tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37838883175866096382024-03-13T14:36:15.846-07:00AidaVenturesAida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-65071940968748354772019-12-04T05:09:00.000-08:002019-12-04T05:09:12.256-08:00Leaving FacebookIn my quest to leave Facebook, I've returned to the blog I abandoned many years ago. The blog(s) started as a way to connect with friends while we were away on a sabbatical. My first was called <a href="http://aidashawaii.blogspot.com/">Aida's Hawaii Blog</a>. It was so good for me. As a consummate "reminiscer", I loved having record, in words and pictures, of my daily adventures. Now that I'm leaving Facebook, I am going to try this again. Yes, as a way to keep friends posted on my life, but also as a digital journal, which I have come to realize was my favorite part of Facebook. You can follow this blog by clicking "follow" on the right side panel. It's definitely not as easy as Facebook, but part of the problem and the grip Facebook has on everyone is that it is so easy to get sucked in, easy to become dependent on the platform and easy to lose sight of what you actually want in your social life. I hope I can get back to personally connecting and digitally connecting (through this blog and <a href="https://mewe.com/">MeWe</a>) in a deliberate fashion rather than just habitually checking Facebook.<br />
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<br />Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-11590205433139772952012-01-06T15:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T15:03:57.592-08:00It's Beginning to Look Less Like ChristmasEvery year, I approach the task of removing the Christmas decorations with much dread. The tree, garland, lights and holiday knick knacks usually go up with so much exuberance and transform our house into a merry wonderland. Yet, once Christmas is over, I turn on my decorations, finding them the most depressing sight on earth. Suddenly the tree looks dark and misplaced, the stockings remind me of dirty laundry and our prized Animated Victorian Couple looks downright creepy. Within a few hours of the last present being opened, I want my house back so that I can start the new year fresh. By the time Boxing Day rolls around, I feel like one of those hoarders that keep their tree up year round. <br />
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I was so aware of this impending turn of events that at the start of this holiday season, I seriously contemplated not even putting up a tree. The kids rejected that silly idea and once I finally got the tree and lights up, they did the rest. As they carefully placed almost every ornament in nearly the exact right spot, they reflected on each, sometimes remembering where we got it, or its significance, often commenting on whether they thought it was cool or not. The realization that my children had memories of our family Christmases prompted by the habitual act of decorating, shouldn't have surprised me, for that is exactly how I felt as a kid when my family got ready for Christmas. <br />
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Knowing that my kids enjoyed the preparation and celebration of the holidays doesn't really make putting away all this crap any fun, but it does remind me that setting it all up in the first place was worth it. We had a wonderful Christmas with special moments that we will likely recall next December, the minute a dusty box comes down from the attic and we unwrap the first holiday decoration. Now, almost everything is put away; the tree, the garland, the stockings, the lights and the wreath. What's left, however, is the most daunting task of all - safely wrapping up my delicate ornaments which currently lie in a single layer on my dining room table. This unwelcome job is usually left for weeks, or until one of my favorites falls to the floor and shatters into tiny pieces. But now as I stare at my un-stowed ornaments, I see more than an intimidating and unpleasant task. Like my children, I see each individual ornament, which reminds me of a Christmas memory or, at the very least, a great after-Christmas deal and it makes me smile. Now, I'm sure the idea of <i>not</i> putting up a tree will never cross my mind again.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-51525325280514323222011-09-08T13:38:00.000-07:002011-09-14T09:43:40.080-07:00It Was a Beautiful Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flight 93 (temporary) Memorial, July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table> If you ask anyone who lived in the Mid-Atlantic states about September 11, 2001, they'll start off by telling you how beautiful it was. It was one of those September mornings that made you wish you could stop time and soak in the moment forever. The sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue and the temperature was just perfect. It was a day that held so much potential, maybe a bike ride to work or a long lunch, perhaps a picnic with your kids after school. <br />
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We lived in a Washington, DC suburb at the time and on the morning of September 11, Joey had been dropped off at preschool, Steve was at work, and I was busy finishing up a consulting assignment so I could enjoy the maternity leave I had planned for the upcoming months. I remember listening to the radio as I typed my reports and hearing about a fluke accident where a plane (presumably small) crashed into one of the Twin Towers. The moment of realization that there were two passenger jets each hitting a tower weighs heavily on me as it does a nation's consciousness. Suddenly, as if all at once, everyone understood that the United States was under attack. Instinctively wanting to be with their families, nearly all the parents who were able to, took their children out of Crossway Community Montessori School as soon as they heard the news. After picking up Joey and making sure that Steve was on his way home, I settled on our front steps and gazed at an eerily quiet sky which gave way to the unfamiliar streaks and sounds of military fighter jets headed towards the capital.<br />
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Calls to my family in NY reassured me that they were ok, shaken and distraught, but making their way home from the chaos in Manhattan. Steve had left work early enough to avoid most of the confusion and traffic brewing in DC and was home with me and Joey. Wanting to shield our 3 year old from the terrifying images on TV, we chose to listen to the radio instead, learning about the Pentagon, Flight 93 and the total collapse of the World Trade Center. When it became too much to bear, we took a surreal walk to the park with our mentally challenged neighbor. He would break the silence every so often, repeating "I think they did it on purpose." My response "I think you are right" released the tears I had been trying to suppress all day. <br />
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Now ten years later, it's been a week of tears with each news story commemorating the anniversary. I still want to shield my kids from the constant stream of horrible images, but I am quite sure they are better equipped to handle it than I am. For them, it is an important historical event, about which they are eager to learn. For me, it was the most devastating day I had ever experienced and one I'd rather forget. While listening to the stories of those directly impacted by the events of 9/11 makes me uncomfortable and sad, I believe it is important for everyone to be able to tell their story. These personal histories need to be remembered. I would not want my story, that of a typical American family who were indirectly, yet deeply, affected to be dismissed. This is a time of shared mourning and everyone should be heard.<br />
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So, on Sunday, I will try to commemorate the events of 9/11 to the best of my ability. I'll be with my children and will answer their questions honestly and without fear of them seeing my emotions. I'll remind Alex that his middle name, Thomas, honors one of the heroic passengers on Flight 93. I'll tell them that although the promise and potential of that beautiful morning was lost for thousands of people, more beautiful days are ahead of us and we are safe.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-26756348948046889352011-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:002011-07-23T06:44:55.148-07:00Family Portrait<div style="text-align: center;">Picture a family living apart and visiting once in a while</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture an occasion that brings them together that makes everyone smile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture a marriage 50 years strong with children and grandchildren to show </div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture a celebration including a photo shoot that fosters the warm family glow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture a setting with trees and a pool, with sunshine and fun things to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture the children enjoying each other as if every activity were new</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M7HuuuOiZpghdzbs_YlZMHL9X_F_jQpLGKQJuO45S2MMTH4LsHDwVelpnMAuZsIC6KctwDxWNExDY0vgL2JsIbDSzuhqdBOADxUYX-_kCK2E1040W1htUsTDA9ByBHnEk6vvFyd9OYI/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M7HuuuOiZpghdzbs_YlZMHL9X_F_jQpLGKQJuO45S2MMTH4LsHDwVelpnMAuZsIC6KctwDxWNExDY0vgL2JsIbDSzuhqdBOADxUYX-_kCK2E1040W1htUsTDA9ByBHnEk6vvFyd9OYI/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture good food,fun talks and some fighting</div><div style="text-align: center;">(but not much, we were especially good) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture an atmosphere where everyone feels at home and is in a very good mood</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture the goodbyes, the waves and kisses as one by one we depart</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture the sadness as we slowly realize we will again be apart</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture a family living apart and visiting once in a while</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture the memories of an occasion that brought them together to smile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For lots more pictures, visit <a href="http://www.aidaspics.phanfare.com/">www.aidaspics.phanfare.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-16771020336095745492011-07-15T05:42:00.000-07:002011-07-18T04:52:49.021-07:00The Gateway to the West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8oKywENyHl-RCNyMEfplPadd4vF7crUZDLM1bvLb55chnXGkmBT369ugyAH8NR-jSCV2w2qvvPtoyWmhWNGcocCjMYmtOPo5M7T3aCKQgr8oGBEGRHTioP1ZBaFoE15k8gcU_4gR7fM/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8oKywENyHl-RCNyMEfplPadd4vF7crUZDLM1bvLb55chnXGkmBT369ugyAH8NR-jSCV2w2qvvPtoyWmhWNGcocCjMYmtOPo5M7T3aCKQgr8oGBEGRHTioP1ZBaFoE15k8gcU_4gR7fM/s400/043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lady Gaga would have enjoyed the ride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>After several days on the road, stopping mostly just for convenience, I was happy to be headed to our first pre-planned destination, St. Louis. I have fond memories of the time Steve and I "met" in St. Louis during our long distance engagement and I was especially eager to show the kids my favorite monument, the Jefferson National Westward Expansion Memorial (aka - the Gateway Arch), an engineering marvel. Even though we arrived on a July day Arizonans only dream of, with it's blue sky, mild temps and slight humidity, we didn't waste time enjoying the climate. Instead, we hastily made our way through the picturesque Memorial park to the underground entrance for the Gateway Arch to catch the next tram ride up to the top. A capsule (5 person egg-shaped elevator), takes you up to the top of the arch where you can see various sites of the city, including the Eads Bridge (inspiration for the Arch), Busch stadium, the Old Courthouse and the mighty Mississippi river. But my favorite view by far, is straight down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasN1p5T76dIQh1ldHAoPnNXOj1E0JldJ62EMnXXm-v49wGDhmgWpSN4McwFKwTepRh07-9LTOPHQSK6iXBc7w2ETICoFgMRr8K9TJdDdP2G25HVfgEsJCdRmBXNhOpZ9nxOG1uxQ1JDY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasN1p5T76dIQh1ldHAoPnNXOj1E0JldJ62EMnXXm-v49wGDhmgWpSN4McwFKwTepRh07-9LTOPHQSK6iXBc7w2ETICoFgMRr8K9TJdDdP2G25HVfgEsJCdRmBXNhOpZ9nxOG1uxQ1JDY/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>With nothing directly under you and leaning forward toward the slanted windows, you get the cool sensation of falling toward the Arch's shadow. The kids enjoyed this St. Louis must-do and quickly internalized that, at 630 ft, it is the tallest US monument and more than twice the height the Statue of Liberty. They thought it was very cool, just like Mom.<br />
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After spending some time at the museum, learning about Westward Expansion and trying on pioneer bonnets, we headed outside for a riverboat cruise along an industrial and very busy portion of the Mississippi river. Then we strolled, leisurely this time, through the park and enjoyed some lunch, including a plate of toasted ravioli (St Louis favorite), while we waited out an afternoon thundershower.<br />
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When we hit the road again,it really felt like we had crossed a threshold in St. Louis. We were not expanding westward in to unknown territory, though. We were headed east, toward home and places familiar to me.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-89459489734108649672011-07-11T19:52:00.000-07:002011-07-12T05:05:55.460-07:00DetoursAs we drove past billboards and truckstops along Interstate 40 yesterday, I started to think all that Oklahoma had to offer was humongous American flags, 72oz steaks and messages from God, himself. I was resigned to more of the same as we left our overnight stop, Oklahoman City, this morning, but luckily, while trying to start an audio book on a misbehaving ipod, I missed a critical exit, which took us on an unexpected and delightful detour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route 33 in Oklahoma: no billboards</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIsud-J8ojoo8wbgB4t7g-hUs_JeqApqVnRMsMlKTM4LkTYEkxN2arn3oyW-9BvhnuQFlyxefzO9eIWINrdc1KXVmKqI5Q9ZcGUXXOUp3t0bN0APaS9d2FLPzvG9nnOUFaGD6TFsGE2s/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIsud-J8ojoo8wbgB4t7g-hUs_JeqApqVnRMsMlKTM4LkTYEkxN2arn3oyW-9BvhnuQFlyxefzO9eIWINrdc1KXVmKqI5Q9ZcGUXXOUp3t0bN0APaS9d2FLPzvG9nnOUFaGD6TFsGE2s/s200/026.JPG" width="200" /></a>Rather than turn back to the Interstate, we continued on Rt 33 under a blue sky dotted with diorama-like clouds that appeared to be made out of cotton balls. The road winded through rolling grass-filled hills and small towns. The town of Drumright was particularly quaint with its normal sized flags and busy main street complete with an old lime-green roadster built for one. This was a welcome change from our usual Interstate sightings of Indian Casinos and Golden Arches. I was so glad to have seen the beauty of Oklahoma on my first visit to the state.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphencJiMJtRLe3hkF8mYYwK8HfinkYTpnjY4zdolqNrOY1FtMV71toxSH4CY8wvZG_JYlfMie6Gge_Xr4FrCi__iqGW03gGRcZULwMPsVabV3pjPG09crRq3B-LYEpYqvHFXa1uL5XS2No/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphencJiMJtRLe3hkF8mYYwK8HfinkYTpnjY4zdolqNrOY1FtMV71toxSH4CY8wvZG_JYlfMie6Gge_Xr4FrCi__iqGW03gGRcZULwMPsVabV3pjPG09crRq3B-LYEpYqvHFXa1uL5XS2No/s320/028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In contrast to our Oklahoma detour, we planned to get off Interstate 44 at Miami, OK to venture into Kansas. Since Steve and I (and now our kids) have a decades-old goal of eventually visiting each state in the U.S., we decided we could not pass on a 30 minute side trip through the southeast corner of Kansas. We drove on historic Route 66, and not so historic Rt 69A through the lovely town of Baxter Springs. Although this part of Kansas looked a lot like Oklahoma, I could have sworn I saw more wheat fields and a flying house.<br />
