Friday, November 19, 2010

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.



20 comments:

  1. Oh... how fun! So glad your trip has been everything you hoped it would be. (I must have missed your postings but am looking forward to going back and see all the place you visited! I hope to go to Australia someday too! But for now...I will though your postings!)
    Blessings for a lovely homecoming!
    Ann

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  2. What beautiful photos, Kim. I'm sure you must have had a wonderful time.

    About the "pat down searches", my son flies a lot for his job and he says that he hasn't encountered anything intrusive either. Makes me wonder if the media isn't making a big deal out of it for some reason? Maybe its a slow news month. :)

    Have a safe trip home. And have a wonderful weekend.

    Cheryl

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  3. Hi Kim, what a wonderful trip you are having. Australia and Hawaii. Fabulous! Travelling truly is a gift to be so thankful for! We just came back from several days in Qatar and had a lovely time. But when I got into my own bed last nite, I thought how good it was to be home. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and have a safe trip home. Best wishes, Tammy

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  4. Hi Kim
    I'm up early catching up on my favorite bloggers.What a fabulous trip you've had. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos with us!
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  5. What a great bonus to spend some time in Hawaii!! Beautiful photos, amazing colors in the tree trunk! So glad to hear that you had such a great time! :-)

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  6. Kim, I had no idea that you were having the time of your life. I'll be back to catch up with all that's been going on when I have time to savor it as you did. I love your hubby for suggesting an easier return to reality and oh my gosh, that tree trunk is amazing!

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  7. What a great trip! And such a lovely idea so stop in Hawaii on the way back.
    The bark on that tree is amazing.

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  8. What wonderful pictures! And how amazing to be able to stop in Hawaii for a few days! :o) I hope that you are home safe and sound. Have missed you! I'm sure you needed your break though! :o)

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  9. Your trip and your pictures sound and look beautiful and amazing.
    Hoping you're home safe and sound and resting up from the marvelous trip.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. What unusual bark that is! The colors there are just enchanting. Never been there myself. But thanks for showing us some of the sites.
    Brenda

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  11. WOW, what a vacation! I would love to be there...we have a foot of snow! Happy Thanksgiving :D

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  12. I found all of your blog posts on Astrailia and Hawaii, so very interesting and beautiful. I am happy for you that you have had this break away from the daily routines of life. Enjoy! As always reality of life is waiting. Hope you have a safe trip home. I appreciate what you shared about the pat downs. It did not surprise me.

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  13. Dear Kim..."Welcome Home"...it is always so nice to go...but oh how nice to come home! You have shared such wonderful pictures! Thank you for stopping by my "little space"...love hearing from you! Sweet blessings and wishing you and yours a Blessed Thanksgiving! Hugs ♥ Teri

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  14. What an amazing trip you've had! I'm so glad you took photos to share...places I'll never get to visit! Hugs! Enjoy your week! ♥

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  15. Oh, what a fun trip...and a great ending! What could beat a stopover in Hawaii? You may have trouble coming back to 'earth' after your fabulous travels.

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  16. Oh Kim, what a beautiful vacation for you!

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  17. It sounds like such a wonderful trip! Your pictures are beautiful! I don't fly but I agree with you. I don't understand all of the fuss being made because our country is trying to keep us all safe. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  18. Kim,
    I am beyond envious!! Australia and Hawaii! Holy Moly! That is in itself a life's dream for me! HA! I am going to live through your vacations! Ha! Can I sneak in your bag next time. I can't wait to hear and see more of your vacation time. Oh please do share. Glad you are back home safe and sound and hopefully can get some rest and caught up on sleep and time changes! I'm so excited for all your fun! And one more thing, that hubby of yours is a keeper if he's extending your vacation in HAWAII! :0)
    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  19. What a wonderful trip, Kim. I've never been to Australia (it's too far for an old lady like me) but when I was younger our family lived on Oahu for a short period of time. Now that was amazing. I am so glad you got to make this journey to another side of the world. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  20. Kim, what a wonderful vacation you have had!!

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