beach

If Chihuahuas Could Talk

Just like people, I suspect not every dog automatically loves the beach. Take a chihuahua, for instance. Typically, they enjoy being cuddled, carried around in the crook of a young lady’s arm, or nestled in a canvas bag above the crosswalk of heavy footsteps. While rambling barefoot along the oceanfront this morning, I passed a gal sunbathing on a blue striped towel. She didn’t seem to mind reclining close to the shoreline beyond the reach of crashing waves. Like a sleep number bed, the sandy beach conformed to her body shape. The Winter sun was brightly shining. Although the temperature was rising, the cooling sea breezes felt refreshing. About six feet away the tiny brown dog was sitting with a look of displeasure on its face. One paw was raised above the beach as if to keep the fine, loose grains from getting between its toes. It slowly turned in my direction, blinked its eyes, and shifted uncomfortably as though a few light brownish pebbles had already lodged into the derrière folds of its short fur bottom. I could practically read the chihuahua’s thoughts:”This is ridiculous!”

“How much longer are we going to be here?”

“I’m thirsty and this ocean water tastes like salt.”

“I have sand in my ears.”

“I have sand between my toes.”

“I have sand in my butt cheeks.”

“And I want to go home!”

If only chihuahuas could talk. 

Fire on the Hill

What we assumed would be another day at the beach turned out to be the exact opposite. The tropical sun hung high in the azure sky as though it were a yellow yoyo suspended from a length of string connecting it to a fluffy white cloud. From our vantage point on the cliff, Kalapaki Bay offered its unbeatable ocean view. On the walk to the beach, just beyond the Pali Kai security gate closure, Gerald suddenly glanced backward, as if on instinct. Thick plumes of gray-blue smoke appeared to be pouring from the row of seaside cliff houses into the bay directly beyond the Lincoln condo. In an instant, we pivoted on our heels and headed in the direction of the smoke. As far as we knew, some of the cliff houses were not yet occupied for the winter months. This caused concern in our eyes…and dread as to what lie ahead. Passing each place brought relief, followed by curiosity. What was on fire? And where were the fire trucks? Finally, at the end of the road, where the cliff sharply drops off to a lighthouse beacon surrounded by jutting black lava mounds, the plumes of heavy smoke thickened like fog. Down the sandy path banked by tall dry grasses, past the 6th hole of the resort golf course, the sea turned a lush green. Unfortunately today, the sky appeared a hypnotic smoky grey color. As if from the depths of Hell, suffocating smoke plumes intensified like smog. Suddenly, the bleating, looping wail of sirens signaled help was on the way. A city fire truck followed by a reserve water tanker dispensed a crew of experienced firefighters to access the situation and quickly get it under control. In a marginal amount of time they had it sized up, contained, and extinguished. The investigating officer took it from there. 

Movie on the Lawn Under the Stars

Grab a lawn chair, cuddle under a beach towel, or dip your toes in the sand….as long as you stick around when the sun begins to set below the Kauaiian sunset. The Marriott Beach Resort at Kalapaki Bay offers ocean-front seating for an outdoor movie presentation that is sure to entertain. Watch the original 1961 release of “Blue Hawaii”, starring the heartthrob, Elvis Presley and sexy Joan Blackman. You’ll, no doubt, recognize the Coco Palms Resort Hotel on the east coast of Kauai as well as Lydgate Park. Absorb the romance, snap your fingers to the music, clap with the sounds of the waves on the seashore. This is what vacations are made of. Aloha, Kauai!

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai!  When visiting a tropical island, it’s not unusual to expect fresh fish daily as well as locally-grown ingredients. Open the menu at JJ’s Broiler and see. “Voted Island’s Best” Fish and Chips is a natural choice, in my opinion. A generous platter of Pacific Mahi Mahi engulfed in a crispy beer batter coating is paired with seasoned french fries for a salty crunch that does not disappoint. The house tartar sauce is a nice complement. Take advantage of the spectacular ocean view. Dine on the outdoor terrace for an open-air experience. Ignore the feathered friends wandering around. They simply cannot resist a crumb or two that has fallen to the ground. 