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Having a schedule and specific destinations on a long roadtrip limits your ability to go off and explore. Sometimes though, you'll luck out and get lost. Other times, your compulsive need to plan and check off lists will lead you to a detour you've been wanting to take for years.<br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You do not need an id to post a comment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-72623069696290423202011-07-02T09:38:00.000-07:002011-07-03T08:34:49.953-07:00The One That Started It AllPlanning our upcoming cross country family trip has me thinking about the first time I drove across the United States. Eighteen years ago, Steve and I took a 30 day roadtrip mostly through the south. Newly engaged and moving on to my first real job as an engineer in Vancouver, WA, we loaded up my brand new Geo Prizm and started our trek. Starting in Pennsylvania (at my parents Poconos home where we were later married), we set out on an adventure that would take us through 18 states (PA, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, AK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA, OR, WA).<br />
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We planned to see everything that the southern part of the US had to offer. We visited friends, family, National Parks, roadside fruit stands, historic sites, weird truck stops, tourist traps and countless roadside rest areas. While the changes in landscape were astounding, the changes in culture were surprisingly subtle. We noticed different accents, colloquialisms and political views (especially from the Arkansas couple who sold us the best peaches <i>ever</i> and then apologized for unleashing, then President, Bill Clinton on the country). These small differences could not mask the general American sensibility we encountered, though. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Republican-owned) Arkansas roadside peach stand</td></tr>
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Everyone was eager to hear our story: We were just engaged and planned to get married in 3 years when Steve finished Graduate school at University of Illinois. I was moving off to Washington state to start a great job at Hewlett-Packard while my family and Steve lived thousands of miles away. We were kicking off our long distance relationship with a roadtrip across the country. Everyone assured us that we could do it, that it would be tough, but we would reach our goal of living in the same state when we were married. This was our American Dream. While my experience in other countries is limited, I have always gotten the sense that most people tend to stay put (often by necessity) in their childhood hometowns, close to the comfort of their families. Our type of movement and exploration is uniquely American, and you find it in small towns and big cities all across the country. <br />
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This trip kicked off our family's continued romance with roadtrips and a thirst to see more of America. In fact, in 1996, we ditched our tentative plans for tropical honeymoon in favor of a high adventure roadtrip through our 49th state, Alaska, pursuing our goal of driving to the Arctic Ocean and taking a dip. Alaska was the 35th state I ever visited. Now, I have a hand drawn map of the U.S. with the 40 states I have visited filled in with crayon. I'll pick up just a few more states on our upcoming roadtrip, thanks to a carefully planned route and a few detours. The kids, on the other hand, will rack up the states now, giving me and Steve a run for our money. Alex is proud to point out that he will be able to add 11 more states to his map, bringing his grand total to 27. Visiting all 50 states in one's lifetime, I think, is an admirable goal. There is so much to see in this fabulous country! But to discover your neighbors, as well as yourself, is what keeps us packing. Experiencing those subtle differences of American towns is what leaves us wanting more!<br />
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P.S. - Fixed the comment link...you don't need id to post a comment now.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-46460781987101055312011-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:002011-06-19T13:57:33.132-07:00Venturing into Unknown TerritoryThis Father's Day, I'm reminded of one of the bravest things I've ever done in my life. For many people, the simple act of saying "I love you" comes naturally. It's easy for them to tell those they care about these three little words, but it's not easy for me. I was always comfortable saying "I Love you" to my kids and niece, my Mom and siblings, and my husband, but no one else, including my father. <br />
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Growing up, I never heard those three little words from my Dad's lips and I took his lead, never telling him "I love you" either. The sentiment was there, but it was silently shared between us. My mom always assured my siblings and I that he loved us and we all knew this was true. But, about 10 years ago, probably influenced by the age of self help books and Oprah, I decided it was time to actually come out and say "I love You" <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes words are not necessary</td></tr>
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One evening, after a lengthy conversation with my Mom, she put my Dad on the phone so that we could have our usual 2 minute conversation. The chat was always the same and one I could have with almost any acquaintance. This evening, though, was different, because I had decided I was actually going to end the conversation with three words he had never heard me say. <br />
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Not knowing what to expect, I nervously said "I love you" when were about to end our conversation. He was obviously taken by surprise because there was silence. I didn't know if I would get an "I love you " back and I half expected to hear "very good", my dad's go-to response for nearly every statement. When he started to respond, his already shaky voice cracked a little more than usual as he said "I love you, Aida". I was happy to hear it, but even more, relieved that we could break the silence for the the rest of our lives together which I hoped would be a very long time.<br />
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Nowadays, saying "I love you" comes naturally between us. However, venturing into unknown emotional territory remains a challenge for me. When I am afraid to open up, I often look back about ten years to when my father let me know that it's ok for me to take the lead once in a while. He inspired me to be brave and that's what Fathers do best.<br />
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Happy Father's Day, Daddy.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-48519597699020777322011-06-04T10:44:00.000-07:002011-06-05T14:46:39.874-07:00FairbanksWe put our baby on a plane to Fairbanks, Alaska a few days ago. He was with his grandparents and, at 12 years old, he's not exactly a baby anymore. This takes me back to the last time we were in Fairbanks, when Joseph actually was a baby. It's not easy traveling with a baby, but we have always felt that, even though they may not remember the specific experiences, traveling will foster a love of exploration in kids. I remember a friend of the family imploring us not to take an 18 month old to such a cold place. Apparently, she didn't know that there were already babies in Alaska and they use these things called coats to keep warm. <br />
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March in Fairbanks is colder than the worst January anywhere else in the US. While we were there, we experienced -20 degree temperatures. With that, though, came the opportunity of seeing the greatest light show on earth, the Auora Boreialis, or Northern Lights. It was incredible to step outside in the middle of the night and see shimmering green curtains grace the sky. It was a once in a lifetime experience.<br />
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Fairbanks in March, also hosts the International Ice Art Festival which brings teams from around the world to compete in an incredible showcase of artistic talent, sculpting huge blocks of ice into grand works of art. Multi-block sculptures are often two stories high and comprised of more than 46,000 pounds of ice. We had a wonderful time walking amongst the elaborate sculptures and visiting the Kids Park with its ice slides and playhouses. I'd love to go back!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAaR0SzTuZKV-CHXwckMLr3AAcMiVKN9DAqlpq2du7aKhg1WrDF_KBdRB9RLi8RrN5ptreG2ycH_h70BSNG7FAkmZVl7MdqEQwgM38jzboC41_iv6kHrDxLtjXbwOXQl0WrWKVwIljno/s1600/ice+dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAaR0SzTuZKV-CHXwckMLr3AAcMiVKN9DAqlpq2du7aKhg1WrDF_KBdRB9RLi8RrN5ptreG2ycH_h70BSNG7FAkmZVl7MdqEQwgM38jzboC41_iv6kHrDxLtjXbwOXQl0WrWKVwIljno/s400/ice+dragon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the mulit-block sculptures from Ice Art 2000</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, this 22 year old Fairbanks tradition may soon go by the wayside. The Fairbanks North Star Borough needs to secure the 30+ acres known as "Ice Park". If the Alaska State Legislature votes against this transfer, Ice Art in the US may be a thing of the past and Fairbanks will suffer a devastating cultural and financial loss. Our children may not get to experience a true winter wonderland filled with whimsical works of art as big as houses. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.icealaska.com/">http://www.icealaska.com/</a>.<br />
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Right now, my son is experiencing the wonders that an Alaskan summer offers: warmer temperatures great for hiking countless mountains and long days perfect for wildlife exploration. While he has always been proud of the fact that he had been to Alaska as a baby, I am so glad that he will actually remember this trip. He will have his own reflections of this travel experience and won't have to rely on <i>our</i> stories and pictures. Now, at 12, he can make his own memories and tell his own stories of exploration. This is what we have always wanted for our baby.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-15547355137604709222011-05-30T06:35:00.000-07:002011-05-31T14:27:17.526-07:00Gearing UpWe are going on a cross-country family road trip in about a month. 2 adults, 3 kids,1 minivan, 6000 miles, 29 days. I think it's a little crazy but that isn't stopping me from getting excited about it. It's too early to pack and clean out the van, but it's just the right time to shop for all the gear we'll need before we hit the road.<br />
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I am very happy that our kids don't have all the latest devices, like Nintendo DSs, iPods, cell phones, netbooks. This way, when I spring some of these gadgets on them right before our trip, they'll be so plugged in that they'll forget that we are cooped up in van driving for >5 hr stretches at a time.<br />
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Once they get their toys, I think they'll have hours of fun, especially if they can play <i>Angry Birds</i>. But when the novelty wears off, I have an ace in the hole, something that has sustained us for many a roadtrip: the audiobook. After many rough and loud starts to road trips, turning on the soothing, yet animated, voice of a skilled actor reading a good story, instantly calms everyone in the car. We stop to listen and get caught up in the story. In fact, while listening to L Frank Baum's description of Oz on <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> audiobook cd on last year's trip to California, Nicki (5 at the time), asked, "Are we supposed to be imagining this?". We all were.<br />
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This old tech device has a new tech update which I am happy to report fits into my shopping spree and helps me justify my next purchase. I can download lots of audio books to my new 64G iPod touch and have room to spare. And with my new found favorite site, the <a href="http://overdrive.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/">Greater Phoenix Digital Library</a>, I can do it for free. With their large collection, I'm sure to find some geographically relevant titles to make our travels more meaningful. <br />
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So, armed with my iPod touch, a new Nintendo DSi XL, our old portable DVD player, we'll be gear-ed up for our trip. We'll play games, watch movies and may even resort to our old alphabet game or I Spy. But when things get a little rambunctious, I'll hook up my iPod and turn on the next chapter of our current audiobook and we'll listen to a great story while still enjoying the changing American landscape around us. Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-4852431188308972672011-02-12T18:19:00.000-08:002011-05-30T05:44:02.972-07:004th Place WinnerCheck out my 4th place winning essay on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The essay was inspired by my 4 month adventure in Hawaii and is closely related to my blog post "Mother Nature."<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.52perfectdays.com/articles/mother-nature-alive-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park">http://www.52perfectdays.com/articles/mother-nature-alive-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park</a>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-8968127197255564982010-12-09T09:14:00.000-08:002011-05-30T05:44:02.972-07:00Aloha<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wjfhqmI2Fj4541q0RN_FLPWEwUtskESMhCM3-BhJU2lh14CZuqHsOirrk09jhc-oBSk6jIw-vKA6QRHqSBIuHNobT-fP4DwWnHs5f_aB0mTVz7ruqLisz-uZ_rN9h0Cs1CsubxYgs4ex/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wjfhqmI2Fj4541q0RN_FLPWEwUtskESMhCM3-BhJU2lh14CZuqHsOirrk09jhc-oBSk6jIw-vKA6QRHqSBIuHNobT-fP4DwWnHs5f_aB0mTVz7ruqLisz-uZ_rN9h0Cs1CsubxYgs4ex/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Waikiki</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are going home today. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-19776675257708072102010-11-30T11:11:00.000-08:002011-05-30T09:02:31.030-07:00You Can Take it With You There is so much to do before we go back home. I'll spare you my list this time. There are also so many things I want to take back with us to Phoenix, including macadamia brittle, coconut syrup, taro mochi, Maui Mango tea, strawberry-guava jam, Li hing cherries, artwork and, of course, souvenirs. Although I may have to buy another suitcase to take all of this with us, there are some things more precious, that I wish we could simply pack in our luggage. <br />
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I wish I could take the breeze back to Phoenix. It blows all our papers around and knocks the cereal boxes off the top of the fridge each time we open the front door (creating a strong cross wind), but I love the feel of it as I sleep on the sofabed (in the living room). I often wake up in the middle of the night reminded of our remarkable circumstances by this breeze and the lights of the city right outside our window. The breeze reminds me of the ocean that surrounds us even when I don't see it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's what the view looks like at night when I'm not wearing my contact lenses</td></tr>
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I want to take back the spirit of aloha. A sense that "it's all good" or at least will be. The love the people have for their culture and the island. The optimism of the vacationer who left their worries back home to spend some time in paradise. I believe Nicki will be our ambassador of aloha when we get back. Always eager to make friends and share her experiences, she embodies aloha and will take the lead in sharing our love with friends and our appreciation to those who have kept us in their thoughts and those who have contacted us. These daily reminders that there is aloha at home as well, makes it easier to leave. <br />
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I want to take the family coziness back with us. When we return, we'll probably relish all the<br />
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<a name='more'></a>space we have, especially having the kids in their own rooms. But the coziness was more than an inconvenience. It really did bring us together for good and bad. Although I spent a lot of time breaking up fights, the kids did nearly everything together. They created games, drew pictures and played together each day. They took on each others talents and hobbies to the point where it is now hard for me to tell the difference between their silly drawings. I don't know if this will be the case when Joseph can go off to his room to read in quiet and Alex can work on some project by himself, but I hope we find a way to recreate it back at home.<br />
