Boarding the Plane Back to Reality

 This is what I see as I sit at the computer composing this post today.  Aaah ... this wouldn't be too hard to get used to, but I realize that tomorrow reality will begin to set in. 

Last Monday we turned in the rental car and bid farewell to Australia.  We enjoyed every moment of our time spent there.  The people were friendly, the food was good (although I couldn't bring myself to try Vegemite :) and the scenery was beautiful. 

Since leaving home we have been on six different flights.  With all of the controversy currently going on regarding "pat down searches", I'd like to say that during all of these flights only once did I receive this type of search and I wouldn't consider it to be at all intrusive.  I am glad that our nation's transportation security chief is standing firm on this policy. 

When we were making our travel plans, my husband asked if I'd like to stop in Hawaii for a few days on the way home. After the long flight from Australia, it seemed like a good way to break up the trip a bit.  Not to mention I love Hawaii. 

Three years ago we came to this very same place (the north shore of Oahu) with our boys.  That trip was packed from morning to night with sightseeing adventures.

This trip has been much more laid back.  Our biggest decision today was whether to swim in the ocean or the pool. 

In this tropical paradise it's easy to forget that Thanksgiving is less than a week away.  If I were home I'd be busily making plans for the big day.

But since I'm not home, I guess I'll continue to watch the pineapples grow...

Enjoy some of the finest coffee in the world ...

Get acquainted with some of the local birds ...

As well as the birds of paradise.

For my remaining hours in America's 50th state, I plan to soak up every bit of it's beauty. 

Tomorrow morning we'll be boarding another plane ...

a plane headed for home ...

a plane headed back to reality.

The colors in Hawaii are so vibrant and pretty.  I did a double take as I passed this tree.  At first I thought that it was painted, but on closer inspection I see that it is the natural coloring of the bark.

Thanks to all of you who have commented while I've been travelling.  Special thanks to the comments from Australian bloggers.  Your thoughts and insights have added much to my first experience in your beautiful country.  Once I am back to reality, I plan to stop by and visit with all of you.