This week has been blissful as every day I remind myself I’m here on bonus time, beyond the scope of my original trip. Paying the change fees to bump my flight has been one of the most financially rewarding decisions I’ve made in a long time. And now I’ve even added an extra island to my itinerary. Tomorrow I leave Maui and fly to Kauai to hang out with the lovely Angie of Angie Away!
Photo A
Hanging out at my Aunt and Uncle’s place in Lahaina was blissful. I got to catch up on work in the comfort of their beautiful home and also get to spend time with family I haven’t seen in years. I took this self-portrait of my “office” for the week to remind myself that I’m a lucky girl.
Photo B
When I go to the beach I tend to pass out face down and do my best beached whale impression, but my friends decided to build a crazy coral city.
Photo C
My friend Paola, who I met last week at Banana Bungalow, got a beautiful tattoo on her last day on the island. I came along to take photos and to scare my Dad by calling him and telling him I was at a tattoo shop.
Photo D
Yesterday I went for a lovely hike through Iao Valley and realized I’ve probably spent equal amounts of time in the mountains as at the beach here in Hawaii. It’s a fantastic destination for hikers.
Photo E
At the beach in Pa’ia I went into a little happy trance watching the sunset reflecting in the water. This is a beautiful place.
Which photo is your favorite?
Pssst! This week I did a video interview with Alexa of Atlas Sliced about traveling and working abroad. If you’re the kind of person charmed by those who are awkward on camera, my excessive use of air quotes and the word “um” should really win you over. Click here to watch, and thanks for having me Alexa!
Your a really gifted photographer! Photo b is my favorite, but they are all amazing. What does it say on the branch in photo D?
You know, I was wondering the same question myself! Maybe something in Hawaiian? 🙂
your voice is so different than i imagined. that american accent is so strong haha.
the most financially rewarding decision? do tell more!!
Hm, maybe I worded that wrong… I guess I mean financially “worth it” decisions? Basically, it was money excellently spent!
Love your office. Fave pic is E.
Great interview. It’s not always easy to get past our fears, but is usually very exciting.
Thanks Gaelyn! It was a nice office, if just for one week 🙂
A! (Though the coral city looks intriguing.) Love your home office – scenes like that definitely make you realize all the hard work of an “unconventional job” is all worthwhile! Excited to watch the video. Always interesting to watch/hear a person and compare them to what you’ve imagined – like the differences between a book and a movie.
Well I hope I live up to your expectations! 🙂 I know Alexa did a great job but I could only watch a few minutes… so weird to see yourself on video!
E! I dont know if its just me but the photo looks like a hand trying to claw its way out from the sand.
It beautiful
Thanks Cody! That’s a great visual 🙂
Got to be C this week 🙂
Thanks Scot, that’s my favorite this week as well! Paula will be glad to hear it 🙂
I love D. It really makes me want to go hiking.
Hawaii has definitely helped me fall in love with hiking! So many amazing trails here.
Photo E! I have a thing for sea foam. I find it beautiful.
And, you were a great interview subject! “Umms” are totally normal.
Thanks Alexa! The air quotes were more the part that cracked me up when I watched it back 🙂
I was going to say B because of the cool geometry and angle, but then I saw E and lost my breath a bit. I’m a sucker for beach photography, and these two are gorgeous. I’d hang them in my house!
I took about 30 photos of that branch, I think it would be cool to hang them all next to each other maybe over a couch or something. Uh oh, my decorator wheels are turning again!
Man, your family have homes in the best places! I’m going for B this week, there’s something so intriguing about it. They are all stunning photos though Alex, you never fail to impress me. Going to watch your interview now as well 🙂
Yes, there’s nothing like watching a bunch of (semi) grown men build things in the sand! 🙂 And yes, super lucky to get to visit my aunt and uncle in such a beautiful place.
I love that tattoo shot!
Thanks Andi! That one is my favorite this week for sure. Normally I can’t pick!
I found your blog through the “Washington Flyer’s Best Travel Blogs of 2012”. I’m so glad I click on your site. You got a lot interesting posts and beautiful photos. Love reading through your travel adventure. Oh and your family place is nice!~ nice R&R and family time together.
Thanks Sarah, so glad you found me! I hope you’ll stick around 🙂
wooo just saw your portfolio too. You’r a designer just like me : ) No wonder we both like to travel and see interesting stuff 🙂
Glad to hear I’ve got another designer among my readers! 🙂 I agree, travel and art-love go hand in hand.