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Aside from the gifts and pictures that I can take back home with me, there is something from Hawaii that has become very special to me. My blog started off as a way to keep in touch with friends and a good example for my children (whom I have forced to blog as part of their home-learning). But it has become so much more. It's a thorough (sometimes too much so for my readers) record of my most precious memories and documentation of my journey. I have found out more about myself writing this blog than nearly any other endeavor I have undertaken. So, to those of you who have taken the time to read my posts, thank you so much. Mahalo nui loa! You don't know how much it means to me. Really, you don't.<br />
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While our adventure in Hawaii is almost over, I believe mine is just starting. Hawaii has given me the opportunity to learn how to express myself in a way that fits comfortably (despite my poor spelling) so I plan to continue to write. We have all grown in ways that were unexpected and these changes are the most precious things we can take home with us.<br />
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Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-8625735259726327252010-11-24T14:50:00.000-08:002011-05-30T05:44:02.973-07:00I'll Miss You, Honolulu<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Having been in Hawaii for nearly 4 months now, I can hardly believe it is almost over. While my Hawaiian activity list is near and dear to my heart, I think I'll remember and miss the truly local experiences we've had in Honolulu. I'll miss the library, with its shushing librarian and old stacks. A place so familiar that it now feels like an extension of our apartment. I'll remember the trick-or-treating in our neighborhood away from home with families that may look a little different from our neighbors in Phoenix, but have the same desire to share a holiday and "talk story" with the newcomers. I'll remember the trapped lady I helped rescue from her 15<sup>th</sup> floor apartment who reminded me that living in a city has its charms, least of which is the fact that there are always people around and ready to help. I'll miss the local general store that serves the best shave ice in town. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQtgI7ZNDRggu5XvY5e6JJ3aAx4UTzijrW1XFXuZkJBBmzq_zouFl9GDzvZxDy4yu0bG1GRvzmcEPd4DaMXQkZHsH82lOhn8O3G3NMLrMouYqYyduy9FoW1x2vRepXMLkmhRE0a0Bs8Bl/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQtgI7ZNDRggu5XvY5e6JJ3aAx4UTzijrW1XFXuZkJBBmzq_zouFl9GDzvZxDy4yu0bG1GRvzmcEPd4DaMXQkZHsH82lOhn8O3G3NMLrMouYqYyduy9FoW1x2vRepXMLkmhRE0a0Bs8Bl/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">With our many trips there, we now recognize the tourists who are confused by the menu and we chuckle when their ordering slows the line. And I'll miss the park, with its rundown rec center that is the heart of this community, the place where my kids learned hula and ceramics and, most importantly, made friends.As our trip comes to an end, I am reminded of all the fun we had on our vacation, but I'll cherish the moments we spent <i>living</i> in our home away from home.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">This post has been entered into the Grantourismo HomeAway Holiday-Rentals travel blogging competition: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grantourismotravels.com/2010/11/10/grantourismo-travel-blogging-competition-november/">http://grantourismotravels.com/2010/11/10/grantourismo-travel-blogging-competition-november/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">November's theme - Living like locals</div><br /> </div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-26023592966412568682010-11-20T17:31:00.000-08:002011-05-30T09:04:02.758-07:00One in a Million<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbdTuK9Vp5i6QzyDMFuCO3ba-ZF55ZgXvr8hIe9QjhkgQjXH0mPVwJKTtypnzgFQPVgPKYBVHWLU0xdM13lukMb2YytVoO3l6TYA9ot46dcHtsB5mp6wgw4eLr3qSSHp6UaFRsSuQsGk0/s1600/astronomyFrontiersNOV17_letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbdTuK9Vp5i6QzyDMFuCO3ba-ZF55ZgXvr8hIe9QjhkgQjXH0mPVwJKTtypnzgFQPVgPKYBVHWLU0xdM13lukMb2YytVoO3l6TYA9ot46dcHtsB5mp6wgw4eLr3qSSHp6UaFRsSuQsGk0/s320/astronomyFrontiersNOV17_letter.jpg" width="240" /></a> Contrary to what you may think, it's not all fun and games 24/7 here in Hawaii. Well, at least not for Steve -- he has to work. We are here as part of Steve's sabbatical at University of Hawaii. This is a way for him to collaborate with others in his field in addition to all the research he continues from ASU. His work can be fun too, though. This week, he hosted a public outreach event for anyone in Honolulu interested in space. The usual educational lecture was replaced with a fun-filled game show format based on the popular show <i>Who Wants To Be A Millionaire</i>. Steve's version, <i>Who Wants To Be A One-In-A-Million-aire</i>, explored how likely it is for life to evolve in other solar systems in our galaxy.<br />
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In order to to see how the scientific community is working on answering the question, <i>What are the odds of intelligent life and civilization in our galaxy?</i>, Steve led us through each variable in the Drake equation,<br />
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<dd style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="N = R^{\ast} \times f_p \times n_e \times f_{\ell} \times f_i \times f_c \times L \!" class="tex" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/8/4/7/847914dec26cc45ac2957da0054683de.png" /></dd><br />
<dl></dl>Each contestant had the opportunity to chime in on a specific variable. For each, a question was<br />
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<a name='more'></a>posed, such as "What is the average number of planets in each solar system that can potentially support life?," represented by the variable, <i>n</i><sub><i>e</i></sub> and "What fraction of these planets actually go on to develop life at some point?," represented by the variable <i>f</i><sub>ℓ</sub>. These are deep and complex questions with many "right" answers. As contestants took their turns on the hot seat and used their lifelines (poll the audience, phone a friend and ask a panel of experts) to provide their best guess, Steve explained cutting edge research in each specific field so that everyone in the audience could understand. This event, part lecture, part game show, was a hit. Steve wove these complex ideas into a format that was fun and informative for all 270 in attendance, even the kids. His easy rapport with the contestants and quick one liner jokes reminded me of why I fell in love with him in the first place. Plus he looked like a million dollars! <br />
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We saw some surfers at work this week, too. Surfers from around the world come to Oahu in the winter to participate in surfing tournaments including the Eddie, the nickname given to the Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau. Eddie was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay and was lost at sea when he volunteered to voyage on the Hokule'a, a double-hulled voyaging canoe, for the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The Hokule'a recreated the early Polynesian route from Tahiti to Hawaii. When the canoe developed a leak 12 miles off the coast of Molokai, Eddie offered to paddle on his surfboard to get help. While the rest of the crew was rescued by the Coastguard, Eddie was never found. Although this happened over 30 years ago, it seems fresh in everyone's memory here with signs and paintings honoring Eddie, and the popular bumper sticker <i>Eddie Would Go</i>. <br />
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</a></div> While the actual competition hasn't started yet, and may not, due to a requirement that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (wave face height of over 30 feet), we had the opportunity to see these experts in action. There was a large Northwest swell that produced advisory-level surf on the North Shore with face waves at about 22 feet. Armed with this information, we packed the snacks and headed to Waimea Bay and the famous Banzai Pipeline. As we approached Waimea Bay, it felt like just a normal day at the beach, but once we got close enough to see the actual waves, it was unreal. I realize I lack the words to describe it since all I can think to say is that these waves were huge, dude! We sat on the beach and watched as surfer after surfer wiped out on the shore, only to get back on their board and try again. Non-experts were not even allowed in the water and the lifeguards did a great job of keeping the spectators far enough offshore, safe from rogue waves.<br />
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At the Banzai Pipeline, we saw the best-in-class surfers riding the waves as if they were just slides on a playground. On the way from the car, a man told me this would be the most memorable thing we do in Oahu. While there is too much competition for this experience to win that particular title, it did give me the best video of the trip. Though my camera work leaves a lot to be desired (and I can't post the highest quality clip), you can see the magnitude of these waves and the skill of these surfers. Look for the speck on the right. That's a guy surfing the Pipeline.<br />
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As with the formation of life on a planet, the odds of catching the perfect wave can be determined using a complex equation with many factors, including wave face, position, equipment, skill, etc. This and the Drake equation are just special cases of the following master equation for the odds of a positive outcome: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Success = Opportunity <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">X</span> (Skill + Work)</span></div>Those who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to follow their dreams and passions (remember, not everyone can, despite the onslaught of reality TV <i>success</i> stories) need to hone their skill and work at being successful. This is true of life here on Earth, the perfect wave, Steve, Eddie Aikau, those surfers and so many of my friends who took a chance and have turned their skills and passions into successful endeavors.<br />
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I am inspired by the success stories of this week to find my own one-in-a-million chance. My chance to take a passion and turn it into something more, perhaps a career (I am due for a new one, anyway) or even a new and rewarding hobby. On my journey (which is much more than a long trip to Hawaii), <is all="" await="" endeavors="" exist,="" eyes="" in="" is="" it="" me="" my="" new="" opening="" opportunities="" phoenix.="" some="" that="" the="" to="" wonderful=""> I have discovered many opportunities I can and want to pursue. To be successful, I first have to work up the courage to go into unknown territory, though. It may be hard and uncomfortable for me but <i>Eddie Would Go</i>, and I plan to as well! </is><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><is all="" await="" endeavors="" exist,="" eyes="" in="" is="" it="" me="" my="" new="" opening="" opportunities="" phoenix.="" some="" that="" the="" to="" wonderful=""><span style="font-size: x-small;">This blog is updated weekly </span></is></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><is all="" await="" endeavors="" exist,="" eyes="" in="" is="" it="" me="" my="" new="" opening="" opportunities="" phoenix.="" some="" that="" the="" to="" wonderful=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></is></div><div style="text-align: center;"><is all="" await="" endeavors="" exist,="" eyes="" in="" is="" it="" me="" my="" new="" opening="" opportunities="" phoenix.="" some="" that="" the="" to="" wonderful=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></is></div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-68630905971194641042010-11-13T21:54:00.000-08:002011-05-30T09:04:34.843-07:00My List I love to make lists. It's the only way I can organize all the things I need to get done. The lead up to our trip to Hawaii was list making heaven for me. I had a list of what to pack of course, what to do to get the house ready, a list to prepare us for homeschooling and a wish list of all the cool things I wanted to do and see while we were here. Take a look. There's more on the back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KAiobidTUE-TDojthzjUi_fk9CJEJ51m0lEmhS8QRCqrMPLKMYQRSTnKsRIuNp4WUqSrVhPCEISC432WUbk0NSL2EDoesC1sjGNNw7WzYHb48_qANXMRXbEZR2TQ6-GZQJlaLuohpP-q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KAiobidTUE-TDojthzjUi_fk9CJEJ51m0lEmhS8QRCqrMPLKMYQRSTnKsRIuNp4WUqSrVhPCEISC432WUbk0NSL2EDoesC1sjGNNw7WzYHb48_qANXMRXbEZR2TQ6-GZQJlaLuohpP-q/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> It may not look like much, but it has been the driving force for all of our activities here in Hawaii. The culmination of hours of research in guidebooks, on tripadvisor.com and through personal recommendations. If Steve asks what I want to do over the weekend, I always refer him to the list. I can't be expected to remember what I want to do. After all, I made a list for a reason.<br />
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Some people, I've realized, don't document their thoughts the way I do (for instance, the server who takes your order without writing anything down). I wonder how they can get on with life without having a list of action items. Their minds must be full of thoughts they need to remember that could be easily cleared away with a pencil and paper. I think Joseph might be one of them. In homeschooling, one of the biggest issues I've had with Joseph is in math. When I assign him problems, I always remind him to show his work. When I watch him work, I can see what's coming. He often looks off into space and I can tell he's calculating a problem in his head that would be much easier done on paper. I know that when I check his work, there will be answers, some right and some wrong, but without showing his work, there will be no guide as to where he might need help. Joseph will probably not be a list maker, but I still have hope, because I know it will make his life a lot easier.<br />
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While lists make my life easier by streamlining my thoughts and leaving some space in my brain for some other ideas, they also offer me a way to reflect on what I have done. I sometimes keep old (usually completed) lists for years just because it reminds me of a specific time in my life. After all, a<br />
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<a name='more'></a> list is a record of intentions and when crossed out, a record of accomplishments. We've accomplished so much on my list of things to do in Hawaii. This week, I checked off two more.<br />
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Today, Alex and I tried Stand-Up-Paddle. He had been asking to try this for a month now, and I went along. It's like riding a large surfboard and using a paddle to steer. Unlike surfing, it can be done in calm water, like bays and rivers, as well as surf. Our experience was in the Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, where the current made it hard to steer, but we managed to have fun practicing in the calm water surrounded by boats. Alex stood up nearly immediately while I opted for Kneel-Paddle and eventually, when I realized I couldn't balance, Sit-on-my-Butt-Paddle. Maybe next time I will work up enough courage to fully stand, but this was good enough for me to scratch it from my list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hejn5Dw2PNMEUSPWPKmqTblvk3EC_wqTZnhf2E98IvfGRpVs5j2VPc-SY0yOB4aHGZi6mooUFDymRcpsEp8zQHNp5MvmkXYhxKBmiYsnmfEyBKj_jl90ZXtjddxOkMELF5orqWp717xg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hejn5Dw2PNMEUSPWPKmqTblvk3EC_wqTZnhf2E98IvfGRpVs5j2VPc-SY0yOB4aHGZi6mooUFDymRcpsEp8zQHNp5MvmkXYhxKBmiYsnmfEyBKj_jl90ZXtjddxOkMELF5orqWp717xg/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex paddling</td></tr>
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This week, we also went kayaking in Kailua, on the windward (NE) side of Oahu. This was one of the activities I had been looking forward to since we got here. We rented two kayaks and headed for the beach. There are several islands off the windward coast and we decided to paddle to the closest one, Flat Island, which is a bird sanctuary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3gmNCHlABckz8EMYCQ6GfCgcnnup4HxCKAW2zLhOEEZGU3u7n5Py9YeBrNZeGNqBMDyiKBgr34IX1bLgMqQ5OdWVJINJG4j2Y_2wcBjFwxdBv8TS9Br0iqgob3NKe0t_czYi8Jq778MD/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3gmNCHlABckz8EMYCQ6GfCgcnnup4HxCKAW2zLhOEEZGU3u7n5Py9YeBrNZeGNqBMDyiKBgr34IX1bLgMqQ5OdWVJINJG4j2Y_2wcBjFwxdBv8TS9Br0iqgob3NKe0t_czYi8Jq778MD/s400/048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicki on Flat Island</td></tr>
