January 26, 2009
Aloha!
Our last post from Paradise before our departure tomorrow morning!
Up about the usual time – 6-ish, but this morning, as we’ve had SO much food the past two weeks, we decided to eat what was in the condo – fruit, cheese, crackers … and had a leisurely morning. Around 9:30 we headed out and north, past the airport, and followed the coast road toward Waimea. Again, a fairly overcast morning, but very warm and balmy. We stopped at the Waikoloa resort area, where we’ve stayed numerous times – but now the Royal Waikoloan had been turned into a Marriott, and an entire new shopping area – the Queen’s Shops, has been added across the street to the King’s Shops! Again, there were luxury stores – Tiffany, Coach, Louis Vuitton – and there were empty spaces from recently closed stores and restaurants. Walked around, saw some petroglyphs, then continued north. Lovely drive to Waimea, with the exception of some road construction. Literally, we were waiting almost 15 minutes for traffic in the other direction to come through! Amazing mess!
Made it to Merriman’s in Waimea about 12:15 for R’s birthday lunch, treated by Mom. Lovely restaurant, and a very interesting lunch menu. Mom had her favorite, and their specialty, Korean short-ribs with kim-chee (a first for Mom, and she liked it!) and rice. R (the “almost” birthday boy) had their wok-seared (very rare) ahi plate, with rice and salad. I had their cobb salad – all organic and island ingredients, with sweet corn; it was wonderful! For dessert, Mom had a macadamia/chocolate/coconut wafer with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. R and I split a dish of wonderful vanilla bean ice cream with homemade macadamia nut cookies. Walked around Merriman’s herb garden outside the restaurant – makes us want to grow herbs and tomatoes now!
Decided that in order to avoid the construction zone, we would heat south toward the Saddle Road, and from there took the upper road back to Kona; got back around 3:30; just in time for naps!
Again, have eaten out of the fridge this evening, as nobody really hungry. Instead, organized and packed up in preparation for tomorrow, when we’ll leave the condo by 6:30 a.m. So, Dear Friends and Gentle Readers, that about sums up our wonderful trip to Paradise! Hope to hear from you soon, and we will let you know when next we head out for our next adventure!!
Much love,
m
1 comment:
Okay. No other way to reach you quickly - had to tell you that I read an article about light pollution recently. Made me think of you and Robert, the Prince of Darkness. I can't believe he missed a few cities.
Looks like you had a terrific time.
Bev
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