Dining Outside the Home: Café Portofino in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Café Portofino in Lihue, Kauai!  A hidden Italian gem sits above the beach on Kalapaki Bay where a sunset panoramic view sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Familiar romantic love songs gently rise from the strings of a harp. The candlelit atmosphere for dining al fresco is further complimented by savory aromas of old Italian favorites. Choose a rich creamy pasta, minestrone soup, calamari fritti, and tiramisu dessert guaranteed to pamper the taste buds. No need to rush. This is Italy. Sit back, relax, and absorb the ambience. 

Grains of Sand

“Under Construction” read the message on the crumbling sand sculpture just beyond the grassy knoll. Only a few days ago, the mountain of sand was as solid as a rock, resembling a holiday billboard wishing all a “Mele Kalikimaka”, or “Merry Christmas”, in Hawaiian. The sandman artist returns every year, about this time, spending hours of daylight creating unique sand sculptures for all to admire. Tirelessly he hauls water in gallon buckets from the seashore and packs sand in a special technique that cements his efforts for a day or two. Many observers stop by to take family photos. Others chit-chat in friendly conversation. Still, eventually, the sculpture becomes irresistible to toddlers and young children who see it as a climbing apparatus found on the neighborhood playground. Being “King of the Mountain” is much more interesting to their immature minds than the artistic expression of an old soul. 

Dining Outside the Home: Kukui’s Poolside Restaurant and Bar at the Marriott Beach Resort in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Kukui’s Poolside Restaurant and Bar at the Marriott Beach Resort in Lihue, Kauai!  Relax poolside with first-class service of American or Polynesian food and unsurpassed tiki cocktails. There’s no need to leave the comfort of a covered cabana under rustling palms or the shade of an umbrella chaise lounge. The soothing fountains of the magnificent pool offer tranquility that soothes the soul. Nibble on ethnic finger foods and garden salads made from island organic ingredients. Need to cool off? No worries. Take a dip into the pool, towel off, and order another round of Mai Tai Chi cocktails. No parasol needed. 

Shortest Day of the Year

Sunlight is so important to a person’s well-being. It can make the difference in a bad mood, one that’s barely tolerable, and an optimistic attitude, in my opinion. Take a moment to think about it. For instance, when you’re away at the beach and the sun is shining in a clear sky, it feels as though there isn’t a care in the world. Even if it’s mid-December and noted as the winter solstice, for those (like me) who live in the Northern Hemisphere. Grown-ups laugh into the ocean breeze. Children frolic in the waves. Co-eds pick up a friendly game of beach volleyball. Others just relax under striped umbrellas and wiggle their toes in the sand. And no one seems to mind wearing a bathing suit, even if you wouldn’t be caught dead doing the same thing back home. No worries. Take a deep breath. Bask in the fleeting sunlight. Sit back and sip on a tropical cocktail or a glass of freshly squeezed lemon-lime iced water. The day will be over before you know it. 

No Pig-Latin Required 

A Kalua pig roast is as common in the Hawaiian Islands as an American hot dog is at a baseball game. A big difference on the islands is the time-consuming preparation required using an underground oven, or imu, for the pig roast. Patience is key. Slow cooking is the secret to rich, moist, tender pork with just the right amount of smoky taste that cannot be duplicated. To be fortunate enough to watch the ceremonial process is a privilege few tourists afford. After two hours the lava rocks are hot enough for the entire pig, which is wrapped in chicken wire, to be placed in the imu by two sturdy men. Taro, sweet potatoes, and ulu breadfruit are tucked around the pig before banana leaves and wet burlap completely encase it. A canvas tarp becomes the next covering. Last, but not least, dirt is used like the lid on a pot. Set the timer. The pig will roast underground for eight hours, saturating all the flavors. Once the multiple layers are removed, the tender pork is shredded and the luau begins. Aloha!