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We had only kayaked on a calm river in Kauai, so kayaking in the ocean was a new and invigorating experience. Configured as before with me and Alex in one kayak and Nicki, Joseph and Steve in another, we ventured out into the surf and managed to bellyflop our way into the boats without falling in the water. The waves were gentle but fun. The distance to the island was short but the wind slowed us down. When we landed on the island which is a mere 500 yards (about a third of a mile) from Oahu's shore, we felt a great sense of accomplishment. After being at sea, we had made it to land. After a walk around the island, we headed toward Lanikai beach in our kayaks and saw several honu popping their heads out of the water around us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FATbEePbncmDMRtH-MronlMIC70gz_ilnK0hMvKgcv6LB4PKmrH1KF-ZfEWoMLPaqa6Xev1UqDgTvMl-N0k7zuZjvJEuu5qmv6CwcWrpmwHfBFVMHGoCBz5k2YFPOZmxZJmZcomZ_9N_/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FATbEePbncmDMRtH-MronlMIC70gz_ilnK0hMvKgcv6LB4PKmrH1KF-ZfEWoMLPaqa6Xev1UqDgTvMl-N0k7zuZjvJEuu5qmv6CwcWrpmwHfBFVMHGoCBz5k2YFPOZmxZJmZcomZ_9N_/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph, Nicki and Steve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The beach had soft sand and gentle waves and lived up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in Hawaii. It was the perfect place for a snack, burying Nicki in the sand, a little snorkeling, and a lot of playing. After returning to Kailua and another relaxing drive home, I checked off <i>kayak to flat island</i>. While checking an item off one of my lists usually gives me a little thrill, I did not get the same satisfaction this time. This time I was sad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD4t-aBLG-T7LimHYLqLNRKswD7vbgeJRoHmqQjCd_epI-0W1-lRXNVTT0wH9Chl8pHwQRs2LST09f0PwvbvEIdw5R626-8xpF923DKyZW1ZqKehWH9fUYQ0kOjSABstQF1t1RgC-khws/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD4t-aBLG-T7LimHYLqLNRKswD7vbgeJRoHmqQjCd_epI-0W1-lRXNVTT0wH9Chl8pHwQRs2LST09f0PwvbvEIdw5R626-8xpF923DKyZW1ZqKehWH9fUYQ0kOjSABstQF1t1RgC-khws/s400/055.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph at Lanikai Beach</td></tr>
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As we continue our stay in Oahu, my list grows shorter. We have had so much fun, but now my list has turned into something of a countdown of our time here and every check mark is one step closer to the end of our journey. As the end approaches, I will be making more lists. In fact, I've already started with lists of items I want to bring back home from Hawaii and a to-do list including cleaning and replacing broken household items. While these lists will surely help me get everything done, they won't satisfy me the way lists usually do. They'll remind me that our little break from the ordinary, a chance to have adventures nearly every day, will be over. But, luckily I have a way to cope with this sadness. Yes, I'll make a list. A list of family and friends we get to see when we return. A list of things to do with my brother, sister-in-law and niece, Darla, when they visit for Christmas and, of course, a list of places I want to go in 2011! After 4 months here, you wouldn't think Hawaii would be on that list, but it is.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This blog is updated weekly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-31805871524443985562010-11-08T01:18:00.000-08:002011-05-30T09:05:05.063-07:00Mahalo-ween<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> We have been trying to take advantage of our time on Oahu to get to visit and know as much of Hawaii as possible. But after our whirlwind island hop to Maui, we spent a low-key week at home in Honolulu. The week started off with a celebration of one of my favorite holidays, Halloween. We had a great time trick-or-treating in the Kaimuki neighborhood that is adjacent to Waikiki. It was a lot like our neighborhood in Phoenix. Families hung out on their front porches handing out treats, including fresh cotton candy and popcorn, to everyone's delight. The costumes were your general assortment of ghouls, princesses and movie characters, except for Alex.</div><br />
Here's Nicki as Alice from <i>Alice in Wonderland:</i><br />
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<div align="CENTER"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dQuCovCN5GwZJl0gcYsY8y9OoohxkxRU17UbgUDVN5Pja-I2t3VKNGddRueGThwGxppws4PGA45DaPYyWsu2i1ZBWx82BQXz9xTWunYJZWffWkWpSPWOBvw-p-qCrPipGdCdDNKOI_tO/s1600/007.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="320" name="graphics7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dQuCovCN5GwZJl0gcYsY8y9OoohxkxRU17UbgUDVN5Pja-I2t3VKNGddRueGThwGxppws4PGA45DaPYyWsu2i1ZBWx82BQXz9xTWunYJZWffWkWpSPWOBvw-p-qCrPipGdCdDNKOI_tO/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
...... and here's Alex:<br />
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<div align="CENTER"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL6ozcncsVihO0MCWhtO2GKu3eKHIXBI8E06b_cD8sKgRHQfvwnZG5PJ2gjGZ5i0yLLnqTjTYJoSs-03LlYQJxroyhaOaABR3yCgBbD_8xAc8gBmNBXzXEK9c52EmGQUpQB_b8wObctHP/s1600/011.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="320" name="graphics8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL6ozcncsVihO0MCWhtO2GKu3eKHIXBI8E06b_cD8sKgRHQfvwnZG5PJ2gjGZ5i0yLLnqTjTYJoSs-03LlYQJxroyhaOaABR3yCgBbD_8xAc8gBmNBXzXEK9c52EmGQUpQB_b8wObctHP/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
"What's that?", you ask. While Alex insisted on wearing just a paper plate mask, we insisted on a little more (if someone is going to give you candy, you should put a little effort into what you wear,<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>don't you think?). He added a plastic bowl hat, a napkin and utensils. Although we couldn't decide if he was a picnic or just a kid with a plate face, our Hawaiian neighbors provided the perfect name for the costume. Alex had become "plate lunch", and (to my surprise) he was a hit! Plate lunches are a staple at Hawaiian fast food, take out restaurants, usually consisting of some sort of marinated meat swimming in sauce, potato-mac on the side and (always) two scoops of white rice, often served on disposable dinner wear. Alex got accolades from so many people, that Nicki (usually the center of attention) felt a little left out. Who knew such a last minute, thrown together costume would be such a hit. But, alas, not all of them work.<br />
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<div align="CENTER"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5TheZnIdtSqnVmfc2xfHJVMs08hwp5Dclb7Nq-oOYygHdqrn3k29pfAbHKYmLYTIGOq7qzUlF6QhqLRVV5hTBpKyWr6Q3l3NKEpFEsF-pmHBTQa2KGANSCazqTO7mbxsScpvYDzN2Ju-/s1600/008.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="320" name="graphics9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5TheZnIdtSqnVmfc2xfHJVMs08hwp5Dclb7Nq-oOYygHdqrn3k29pfAbHKYmLYTIGOq7qzUlF6QhqLRVV5hTBpKyWr6Q3l3NKEpFEsF-pmHBTQa2KGANSCazqTO7mbxsScpvYDzN2Ju-/s320/008.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Not one comment on Steve's clever costume. Can you tell what he is wearing?<br />
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Halloween was followed by a change in the weather that was reminiscent of other U.S. cities I've lived in. In the northeast, we start to get our winter coats out in November, sometimes even needing to wear them over our costumes, very lame. In Washington state, the sun had probably shown its face for the last time in October, ushering in the overcast skies until next summer. And in Phoenix, the weather starts it's nearly perfect cycle of warm days and cool nights. I did not expect a change of season here in the tropics, but then we got a winter storm, called a Kona storm, which is characterized by constant showers and lots of wind. The wind has been so strong and chilly that we cannot even keep the window open at night. I was even prompted to buy some hot cocoa due to the nightly chill. Joseph's archery class was canceled due to rain and I really felt like the "winter" was here to stay.<br />
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Compared to last week, and most other weeks, I thought this week was a bit quotidian* (yes, I married a thesaurus). We didn't really do anything exciting or uniquely Hawaiian. The weather and a little cold kept us from making the most of our time here, a priority for me. It was a typical week in Any City, U.S.A. with Halloween treats, a change in weather, lots of laundry and errands. But it did remind me that Hawaii, for families living here, is a normal town with everyday routines and celebrations. So mahalo, thank you, Honolulu for reminding me of our goal of getting to know Hawaii by just living here, something I often forget in my zeal to plan the perfect vacationy activities. Mahalo for giving us a home-style Halloween and mahalo for being cold enough to enjoy hot cocoa. As a hometown, Honolulu is one of many nice places to live in the U.S. On vacation, you may make the most of your visit, but it will never feel like home. This week, Honolulu felt like our home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* quotidian<i><span style="font-family: 'Doulos SIL','Gentum','TITUS Cyberbit Basic','Junicode','Aborigonal Serif','Arial Unicode MS','Lucida Sans Unicode','Chrysanthi Unicode'; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0pt 0.7em;">/kwōˈtidēən/ Adjective </span></i>1. Of or occurring every day; daily. 2. Ordinary or everyday, esp. when mundane</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This blog is updated weekly </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-63696318675849387512010-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:05:42.520-07:00Here Today, Gone to Maui As I sat in the hot tub of the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Maui, I struck up a conversation with the older gentleman who was hogging the best jet. When he asked where I was from, I fumbled. As I started to say Phoenix, I ended up saying "Phoahu". I had to explain my fumble - that we are from Phoenix, but living in Oahu for 4 months and have come to Maui for a vacation. He said I should be embarrassed to tell people that. I am, but I'm also so excited about our good fortune, that I cannot contain myself. I told him he should be happy for me and he assured me that he was. So, here I was, in Maui for vacation, from Oahu, and it was great!<br />
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There is something for everyone on Maui and I mean everyone. My family, including my parents, spent last week in Maui, on its western shore. Here we experienced all the variety Maui has to offer, in scenery, in weather, in activities. Maui is called the valley isle and once you fly in, it is easy to see why. If you've been to any other Hawaiian islands, you will appreciate how unique it really is. There is a vast valley between two volcanic mountains. To the east is Haleakala, a 10,023 ft peak, on the north slope of which is the famed Road to Hana. To the west is Pu'u Kukui, the 5,787 ft peak, on the west shore of which is Lahaina, Kaanapali and some of the best snorkeling in the world.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbs_QwdMPTCnpZTmLoHb8VccDIjQw90UXQUJtRyT0QNhQCFnGDp5sYNooDMcl19BxG3SVLcRxwhV8FHz4SP933USWSIliQu685t5ebRoeb87Ura7BlcJT94p-49sqZUs7iLl_DtpkLLJf/s400/056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve at the top of Haleakala overlooking the valley and Pu'u Kukui (under distant clouds)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbs_QwdMPTCnpZTmLoHb8VccDIjQw90UXQUJtRyT0QNhQCFnGDp5sYNooDMcl19BxG3SVLcRxwhV8FHz4SP933USWSIliQu685t5ebRoeb87Ura7BlcJT94p-49sqZUs7iLl_DtpkLLJf/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, our first experience with real luxury (thanks to a great Costco promotion) on our Hawaii trip. Upon arrival at this Kaanapali resort, one of many along Kaanapali beach just north of Lahaina, we were indulged by the the scenery, the staff, and the accommodations. The lobby entrance was gorgeous with a large atrium filled with flowers, trees, ponds and wildlife, including penguins and colorful birds. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JJGI_FVZqZx7IKD63MbugKccCm0Ihnfq_F0DnqhBmF1f99O2ezfw8FCu3RjGRg-Sd7awXOOI5ndG33wDKOG26sXXW7_mKSUXFFHU7Wh49mrPIVQg_9cyjcC3hQv_5LLvQCb1nsAXWMEB/s400/135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Crowned Crane</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JJGI_FVZqZx7IKD63MbugKccCm0Ihnfq_F0DnqhBmF1f99O2ezfw8FCu3RjGRg-Sd7awXOOI5ndG33wDKOG26sXXW7_mKSUXFFHU7Wh49mrPIVQg_9cyjcC3hQv_5LLvQCb1nsAXWMEB/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The pool was a massive oasis which included a tunnel through a pool bar to the kids' side which had fountains, floating animals, a sand bottom and slides. All of this, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a tremendous view of<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> Moloka'i, one of Maui's many close neighbor islands. Of the most visited Hawaiian islands, Maui is unique in its proximity to its neighbors, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe. We were all surprised by how easily all three of them could be seen from Maui's shores.<br />
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On our first full day, we took a snorkel cruise to Molokini. We woke up early to head out to this underwater volcanic crater that is just partially exposed above the sea, about 3 miles off the coast of Maui. While the fish are plentiful, most can be seen at many other snorkeling spots in Maui and Oahu. The main attraction here is the unbelievably clear water. It was easy to see fish and coral 50 feet down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1urB3VGxiVEwZXCOmqg2LYk3_brPeeRst6-9IESsIgF5WNMm7Z-hs4iGM0GnsnezE837tWE1QXtB7yKu-Kiy8_2LzH3hzViaOV9riqLb0KGq2TmufZpVMaWiPqSdeFS9IcS8NNSW8cao/s1600/280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1urB3VGxiVEwZXCOmqg2LYk3_brPeeRst6-9IESsIgF5WNMm7Z-hs4iGM0GnsnezE837tWE1QXtB7yKu-Kiy8_2LzH3hzViaOV9riqLb0KGq2TmufZpVMaWiPqSdeFS9IcS8NNSW8cao/s400/280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clearly beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The boat also stopped at "Turtle Reef" which is a<i> turtle cleaning station </i>(where wrasses feed off the parasites that have accumulated on the turtle shells, leaving the turtles with that fresh, just showered feeling). We saw many turtles here and an unexpected spotted eagle ray. Joseph even tried the slide off the side of the boat. This is not for the faint of heart or the recently sunburned, as you hit the water hard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKDqtFaUKr3EtD_ahr4UDcgYVlWafmPuHr_d_SCiePjUWCZ4JzRA4mF_-5jEchOg67lW41sKmXXY7dlRQSit3Wq0NKeSbaYuGjktpAon8kcy_T1OxsZ3PoLUcl5JQ-v-pJ4hasZydXSgc/s400/333.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">don't <i>walk</i> the plank</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKDqtFaUKr3EtD_ahr4UDcgYVlWafmPuHr_d_SCiePjUWCZ4JzRA4mF_-5jEchOg67lW41sKmXXY7dlRQSit3Wq0NKeSbaYuGjktpAon8kcy_T1OxsZ3PoLUcl5JQ-v-pJ4hasZydXSgc/s1600/333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> On another day, Steve and I and the boys visited Haleakala (Hawaiian for "house of the rising sun"), while Nicki lived the resort life with her Siti and Jidu. The drive to Haleakala from Kaanapali takes you around the western mountain, through the vast valley and up the slope of Haleakala, a 10,023 ft peek. This ascent is completed in 38 miles, reportedly the steepest in the world for automobiles. Driving from the lush valley full of people and farms to the top of Haleakala is a lesson in contrasts, where the top is desolate and otherworldly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI-LPJ39m989MwKkEqBjoc0yphbaVmUXayChxR4iDoD-fN_NCOC4d28zIxqKVybxL2X_BzsP5nEXNij510kKc8CeOL8EnbOUiQQr6DSxuXsXK4ps34Lba_YmcLCKZTEyk1XQhfMt2Bf-V/s400/026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haleakala Landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTI-LPJ39m989MwKkEqBjoc0yphbaVmUXayChxR4iDoD-fN_NCOC4d28zIxqKVybxL2X_BzsP5nEXNij510kKc8CeOL8EnbOUiQQr6DSxuXsXK4ps34Lba_YmcLCKZTEyk1XQhfMt2Bf-V/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The view of the crater is reminiscent of pictures of Mars, and while the rare Silversword resembles our desert agave, its color is a unique blend of light green and bright grey that gives it a silver appearance, especially when reflecting the intense sun. It only grows on this mountain. I have never seen anything like it before and I feel very fortunate to have seen so many, some in bloom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqRjR9K92bNDeQeELSWMvdStKwTLJYMOXu0M4bdmILi0Cm7qIAEBtEoLWhgI2Fq3dyR_ptzF9sqopfIWHUUWwWovSNahT9vzLcpelj7wHaMLobVrOrguj36BttelpcyRShBJKqU90b4Sz/s400/075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare Silversword</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqRjR9K92bNDeQeELSWMvdStKwTLJYMOXu0M4bdmILi0Cm7qIAEBtEoLWhgI2Fq3dyR_ptzF9sqopfIWHUUWwWovSNahT9vzLcpelj7wHaMLobVrOrguj36BttelpcyRShBJKqU90b4Sz/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> If you are in Kaanapali, a great spot for nearly everyone in your party is Black Rock. It is near the Sheraton Resort, which is about a 1.5 miles walk from the Hyatt, or a painfully slow and unpredictable shuttle ride (made longer by the driver's bad jokes). Black Rock is an outcropping from the beach where there is a large reef and cove, frequented by turtles, spotted eagle rays and plenty of fish. "Volkswagen", a famously large <i>honu</i> (sea turtle), is reported to live here. While the kids loved the beach with its soft sand that made for easy building and gentle waves, Steve and I loved snorkeling the reefs, with its many coves and varied sea life. Steve and Nicki and Alex swam with a sea turtle and even saw a squid!