours. Lowest common denominator and all that.

Well, at least i convinced H that i can actually tolerate some nature - especially if it's not too wet or muddy, or both :)

Now, where to next?

Ajantis is back to his daily grind, or tea, or walk, or whatever you wanna call it...