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TAh2ZhEmWkAvFQdPuz9PgFiO77Ayq-Kwpe0b7t4j7ubN3URlhBgsN-K9ZlM5d0OJuf1bYbjBOgTp1MTeXoyzHLxDPumqd_yE4K3lu-4ZIycI5mZBAJraOyDYgURAY30hyphenhyphenrtU30qSFVN5/s1600/376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TAh2ZhEmWkAvFQdPuz9PgFiO77Ayq-Kwpe0b7t4j7ubN3URlhBgsN-K9ZlM5d0OJuf1bYbjBOgTp1MTeXoyzHLxDPumqd_yE4K3lu-4ZIycI5mZBAJraOyDYgURAY30hyphenhyphenrtU30qSFVN5/s400/376.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at Black Rock beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Steve and I took advantage of my parents' presence once again in Maui, this time to attend the wonderful Old Lahaina Luau. The setting was fantastic, a circular stage surrounded by low tables with (comfortable) mat seating. Further from the stage were regular height wooden tables and chairs. The backdrop is Lahaina Harbor, the Pacific ocean and the island of Lanai at sunset. Before dinner and the show, we enjoyed the open bar (with great Mai Tais, Lava Flows and Honey Girls), Hawaiian craft demonstrations and unearthing of the pig from the <i>imu</i>, the pit in which our feast was cooked. Dinner was lovely and our front row mat seats gave us an up close view of the fabulous performances. To introduce the Polynesian origin of early Hawaiian settlers, the show started with Tahitian <i>tamure</i>, the fast, hip shaking dance, which some people mistakenly associate with Hawaiian hula. While this is a fun and exciting dance, my favorite performance was the ancient Hawaiian <i>kahiko hula</i>, characterized by dramatic storytelling accompanied by drum and chants. To see one dancer perform this is wonderful, to see it en masse with ten dancers is spectacular and moving. Even though this was our first experience at a luau, I could tell it is one of the best.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUQ9mKQqgI-93EDYURE66K1DauhHf1VMJQy6xl9JwLFR7p7yCe0m3JqYTipgbg9910n2M6hq5w_S4NTHTMb-Dy2IOn5yX_Dc8lDY-XxVhZZQuVEDhtCmXI6GjbThcJRahPWmlHbHTHi1t/s400/095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aida at Old Lahaina Luau</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUQ9mKQqgI-93EDYURE66K1DauhHf1VMJQy6xl9JwLFR7p7yCe0m3JqYTipgbg9910n2M6hq5w_S4NTHTMb-Dy2IOn5yX_Dc8lDY-XxVhZZQuVEDhtCmXI6GjbThcJRahPWmlHbHTHi1t/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Joseph finally got his birthday present on our trip to Maui, a chance to go ziplining. We had to go back to Haleakala, since our reservation near Kaanapali was canceled twice due to bad weather on the mountain. This course was fun. The highlight was the 450 ft line which takes you down at least a hundred feet, picking up speeds of about 45 miles per hour. You are going so fast, in fact, that you cannot just stop at the end. You whiz by the final platform and the line slopes up to slow you down so you return to the platform at a reasonable rate. Eventually, after slowing down directly above the ravine, you end up high above the landing platform where you step off onto a rolling ladder to get down. If you ask me, this was the scariest part of the zipline, stepping onto a ladder, on wheels, on the side of a steep valley. Joseph and I had a great ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFHNsDxnx2HAuOjcT47qkOwGF7ymhwOKLdily8C9u8ESjl0p2U-WBaCgotnq2XbMzikpP2FzG8cHvuhiNyuzGxq1MIvr1MLUM_PXnY4LaYgscGSBpVoZ21j7dRhNHo4lZo5wxhhUlDnJD/s400/170.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph zipping</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFHNsDxnx2HAuOjcT47qkOwGF7ymhwOKLdily8C9u8ESjl0p2U-WBaCgotnq2XbMzikpP2FzG8cHvuhiNyuzGxq1MIvr1MLUM_PXnY4LaYgscGSBpVoZ21j7dRhNHo4lZo5wxhhUlDnJD/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> While we were enjoying the island the way we usually do, with sightseeing and activities, my parents (and most of the time, Nicki, too) were enjoying Maui in their own way. Like most visitors probably do, they spent their time by the pool or beach, on their ocean front balcony, making lei and eating great meals. We joined them for breakfast and dinner nearly every day. And most of our meals were wonderful, set against the backdrop of a pond with swans, or on the beach with a neighbor island in the background. We went to Lahaina to enjoy some local restaurants, as well. Lahaina, a bustling town with plenty of shops, restaurants and clubs, used to be the capital of Hawaii. It was full of tourists, just like Waikiki, but much quainter, with historical buildings, residential neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. Lahaina also boasts a famous 147-year-old banyan tree that stands over 60 feet high, has 16 major trunks in addition to a huge core and stretches over a 200-foot radius. Family outings like these provided us with the time to talk about our vacation and enjoy each others company, and of course, to eat, which we did a lot of.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at Swan's Court</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0QpWl-X2r9SQRibX6kTcY8UbBAETooEHW7Fe_LcVKwIRVkMdoPCYLncSpt0QeGB5gh1vKeBA43KpDMmWU10scU-BXYotT1z_0_K4GJPCuLyrkPbkj7ux_DgD1Bq32z7tz6FoOmcE6sTm/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Once you snorkel in the clearest blue water, it's hard to get excited about a submarine ride that offers less in the way of variety of fish or clarity of water. The Atlantis submarine, however, was terrific. They did a superb job of including the passengers in the whole sub experience, from trying to locate it underwater, to listening to the radio communication between tug and submarine as the sub emerged from the deep. The viewing was great, too. We saw many fish (although not as many as snorkeling) and several large eagle rays. The "oohs" and "ahhhs" came from seasoned snorkelers as well as those who haven't even set foot in the ocean. We also glided past a sunken ship. The damaged ship, sunk as part of a reef rebuilding project, was purchased for $1 by the Atlantis company, but cost $350,000 to prepare and sink. It was a very cool site.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex going "down the hatch" of the Atlantis submarine</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQF1-U9CsXeWlnvk7vuINr8XgV46tFu7KgWW39IeLav3OB1HOkpAiVk7niExJyrlCfpDxdEl5wWPUcoZnhczlupRTFhQH8yFhNRd-tPdw-PEshNCGlI1lJhl4FzNxusv2ErtuceGik_N/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> On our final afternoon, the whole family came together in a visit to 'Iao valley. While the western shore of Pu'u Kukui is dry and barren, the valley side is lush and verdant. The 'Iao valley is nestled next to Wailuku. As you approach the valley, it's easy to see why it is so green. The mist covers tops of peaks and many slopes. Valleys like these are the life blood of all the Hawaiian islands. It is where the fresh water is. The abundant fruit trees and taro plants provided food for the community. The <i>koa</i> and <i>kukui</i> trees provided materials for shelter and supplies. The 'Iao needle is a vertical outcrop of rock that juts up 2,250 ft in one of the many crevices of this valley to give dramatic views. It was a fitting place to end our family vacation. A time to relax, reflect, prepare for the journey home or to run around and make a lot of noise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family at 'Iao Needle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFF-_KRt3BKcC-zBb50rxDykHLGkUbovWTQKwLaQZGOzHOjjTFb4c19vqGxnODn3XPJtmZ4B4bgGY3ceyunvYhvZ2EMv7GBOXF-BAt_FmatbGduc9y3QxuA3-rJt3z9eqjU7IcaxGALkK/s1600/247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Maui is an island of contrasts. Its high peaks and deep valley greet you as you fly into the airport. It is a remote island in the middle of the pacific which feels not-so-remote due to its close neighbors. It offers upscale resorts near a quaint historic town. You can visit sites that look like they belong on a another planet or areas that sustain a community of people. You can indulge in activities, both exciting and relaxing. Even the clear water can be explored in the most personal way, by snorkeling, or scuba, or by submarine while staying dry. I think everyone in our family found something to love about Maui. Maui has something for everyone, so if you want a vacation to please every member of your party, go to Maui!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This blog is updated weekly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-2936541936185667382010-10-23T17:47:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:06:12.129-07:00Ohana My parents are visiting from Phoenix this week and it is so nice to be reminded of home in such a personal way, a visit from your family. On their visit we are trying to do things that bring us together as a family; sightseeing, playing and dining together.<br />
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They arrived just in time for Joseph's birthday, but Jospeh and Alex had previously arranged plans for the day, so the family celebration would have to wait. The boys participated in the Lacey Veach day of Exploration at the Punahou School, in celebration of Hawaii's own astronaut who flew in the Space Shuttle. He died of cancer in 1995, but his family continues his great work bringing science to the children of the islands by providing this activity each year. It was apparent that the whole community missed him terribly and sought to honor him by spreading his passion for science to the next generation. Joseph and Alex had a great time learning about the ocean and electricity while participatingin fun hands-on events (ANLCers, sound familiar?). Our family was able to come together for dinner for Joseph's birthday when we dined at the Oceanarium, which has a two-story aquarium inside. As a special treat, we had a diver dive into the aquarium and hold a sign wishing Joseph a happy birthday.<br />
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A visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see here in Oahu, not only to pay respect to those that died on December 7, 1941, but also to experience the history of this place and the history of the United States of America. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>When Pearl Harbor was attacked, the nation came together and joined a war that needed to be fought. The US entrance into the WWII changed everything, in the world and back home. Experiencing the power of this place with your family is especially moving. Sharing it with several generations who experience it through the prism of their own lives (some long and some not long yet) makes it even more meaningful.<br />
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Another great family destination on Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. I was a little leary of visiting a Polynesian "theme" park, beacuse I know that cultural accuracy is often sacrificed in the name of entertainment. This was not the case at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The performances and activities were authentic and enjoyable. We learned a lot of about the Polynesian cultures from Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Hawaii, Fiji, the Marquesas and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in this park, which had different "islands" devoted to each culture.<br />
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In "Samoa" we wove fish out of coconut tree leaves and learned the importance of the coconut tree in family life. Samoans use every part of this staple plant. In "Hawaii", we learned the art of ancient hula, a dance meant for storytelling, and its evolution into what it is today. We all also learned to play the ukulele.<br />
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In "Tahiti", we learned about the French Polynesian islands and their signature fast moving hip shaking dance, the tamure . The highlight was certainly when Steve was brought up on stage to participate in a dance off. Check out Steve's dancing at <a href="http://www.aidaspics.phanfare.com/4872345">http://www.aidaspics.phanfare.com/4872345</a> His performance starts at about 3 minutes in but the others are fun to watch as well. In "Tonga", we met the "friendly people" and learned about the drumming that is used for both entertainment and communication. In Tonga we also tried spear throwing.<br />
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Ha, The Breath of Life, the large-scale nightly production at the Polynesian Cultural Center, told the story of a boy who travels through the Polynesian islands experiencing rites of passage along the way. At each stage (ex: first birthday, marriage, death in the family), he participated the traditional family rituals through music and dance. In an hour and a half we saw the circle of life through many of the Polynesian cultures.<br />
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One night, Steve and I took advantage of our regular babysitters' visit and went out by ourselves while Siti and Jidu watched the kids, a treat for us and for the kids and the grandparents (or so I'm told). We saw the Magic of Polynesia starring John Hirokawa. This was a wonderful show full of showmanship, dancing, some comedy, and of course, illusions. My favorite trick, pardon me, illusion, was when John Hirokawa made a helicopter (the state bird of Hawaii) appear out of thin air. For his last illusion, Hirokawa related the story of how his son, growing up in Hawaii, always wondered what snow was like. He then made it snow for us, just like he did for his son, years ago. It was a spectacular scene in the venue with snow produced first from a ball of wet paper in his hands and then throughout the whole auditorium. Even though this wasn't the most impressive illusion, it did fill the audience with the wonder that his son must have felt the first time he saw it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family. Family is a very important part of the culture here. It is not only about your relatives but also your community. This week was all about ohana in many different ways. Primarily, we experienced the joy of being with our relatives, especially for Joseph's birthday. The boys participated in a recent Oahu tradition that is steeped deeply in the community; the education of a generation and the memory of a Hawaiian hero. We also exerienced the comraderie of a nation brought together by a war that still resonates. At the PCC, we witnessed the spirit of many tribal people who strive to keep their culture alive one family at a time. We even had a glimpse of ohana at the magic show where the last illusion was a tribute to a son who asked his Dad a question. Ohana is much more than just relatives---it is family, community, comraderie and respect. We experienced all of this in Oahu this week. No wonder Oahu is called the gathering place.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This blog is updated weekly</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-42581457290095357122010-10-16T19:18:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:06:41.441-07:00Flying By We went flying, quite literally, this week. We all went parasailing off the coast of Honolulu, even the little ones. We went in threes. First, Steve, Nicki and I were harnessed and attached to a parachute at the back of a speed boat. Once we were secure, they let 'er rip and we were suddenly lifted up into the sky on a 700ft line, an exhilarating and fun feeling. It felt like I was a kite taking off and then coasting through the air. We were at the mercy of the gentle trade winds, pushing us around in a most pleasant way. With the magnificent view and noticeable quiet, I did not want this 10 minute ride to end. As they retracted our line for the return, we were dunked in the ocean. This was a pleasant surprise right before we landed safely on the boat. As Joseph, Alex and Steve (yes, Steve again) lifted off, I could see in their faces, what I felt on my turn......pure joy and surprise mixed with a little uneasiness, but so much anticipation for the rest of the ride.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just taking off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6gMO0cVpwm9pOkGBfRgeWarmOv6svfR52QnMlcYkGgy9jhcK-5cP2zVKRDQ1Pux40Qz3IM0qZY4gBcpYu_Vv8VWekMUhwDaU90QUEIeXbZaIiGACgon77J-PrpAmxYfB5T6KHGDIQUeA/s1600/0013557-R1-008-2A_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Our whole trip so far has been a lot like my parasailing experience. It all took off with a flurry of activity as I planned many activities each week. Even the thought of homeschooling motivated and excited me back then. Now, in the middle of our journey, we coast.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> We are used to our surroundings and truly settled in to a sort of routine: Monday Joseph-Archery; Wednesday Alex and Nicki - Ceramics; Thursday Nicki-Hula, Alex-Science, Saturday - Laundry and blogs; and home learning nearly every morning. We choose vacation-like activities based on whims and which way the wind blows (literally, since the wind affects the weather and surf so drastically, especially in the winter). But, with the unavoidable end looming in the future, the wind is kicking up and blowing me (and my thoughts) in a new direction, toward home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2owW06aA5wBKGAfqL_HiT5Xpz57d9YK0DL-0of9v0k96zFCClyQyPJXc7pbzHz-YmBxUlRNW8RsZt7EJLyu7p9j85KwTucEkIGfQlNIc4CZWc2I9dJHaiFn3TKOBT_oClaVJ_Hp-4FWRm/s400/012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view while flying</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2owW06aA5wBKGAfqL_HiT5Xpz57d9YK0DL-0of9v0k96zFCClyQyPJXc7pbzHz-YmBxUlRNW8RsZt7EJLyu7p9j85KwTucEkIGfQlNIc4CZWc2I9dJHaiFn3TKOBT_oClaVJ_Hp-4FWRm/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> This realization makes me wonder if I am ready to give up this lifestyle, yet. My day to day pace here is slow and steady. My commitments are few and my responsibilities are only to my family. I'm not flying all over the place to get things done, I am not really contributing to the community or any particular cause. I don't even watch the news. I have no interest in sustaining this upon my return. After all, I don't want to coast along the rest of my life in a bubble, with the world flying by, but for now, it suits me just fine and I am not ready for it to end.<br />
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Like so many journeys, the return always seems faster. Even with so much time left on our adventure, I feel as though I've already started my way back home and I hope it doesn't fly by. We have accomplished so much, but there is still so much more to do. If we continue how we started, eager to make the most of our circumstance, the end of our journey can be as exciting and fulfilling as the beginning. No doubt, we are in for a few surprises along the rest of the way. With a visit from my parents and a trip to Maui during the next couple of weeks, we are sure to get dunked in the ocean before we head back home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last surprise before the end</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This bog is updated weekly</span> </div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-35271414808195741942010-10-09T21:18:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:07:13.902-07:00Just the Two of Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yes, we've been working out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"> It really hit me while Steve and I were driving back to our apartment. I was singing </span><span style="font-size: small;">along to <i>More Than a Woman</i> by the Bee Gees when I realized we were actually alone. The combination of the lack of bickering, the sound of actual music (which replaced our typical children's audio book on the stereo) and the view of Diamond Head triggered a most welcome relaxed, vacationy feel. We were returning from a great snorkeling trip to Kahe Point Beach Park (nicknamed Electric Beach) while the kids were in camp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> This week marked the first time since we have arrived in Hawaii that Steve and I got to spend time alone. It was fall intersession here, a break from school which allows families to spend </span>quality time together. Luckily there's another option, with a number of camps offered during these breaks. It was the perfect opportunity for our family to spend just a little time apart. I signed the kids up for 3 days of camp: a science camp at the Bishop museum, a "Hawaiiana" camp at the YWCA, and a magic camp at a local elementary school. While they were having fun and maybe even learning something, Steve and I got to have a little "vacation" for ourselves.<br />
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As our children made poi and learned some more Hawaiian words, Steve and I went snorkeling at Electric Beach, which is across the street from an electrical power plant. Aside from the obvious aesthetic value of having a beach near an electrical facility, this is a great place to snorkel. As in most electrical plants, water is used to cool down the generating equipment. This clean water becomes<br />
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<a name='more'></a>hot and flows through large pipes into the ocean a few hundred yards off the coast of Kahe Point Beach. The result is a warm(er) water oasis for fish and dolphins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the jacuzzi-like swirls in the water to the left of the boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp9M05udcp9r78ijAwOEkmmUiXJZ5GA9FuciIEKg4hf5EGLV9DIW8__EFyGW7TTJxrnudo368pqBa2y8_VRp0RkYN2kwHog4XI6m1FXTxkPoLcJGyfI5exH2e8yeHmEfFjzGOhayu8hWy/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The fish, especially juveniles, love the warmer water, and the pipe provides a convenient structure for the growth of coral. This was an ideal setting for a snorkel sans kids. The swim out to the swirling hot water is a long one and the current is particularly strong. The current forces you east surprisingly fast if you happen to take a little break, perhaps to turn on your new underwater digital camera to capture a school of fish. This location is known for clear water<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and a large variety of fish and even dolphins. We saw plenty of Hinalea'i'iwi, Mamo, Lauwiliwilinukunuku'oi'oi, the standard Lauwiliwili, O'opu Hue, Kala, and of course, Humuhumunukunukuapoa'a. While we didn't venture directly in front of the pipe, I did get a chance to experience the warmth of the water in this section of the ocean. The strenuous swim due to the distance, current and negotiating of several large breaks, left me tired, but relaxed and happy at the same time. This is a feeling I have been lucky enough to experience many times here in Hawaii, especially after wonderful new experiences. </div><br />
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On another camp day, we took the time to explore downtown Honolulu, particularly, 'Iolani Palace, which is the only royal residence on U.S. soil. It was the home of King David Kalakaua, his wife Queen Kapi'olani, and his sister and future Queen, Lili'uokalani. The palace is beautiful and, as with any fancy home, a perfect place to visit without children. The palace itself was gorgeous, and our guide's stories provided us with a Hawaiian history lesson. A tale of a kingdom of islands united by King Kamehameha I in 1810, which ended in the arrest of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1895, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, and subsequent annexation by the U.S. in 1898. The restoration of the palace, which began in 1970, continues to this day with an effort to reclaim furniture and artifacts which were sold at auction after the overthrow of the monarchy. <br />
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After a lovely lunch at Cafe Laniakea which is in the historic YWCA (yes, the YWCA - a gorgeous 1927 architectural treasure), we listened to the Royal Hawaiian band on the grounds of 'Iolani Palace in front of the Coronation Pavilion, and we visited other historic sites such as the Justice building and Aloha Tower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justice building and Statue of King Kamehameha I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOMn5xHHEkPsrbrZOv2DCQo0o3CPKD1C1o3ikMvh-xfSwMpxaOoDycZmajv4lRrxMDF9osmyqkRfl4f4htF0NJ8l-jRYK6EaNq9f3A2ddQBA32IbaAjPZUDukGEWwZEx-SDoJf0kqtP_8/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> This week was a nice break from our normal family togetherness timed perfectly in the middle of our four month stay. It was a chance for Steve and me to experience a "vacation" of sorts, because even when you are on vacation with your family, you never really get a break. Parents are always on duty, planning family-oriented activities, packing snacks, and mediating fights. For a few hours this week, we had the luxury of spending time together without all the work. Likewise, the kids had a break from their parents, a chance to do fun things with kids their own ages. Plus, they were spared the embarrassment of listening to their mom sing along to the Bee Gees.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This blog is updated weekly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-27669335130021519092010-10-02T20:49:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:07:43.779-07:00La Hanau Season This week marked the beginning of what I call <i>Birthday Season</i>. It's the time of year in which we celebrate all three kids' birthdays. Alex's and Nicki's were this week and Joseph's is coming up. We didn't exactly plan to have all three kids at the start of fall three years apart like clockwork, but I love the way it worked out. After the excitement of summer and start of school, it's great to kick off the national holiday season with our very own <i>Birthday Season</i>, just as the weather in Phoenix starts to cool down. For me, <i>Birthday Season</i> is better than Mother's Day, because each birthday represents the anniversary of the days I became a mother for the first, second and third times. Each of those days was special and beautiful. Looking back, I want to relive every aspect of having my children. I wish I could go back and hold their tiny (well, not so tiny at 9, 9.3 and 10lbs) little bodies in my arms. I wish I could take back all the times I'd wished they'd hurry up and grow out of a certain unpleasant phase of their life. Now, I sometimes wish they would just stop growing. I really didn't like the newborn phase with all the crying and lack of sleep, but I sometimes envy the clarity I had when my children were infants. It's a time when everything is put into perspective by the fact that your sole purpose is to take care of this little creature for a while. Almost nothing else matters at this stage and outside pressures and influences often get their proper due, and are ignored. <i>Birthday Season</i> is a time for me to reflect and celebrate my children's, and my own, growth.<br />
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This year, our birthday celebrations will have to do without some of the normal trappings of a birthday at home. There is no big birthday sign which is usually left on the wall for months. I won't be making any elaborately decorated cakes or cupcakes. While I really do enjoy the baking, I'm relieved that there's no need to triple bake for each birthday, once for the birthday itself on the actual date, once for the school celebration and once for the party which is often held on the weekend after. Alex didn't even want cake this year. We went out for Shave Ice instead and sang "Happy Birthday" in the Waiola General store while it poured outside. And for Nicki's birthday, we made a simple cake and orange Jell-O. <br />
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This year, there weren't any nicely wrapped presents meant to surprise the kids, either. We've<br />
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<a name='more'></a> simplified present buying this year. For instance, our major present to Nicki was allowing her to have a "Dolphin Encounter" at Sea Life Park. She went with her Daddy and got to meet Miki'oi, a blind Bottlenose Dolphin, who did the Hula on Nicki's command and gave her a kiss. <br />
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All we have to lug home of this birthday gift is a set of pictures. All Alex wanted was to play glow-in-the-dark 3-D mini-golf. Luckily, there's such a place within walking distance. Joseph will be treated to Parasailing and Ziplining when it's finally his chance to celebrate.<br />
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The kids did get toys as well, but there was no wrapping paper and no surprises. Our generous relatives sent money so that each child could go on a shopping spree. I don't think I would have fully embraced this idea at home, since I love to see the look on their faces as they unwrap surprise gifts. But, I'm beginning to think that surprise gifts are overrated. My kids know exactly what they want and, in the event that they are surprised, it most likely means they didn't get what they had hoped for. Shopping for their own presents made them very happy. <br />
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It is the celebrating with others that I miss the most. While I offer each child a party every year, Alex always prefers a low-key celebration with just the family. For several years now, he has just wanted to take a cake to the train park and eat and play. While I secretly wish he would want a party, I must admit, this is a very nice way to celebrate his birthday. Nicki, on the other hand, always takes me up on my offer to have a big party. It has become an annual event that we've started to plan during the summer when there is nothing else to do. The boys have gotten involved in the planning as well, chipping in with ideas and their artistic talents for decorations. Last year, they were actors as well, as we put on a play (The Missing Princess) for our friends. This year, there was no planning, no party, no play. Nicki seems fine with it but I am disappointed. While some people find this type of event not worth the trouble, I love it and I actually miss all work that goes into such a project.<br />
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With no pressure to have great parties and cakes and surprises this year, I had more time to just be with our kids. Time to reflect on how much they have grown and what the experience of living in Hawaii has meant to them. Alex, now 9, has grown up so much. While the (loud) little boy who can't accept change still shows his face once in a while, for the most part, he is willing to try new things. He is embracing our new, temporary lifestyle. He sleeps on the floor on a little bed made of sofa cushions without much complaint. He does his school work without much coaxing and does it well. He participates in local activities like the park's ceramics and science classes, lei making, palm weaving and he even took a little hula lesson at Waimea Valley Park this week. He has grown a fondness for water, bodysurfing at the beach, snorkeling , and even swimming in the chilly Waimea Falls' 40ft deep pool. He has certainly grown a lot in the past year, but more especially in the last month and a half.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex (and Nicki and me) doing Hula</td></tr>
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Although I still call Nicki my baby (and I don't think I will ever stop), she is no longer a baby. She is a wonderful girl who lights up any room she walks into with her genuine smile and affection for the people in it. In Hawaii, she has been the first to make friends and play with other kids at the park. She takes on the role as little hostess wherever we go, by greeting people with "aloha" as they enter the elevator, make it to the end of a hike, or come into the library. She has a special affinity for the Hawaiian fashion, wearing lovely floral print dresses, flower hair clips and no shoes. She picks beautiful flowers (that fall to the ground) everywhere we go and makes little bouquets to give to strangers. This certainly brightens their day and mine (and Nicki's). I hope, since she is only six, she will remember this time in her life and the special adventures she was able to take.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicki at the Aloha Festival's Floral Parade</td></tr>
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As he turns 12 this year, Joseph is embracing life in Hawaii in his own way, as an educational experience. Always so curious, especially about nature, Joseph is relishing his opportunities to learn about plants and animals, the formation of the islands, the language and culture, usually from a safe distance. It always amazes me that he can identify a bird with its full biological classification by seeing it once for a few seconds. Often with his binoculars and reference card, he hikes through valleys and along cliffs like an expert, always wanting to go further and faster until he can stop to observe something special like an insect, a plant, or a bird. He still quizzes us on animals, like he has done for years, and most often we come up a little short. But he is teaching us so much. There is a lot for him to learn here in Hawaii, and it is not just about nature. <br />
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With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, I think our <i>Birthday Season</i> experience is preparing me for the mayhem that is to come. With stores putting out holiday merchandise last month, it is easy to forget that Halloween isn't just about having the best candy or costume on the block, Thanksgiving is not just about having the "perfect meal" and Christmas is not just about decorating and buying presents. At the heart of all of these holidays is the gathering together of people, (friends, relatives and neighbors), enjoying each others company through simple exchanges of candy, food and gifts. Likewise, Birthdays are not just about the cake and the presents, they are about growing up, which cannot be stopped or wished away. I will never abandon all the trappings of holiday celebrations. I will certainly continue to plan for occasions, bake, wrap presents and throw parties, but I will look upon them with a better perspective and ignore the outside influences that are unimportant, focusing rather, on living in the moment and sharing my joy with others. That's the best way to celebrate any holiday, especially the anniversary of the birth of your children.<br />
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Happy Birthday Alex!<br />
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Happy Birthday Nicki!<br />
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Happy Birthday Joseph!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_G-ri5gVmLqSk5-hozM3GP8f5bNA4lkFUAmnxZu5iApMdRlmgqPYbTd7_Ok6kVEReZ9K3n-FBXQytHOnHxb0WVdSuvzTzZfswaMRFHP5fIJ7zGWD9fBobjdriPDZmoBFqCbVFa9svDBG/s1600/0011887-R1-006-1A_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_G-ri5gVmLqSk5-hozM3GP8f5bNA4lkFUAmnxZu5iApMdRlmgqPYbTd7_Ok6kVEReZ9K3n-FBXQytHOnHxb0WVdSuvzTzZfswaMRFHP5fIJ7zGWD9fBobjdriPDZmoBFqCbVFa9svDBG/s320/0011887-R1-006-1A_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my babies at Hanauma Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-86623642485146254612010-09-26T22:50:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:08:16.261-07:00Vacation Pictures<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br />
Ever since Steve and I returned from our trip to Kauai 3 years ago, I had been wanting to show the kids this island, the most beautiful place on Earth. I would picture my favorite beach, Tunnels, on the north shore. While I was snorkeling in the water there last time, I couldn't decide what to look at: the plentiful fish, the beautiful mountains, or the expansive ocean. I wanted to take them on a catamaran ride along the Na Pali coast to see the verdant cliffs and sea caves. And I wanted to try some new things that I'd seen in tour books and brochures, like hiking in Waimea Canyon, going to Ke'e beach, kayaking, visiting a botanical garden, horseback riding or mountain tubing. I got the chance to show my family all Kauai had to offer this week as we took a little "vacation" to the Garden Isle.<br />
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I planned a picture-perfect vacation. This time, I really wanted to stay on the north shore, before October when the winter swells render many north shore beaches almost unswimmable. This trip was also the first time in a long while that we took a vacation that was not part of a work-related trip. Since most of our vacations are trips of opportunity, piggybacked on one of Steve's many conferences, we are not usually responsible for the destination or even the hotel (but, fortunately, not all the cost, either). This vacation to Kauai, however, was completely my vision. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBOwYjcVxaYl_60OgE13W1QKDbQflKy8wyT0pBraY6cM7inlBRMArbumROTzJX39DXzkaGnM74yTHBpkyGerzTO85oW0rnRQPyxCgI5czrokPWA8ZDVzmsEwe2pyrP61NJX3D8HhR8AmI/s320/008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalalau Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBOwYjcVxaYl_60OgE13W1QKDbQflKy8wyT0pBraY6cM7inlBRMArbumROTzJX39DXzkaGnM74yTHBpkyGerzTO85oW0rnRQPyxCgI5czrokPWA8ZDVzmsEwe2pyrP61NJX3D8HhR8AmI/s1600/008.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> We encountered many disappointments as we embarked on this trip. Our boat tour had been postponed due to weather and cancellation was a possibility. The kids were especially annoying and cranky. And it was raining when we arrived.<br />
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As planned, we drove straight to Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon after we landed. Rain is not a big deterrent on Kauai. After all, Kauai is home to the world's rainiest spot, Mt. Wai'ale'ale, but it did make it difficult to get a good view from the Na Pali coast overlooks. The mist and rain were sporadic, so while sometimes you could see to the ocean, most often visibility was limited to a few feet. Luckily, for a few minutes, the fog dissipated and we saw a beautiful rainbow deep in the Kalalau Valley below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd2H-Pr_NyktN5io3jIkbJYwquwaZoY9d9HPAqKJxKe-l2v32P35-iEEGegA6uY_qnIibVkCIjglrwwcZgQsxAm8HGKE9NBN7-rOqEnxptMfiOJ3TImwK05Cg069TzKGtkEf_pRDx5a1N/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd2H-Pr_NyktN5io3jIkbJYwquwaZoY9d9HPAqKJxKe-l2v32P35-iEEGegA6uY_qnIibVkCIjglrwwcZgQsxAm8HGKE9NBN7-rOqEnxptMfiOJ3TImwK05Cg069TzKGtkEf_pRDx5a1N/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The rain also put a damper on our plans to do a rim hike in the Waimea Canyon, which would have been slippery and dangerous. Waimea Canyon is one of the gems on this small (550 square miles) island. Although it's not as grand as the Grand Canyon, its beauty rivals our Arizona treasure. As we headed out of the park and down to a lower elevation, the rain subsided. We happened upon a great little hike, the Iliau Nature Loop and the start of the Kukui trail, which had terrific views of the canyon, nice examples of Kauai vegetation (with labeled signs), and nice rocks to climb. Most importantly, it gave us the opportunity to stretch our legs and goof around for more than a few minutes. It was a much needed break for all of us after a couple of hours in a compact car. <br />
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That night, even after settling into the beautiful Hanalei Colony Resort, taking a solitary (recall the compact car and three children) sunset stroll, and enjoying the pool and hot tub, I couldn't help but feel disappointed in our vacation. Things were not going according to plan. <br />
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Since our catamaran tour had been postponed, we woke up the next morning with no plans. This is a new concept for me. The weather was beautiful, but the surf was dangerous. Snorkeling on the north shore, including my favorite spot, Tunnels, was out of the question; and none of us wanted to get back in the car for a road trip to the south shore of the island where the surf was calm. After a semi-slow morning, we decided to go to Ke'e beach, the trailhead for the 11 mile Kalalau (Na Pali) trail. We hiked the first half mile, which was rocky but not difficult, and which quickly rewarded us with surprising views for our effort.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Na Pali coast from the Kalalau trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UmjAz3pikR6IGt5gvb_NNEmfCT_YWjQibQxjRfUu7WWJNIT6oztmKNxizNAEI3FjnGS1Vt7D9p8Q44IB6apO0NnCT3TF65DFZpnBpx7L9-WIGBBjlGb4uSaKHt_nuUtI9GMj8EExbh9h/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErTJdfvZOQKiOB1dg2HenBapVx-U5pYlKIizPWy4x6HZ4RR00FxRImXI0jdOULX2F-Qz3f_vjKTiPFr9YEs1dnH-0vf2Afl2KzFVPjsA1jo5L4lJu3BNEHivgi91nzQU9s5Xj53q7BHrC/s400/085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex and Nicki with their prized walking sticks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErTJdfvZOQKiOB1dg2HenBapVx-U5pYlKIizPWy4x6HZ4RR00FxRImXI0jdOULX2F-Qz3f_vjKTiPFr9YEs1dnH-0vf2Afl2KzFVPjsA1jo5L4lJu3BNEHivgi91nzQU9s5Xj53q7BHrC/s1600/085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> The rest of the day brought more unexpected fun as we decided to take an afternoon kayaking trip. Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers. With at least 3 major rivers and so many companies offering tours specifically designed for novices (like us), the choices for kayaking were overwhelming. I finally had just given up trying to plan this activity. It's a good thing I did, because we ended up renting kayaks right on the beautiful Hanalei river and taking a <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNikrbPfvOgISTp5oAtIKSwscIk6CcFhv_PaT3xF9cxjg3UMZkoPcVubl1vwsgKYbBamIvLI7HrBgfVFGxZr3OawgKUhmQCOrzjdAkwNYQwLVTh8_qzA74U7BqdNZXBDgbFX1pbDu7J4a/s400/0011887-R1-034-15A_017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanalei river from kayak</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNikrbPfvOgISTp5oAtIKSwscIk6CcFhv_PaT3xF9cxjg3UMZkoPcVubl1vwsgKYbBamIvLI7HrBgfVFGxZr3OawgKUhmQCOrzjdAkwNYQwLVTh8_qzA74U7BqdNZXBDgbFX1pbDu7J4a/s1600/0011887-R1-034-15A_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>self-guided five mile round-trip paddle up the river and down to the bay. Nicki was "captain" of the kayak she shared with Steve and Joseph, barking orders and demanding "full speed ahead!". We stopped to swim in the river, a highlight for <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbvy21FuQFrySBpA9tYUskDN_lsBUl8Gb4d0sXaCgcYB59UBtdc675PiS4FC1ypb-tcnT4tC0h-sGLEWmQ9CENkZN3IUsv-bVw-8DbfXSP2kdoSjpCzlpLBCHdVoOIIKBw8DzJYd2RAve/s400/0011887-R1-020-8A_010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Joseph, and Captain Nicki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>the kids. This strenuous activity had earned us a treat, Lappert's Ice Cream (yum yum), back in town. A sunset stroll along the beach and dip in the pool and the hot tub topped off a most fun, mostly relaxing, and totally unplanned day!<br />
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The next day brought another surprisingly fun day. A trip to the Kilauea Point Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge brought us spectacular views of the windward coast <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtvu0AGgRaosiEgJBgv2i0cnCPhxNm-0_7VSBA4JaFZ-UxZVibsPCZDF3YJoKdyQ5GMwq2P4NRltZDQuSQGVD_YVQwykkfRY_-Phhe1kUwKeiXpL-HJoGCXzD6PisnnmHEwOtcG5ECSf8/s400/119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Kilauea Point Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtvu0AGgRaosiEgJBgv2i0cnCPhxNm-0_7VSBA4JaFZ-UxZVibsPCZDF3YJoKdyQ5GMwq2P4NRltZDQuSQGVD_YVQwykkfRY_-Phhe1kUwKeiXpL-HJoGCXzD6PisnnmHEwOtcG5ECSf8/s1600/119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>and numerous bird sightings, including the Nene (Hawaiian Goose), Red-Footed Booby, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Albatrosses. We took the opportunity for some "vacation" learning, as the kids became Junior Rangers once again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfw03qrlgvjmIH6_jgKCcPZchnx95B_56w29nj1XgOIDd1c5ow25aRXpsbrHIN7QLFqzA9-95ufTaRJNSLnPbfzjkw9emDTBnOFoEuQpmd_o6JWN7vQgwEoalaGnL1n3zzbe_xQl2DQTD/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfw03qrlgvjmIH6_jgKCcPZchnx95B_56w29nj1XgOIDd1c5ow25aRXpsbrHIN7QLFqzA9-95ufTaRJNSLnPbfzjkw9emDTBnOFoEuQpmd_o6JWN7vQgwEoalaGnL1n3zzbe_xQl2DQTD/s320/121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since the weather was good (and hot), we stopped at Anini beach where the surf was manageable but the snorkeling was sub-par, due to the previous days' swells. We had fun on the beach, though, while Joseph watched chickens at a safe distance from the sand.<br />
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That afternoon, although we considered going to a botanical garden, we decided to stay at the condo and play games instead (oh, did I mention, there was no TV at the resort?). As if the weather were waiting for us to make plans, it started raining the minute we took out Connect Four.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The last time I was in Kauai, I took a boat ride along the Na Pali coast that was so beautiful that I desperately wanted to show Steve (who was busy at his conference) and the kids (who were back in Phoenix). I got my chance the last day of our trip. The catamaran ride was rescheduled for the last morning of our trip. It was fantastic!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7EscGfvBHXlF3fkVUC6o8lcco9H7Ple7Z7YYuhdJ65EuaHfBfW-u0FjBVabuYBBpwZmJwDk04Q98Vprk8oiGyMDoT-eG4XsdxJvqxCFFEQl9RpIFELLMo9rjDj818mAAVgUQAlGMkqaY/s400/145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just some of Na Pali</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7EscGfvBHXlF3fkVUC6o8lcco9H7Ple7Z7YYuhdJ65EuaHfBfW-u0FjBVabuYBBpwZmJwDk04Q98Vprk8oiGyMDoT-eG4XsdxJvqxCFFEQl9RpIFELLMo9rjDj818mAAVgUQAlGMkqaY/s1600/145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The scenery was fabulous, and the small size of the boat made it possible to explore some sea caves. Alex's favorite part was the bumpy ride, which I handled just fine with the help of dramamine. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhyphenhyphenl-5vif_uzqDJ625KxPyWr-AJu-v3Vt80PXhL0n_u-cVTJLdt7DuI7BaVeJkwojpVb4rQBtO2CPPbqDszWhHRhot8p3f4jjS4pT2VTghs4F3wFxbkNFtteAee8BckUkJ_wRIpJoEG6A/s1600/136+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
As our vacation came to a close, Steve and I were overcome with exhaustion. For our last hours on Kauai, we took the kids to Lydgate Park's Kamalani playground and while they played, we rested. This was a good time for me to review our vacation. I pulled out my camera, as I often do, not to take pictures, but to <i>look </i>at pictures. This is one of my favorite activities: looking at pictures I've recently taken (sometimes only minutes before), cropping them sometimes, and going through them over and over.<br />
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Pictures are like the edited version of a trip. When I look at them, I forget the stress of planning the family vacation, of rescheduling activities and events, and driving with children in small cars. What I remember are the moments of joy and of beauty that we've been fortunate enough to experience. The images on my cameras also replace the preconceived notions and visions I may have had for a trip. Instead of scenes I replayed in my mind from the last trip, or pictures from so many Kauai brochures, I have images of a happy family on a beautiful island. This vacation didn't meet <i>all</i> of my expectations... but it was fabulous! And I have the pictures to prove it. <br />
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For more pictures, go to <a href="http://www.aidaspics.phanfare.com/">www.aidaspics.phanfare.com</a><br />
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Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-75604941752072972792010-09-18T20:52:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:09:00.838-07:00The Charm of the City Living in Hawaii has reminded us that the city can sometimes be hectic. There is so much going on, all the time, it's easy to overlook the wonderful scenes unfolding all around you. On our walk to the Waikiki Community Center, we almost missed our opportunity to help a lady, a neighbor, who was stuck on her balcony on the 15th floor. She couldn't get back into her apartment and didn't have a phone to call for help. We wouldn't have noticed her had it not been for the elderly man on the sidewalk who was looking up the side of the building. It is a well-known fact of rubbernecking, that if someone is looking up at something, passersby will immediately follow suit and look up, even if there is nothing to look at. Even though he didn't seem to understand her predicament or how to help, this stranger's simple act of looking up in the middle of a busy sidewalk, called enough attention to her situation that help soon arrived. That's where I came in. I managed to speak (or yell) to the stranded lady during the 60 second breaks in the noisy traffic on Ala Wai Boulevard. I got her apartment number, and we decided on the best plan of action. I called the building manager and checked on her to make sure she was OK. She was so appreciative, but I assured her that it was "no big whoop". After all, we live in a city. Someone was bound to help eventually.<br />
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This scene reminded me of growing up in Brooklyn. We were constantly talking, or rather, <i>yelling</i>, from our apartment down to the street. In fact, we would often toss items down to our family members or friends from our 6th floor window. If the ice cream truck stopped at the park down the block, there was always someone running to the building to "call" their mom so that they could "send" down some money. This was before cell phones.<br />
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There's a lot about Honolulu that reminds me of Brooklyn.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> Take the parks, for instance. There are many small urban parks in our neighborhood. Each has a playground, patch of grass and a rundown building -- a rec center, where they hold classes, do arts and crafts, and play games. After your hasty first impression, you soon realize that this is the heart of the community for the kids. My first job ever was a playground assistant at our rundown rec center down the street. It was my job to play with the kids and organize games for them. At Paki park, here in Honolulu, Miss Jess is much more than a playground assistant. She leads most of the weekly classes that are offered, including Ceramics, Hula and Science. Nicki's signed up for all these classes, Alex signed up for two. <br />
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There is so much "hustle" on the streets here, another reminder of my days in NYC. People are getting from one place to another on their feet. This is not only true in the toursity areas, but the residential neighborhoods as well. People walk to the store, the park, the library, the restaurants, to get shave ice, just like we did in Brooklyn (but we got Italian ice). I love my car and have always loved the freedom that comes with being able to pick up and drive wherever you want. But there is also a freedom that comes with being able to get around without a car. I try to nurture this freedom wherever I've lived by sometimes abandoning my car and getting around on my own two feet. We have had some success in Phoenix. We often walk to Safeway and the library, and take the light rail when we can. We picked our neighborhood because we could walk to the park! This freedom is a priority for me even in the most car-essential places. <br />
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Diversity is a hallmark common to all major US cities, though each has its own special brand. New York is melting pot, truly, but each neighborhood has its own ethnic identity, the ethnic group that you most associate with a city or a neighborhood. Seriously, there is a street in our old neighborhood in which practically every family is Greek. My old apartment building, it turns out, is the place to live if you are a Russian immigrant. A short walk will reveal Honolulu's ethnic identity as Asian, a unique blend of Japanese, Filipino and Polynesian peoples. Naturally, there are many Asian tourists here due to Hawaii's location, but my impression is that the majority of the locals here are Asian, too. It's probably different in the suburbs or outside the city, but here in Waikiki, we look less like natives and more like every other American mainland tourist. I think there is value in experiencing "minority" status. Not to say that anyone has been rude to us or denied us any service because of our ethnicity, but I think it's good to notice that not everyone looks like you, and it's OK. Nicki noticed this in her hula class. It made her a little uncomfortable at first, but she'll get used to it. She'll appreciate it, the same way I appreciate my experience at Brooklyn Tech High school which was predominantly African-American and Asian. <br />
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The noise is another telltale sign of city living. Right outside our window, Ala Wai Blvd and Kapahulu Rd are constantly zooming with cars and mopeds, sirens blare at all hours of the day, the driving range across the street provides a constant backdrop of clanks and smacks, and even 20 stories up you can sometimes hear people partying or arguing on the street. Add to that the occasional bird and wind and you have a Honolulu chorus of white noise that makes for wonderful night's sleep. I've always been one of those people who find the quiet disturbing. I don't have to worry about that here.<br />
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Living with a lot of people in a cramped space is difficult. As a family in a small apartment, we certainly can't get away from each other. There is no privacy, no space. You cannot avoid what someone is saying or watching or listening to. As a person in the city, you are never alone, not in the elevator, on the street, at a park. Luckily, you are not even alone when you are trapped on you balcony 15 stories up. I'm glad I grew up in a city and I 'm glad my children have a chance to experience it for a few months. I want them to know what I know. That the most charming thing about living in the city is the people. Whether you like them or not, or even know their name. Whether they're family, friends or strangers. Even when you want to be alone or want to party on the street. Living in a city is a clear reminder that you are constantly sharing a space with others. Which is something that's true no matter how big your space is, but is easy to forget elsewhere. And I find this truly comforting. I guess you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. Even in Hawaii.Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3783888317586609638.post-82383495688723870152010-09-12T13:51:00.000-07:002011-05-30T09:09:35.261-07:00Go Fish The first week we were here, Steve bought a game for all of us to play on the occasions when we didn't have something exciting planned and we were cooped up in the small apartment. It's called Go Fish! Hawaii. Yes, it's just Go Fish, a game you can play with any deck of cards, but each card has a lovely drawing of a Hawaiian fish along with its Hawaiian name and a description. Very educational ;) and it has been worth the hefty price of $8 for the deck. We play often because it is (mostly) fun to play games with your kids and this game has the right balance of luck, strategy and memory we look for when playing with an almost 6 year old. What's most enjoyable, though, are the fish names, themselves. The joy in our voices is apparent as we ask, "Nicki, do you have any Humuhumunukunukuapuaa?" or "Alex, give me all of your Lauwiliwilinukunukuoioi." These fish names are so fun to say, once you get the hang of it. Nicki started off just holding up her card, not wanting to attempt the reading, but now she joins the rest of us in our all-out pronunciation of these funny fish names. <br />
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The fish pictured on the cards need to be seen though, in their natural habitat. I am surprised it took us so long to finally get out in the water to snorkel. It did take a while to make sure we had all of our equipment. Aside from Alex (who needed to practice in our pool at home), we all bought snorkel gear here in Hawaii. Once we had the masks, snorkels and fins, I went on a quest for "floaty things" like the banana yellow float belts Steve and I rented along with our snorkel gear the last time we were in Hawaii. While we are all strong swimmers, I felt it best that we have flotation devices for our snorkeling adventure. For me, at least, it makes the experience more enjoyable. I don't really worry about tiredly stepping on fragile coral , or even worse, sea urchins. I effortlessly float above it all, saving my energy for propelling myself forward to chase the cool species that swim by. We settled on life jacket-like apparatus for Alex and Nicki, which warned "not to be used as a life saving device". Ok, if someone is in trouble in the water, I promise not to use this to save their lives. My search for float belts for the rest of us brought me back to Snorkel Bob's. Turns out, Snorkel Bob will sell you one for $45 but, otherwise, they are nowhere to be found. Being the consummate bargain shopper, I called all over town; surf shops, big box stores, sporting goods, even ABC. I went online (of course I found exactly what I wanted here - but I didn't want to wait around to receive them) and asked around. I just couldn't believe that these floaty things were not sold side by side with snorkel gear. I was starting to think that I was a total wimp to for not wanting to tread water for an hour to watch fish do their thing.<br />
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I hit the jackpot, though, when I found aqua aerobics equipment at Sports Authority. They have a "Aqua Fitness Jog Belt" that is designed to fit around your waste and keep you vertical as you jog or pump iron under water. At $25 a pop, it was the best bargain I could find. We practiced snorkeling in the apartment pool, with and without the floaty things. I was so glad I had my float belt. It gave me the security to actually feel comfortable with my face under water, a fear I have never quite overcome since childhood. Plus, since we were going with our kids, who are notorious for hanging onto you in the water, every bit of added buoyancy helps.<br />
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I have snorkeled at three spots in Oahu so far. Nicki and Alex and I went to the famous<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Hanauma Bay a couple of weeks ago. It is a volcanic crater that filled up with water as the sea level rose on the southeast side of the island. It's a short drive from Honolulu, once you manage to find the on ramp to H1 going East. It was beautiful and a great first stop for snorkeling. It is a protected (and popular) area, so they make you watch a movie about the area and how to preserve it. Throngs of people get there early to snorkel, with good reason. It has loads of fish with close shore reefs and a nice beach that makes for easy entry. The water is usually calm, but it was more choppy than I expected. And it's got a big parking lot, although it always fills up by 11am. We got there at 7:30am and it already felt crowded to me, but anything worth doing near Honolulu is like that. We saw plenty of Pakuikui, Lauipala and Kikakapu at Hamauna Bay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNOJTRfmaOyg0hQT5WDh1czhlJZ3Tilh5dOmqvNzHhVuEXlURxEZWn52p9iNjTbY7QbAuqVdbtkrlBqsQX0FKQzkEvQcvmQVQH_Tdzp3azDTFDV0R7LGF2RW35FMFNF3ijPVNgvyi0gI_/s1600/nativepna-Pakuikui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNOJTRfmaOyg0hQT5WDh1czhlJZ3Tilh5dOmqvNzHhVuEXlURxEZWn52p9iNjTbY7QbAuqVdbtkrlBqsQX0FKQzkEvQcvmQVQH_Tdzp3azDTFDV0R7LGF2RW35FMFNF3ijPVNgvyi0gI_/s320/nativepna-Pakuikui.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pakuikui (Achilles Tang)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> This week, we all went up to the north shore to snorkel. It was important for us to get up there before the "winter". From abut October to February, the north shore waves swell and I've heard that some "summer snorkeling spots" become too dangerous to even stick your toe in. The north shore of Oahu is famous for its surfing and especially the Banzai Pipeline, where expert surfers risk their lives to ride the over 12'waves. We headed to Shark's Cove and it did not disappoint. It was really like swimming in an aquarium. There were fish everywhere. There were tons of Humuhumunukunukuapuaa and this was the first time I saw Kihikihi and Puhi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGTmxWvgeJZEgydSNznkye0mjk74mEe9HRyMCECRkTaWnNiTLPyh0VxN6JXa1AtswCSUik_wYSSgtflIKmGJf0Y-FSjlbqZfSjYuflxUs6U17IdKDDC3LBBIQjPibttHkmMRtKsoGxvis/s1600/humuhumu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGTmxWvgeJZEgydSNznkye0mjk74mEe9HRyMCECRkTaWnNiTLPyh0VxN6JXa1AtswCSUik_wYSSgtflIKmGJf0Y-FSjlbqZfSjYuflxUs6U17IdKDDC3LBBIQjPibttHkmMRtKsoGxvis/s320/humuhumu.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humuhumunukunukuapoaa (the state fish of Hawaii)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The only problem was the entry, which was stressful, especially with kids. We sat in the shallows amid big rocks, waiting to work out our best approach into the deeper water. As we watched people go in and out, some scraped up; we settled on a best route. After you navigate the rocks near the shore and reach the deeper part of the cove, it is peaceful and magnificent, like being invited into a friend's home and being completely at ease. I've felt this way before, the first time I snorkeled 5 years ago. It's corny, but I felt like I was home. No, not in Phoenix, but a deeper home, an earlier home. For someone who is uncomfortable to go under water in her own pool, feeling at home in the ocean is a big deal. I did not want to get out. I didn't even want to lift my face out of the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw6oIlv3rI0D3iz5eC5A4GO38KvTWfQGEbsdaNpso7aRa_N2KYDdkh3VbwtxWhCmYhHE0MfNmyMpl2g7kuyn974K1OtxoS7ZTy_vJGryYX4IFCcdmyA105ggfS8klCSM5h2vWcVvPgROX/s1600/0012992-R1-044-20A_020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw6oIlv3rI0D3iz5eC5A4GO38KvTWfQGEbsdaNpso7aRa_N2KYDdkh3VbwtxWhCmYhHE0MfNmyMpl2g7kuyn974K1OtxoS7ZTy_vJGryYX4IFCcdmyA105ggfS8klCSM5h2vWcVvPgROX/s320/0012992-R1-044-20A_020.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph, my snorkeling partner</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After Shark's Cove, we decide to go to Three Tables. Some people call it Four Tables, but I could only see three. Anyway, this was a short walk (made longer with 3 kids and 3 shopping bags full of gear) from Shark's Cove and there is a lovely beach with the three tables jutting out of the ocean about 50 yards off the sandy shore. There is a great reef near the tables and to the east of the beach. The entry is much easier via the beach, but the fish, although they are everywhere, are less abundant than at Shark's Cove. This is where I saw awela, which reminds me of Howard Johnson's because of the bright orange and blue. The kids enjoyed the beach. Even Joseph liked it. He says the sand is coarser, so it's less annoying than our usual beach. Lying on the beach, exhausted from swimming (even with a float belt, it's tiring) as the kids played in the waves and Steve explored the reef some more, was so relaxing. It was perfect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd1VROwQDWZOWuC2GEusaKQlqfO9EXWYs7fo1fog0FZe2yY05-i3h2fo344AJn-3kRHKEZ5ufalfFwEoxEP9Ajk39t5Qxs1DFDC3kTaibYAH6NuKZ7tv1sshV1GBEc1bY0iQjMuBEMUXp/s1600/christmas_wrasse_male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd1VROwQDWZOWuC2GEusaKQlqfO9EXWYs7fo1fog0FZe2yY05-i3h2fo344AJn-3kRHKEZ5ufalfFwEoxEP9Ajk39t5Qxs1DFDC3kTaibYAH6NuKZ7tv1sshV1GBEc1bY0iQjMuBEMUXp/s320/christmas_wrasse_male.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awela (Christmas wrasse)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Swimming in what seems to be an aquarium is thrilling. There were so many fish at each spot, that it became hard to distinguish them from one another. Honestly, if it was one of the fish in our Go Fish! Hawaii game, it was more exciting and memorable, probably because I could actually name it. Mostly, though, as we swim and watch, I would urge myself to remember the "yellow one with a little bit of black" or the one that "fluttered on the ocean floor" (that turned out to be puhi), or the little "white fish with all the black polka dots" so I could look it up on our laminated reef card later. We quickly realized that the reef card was inadequate, so later in the week, I bought a whole book about Hawaii's shore fishes. This fit our purposes much better as we found real pictures of the fish (male and female, juvenile and mature). As we compared, I found it fascinating that someone snorkeling just a few feet away from you could catch things that you didn't and miss things that you stared at. The sea is an ever-changing kaleidoscope of moods and colors..........but I digress.<br />
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It turns out snorkeling is a lot like playing Go Fish! Hawaii . It is a blend of luck, strategy and memory. If you are lucky, the conditions are perfect and you can find a parking spot. With the right strategy, you can snorkel with the least effort and stress. As for memory; even if your memory of the specific creatures falters, the memories of the experience will last a lifetime. We will definitely do this again. Maybe even today!Aida Hatemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04586599111802697735noreply@blogger.com0