The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Beach Reads

At the pool last weekend my friend said something that got me thinking.  I warned her that water was creeping up on the paperback she was reading, and she said, "That's okay, I actually love when my books get wet ... seriously."  I realized right then that she was right.  There's nothing better than a good pool or beach read novel with crinkled edges and water spots.  Others love the old library book smell.  They're the signals of a good book -- people have read it.  A lot!

I have a couple of favorite vacation reads that have been through hell and back, and still manage to survive the re-reading, borrowing and torture they've been through. If you're looking for a couple of no-nonsense romantic novels that don't claim to be anything more than the read-for-fun books they are, try out these two:

The Fling by Elda Minger is my all-time favorite book of this genre.  Based in Hawaii, it's a book that will wisk you away to a tropical place filled with emotion, romance, exotic destinations and plot twists.  It keeps you on your toes, but doesn't make you think too much.  I've read this one a few times -- it's kinda like rewatching your favorite movie.  It's a fantasy that never gets old.  Buy it for a penny used on Amazon.  It's worth the $0.01 + shipping! :)

Heartbreak Hotel by Jill Marie Landis is another book to read in a bikini and flip flops on the beach.  Actually, I might prefer reading this one on a balcony under the stars with a glass of wine.  It's a romance, but not really.  There's murder, a widow's walk, mystery, strangers-turned-lovers-turned-strangers again and a character map that's just detailed enough to keep you guessing.  Get it used on Amazon for under a dollar.  Apparently it's part of a trilogy of which I was not aware.  I'll check em out!

Telling the world (or even just your friends) your favorite books is risky business.  Reading a book, especially multiple times, takes true committment.  It's like peering into one's soul!  I hope you like these if you give them a chance.  Like I said, they're nothing groundbreakingly new that we haven't seen before.  They are fun.  Let me know what you think, and do share your favorite beachworthy novels.  I love me a good pageturner!

Sin City, USA

The Lights. Casinos. Porn-slappers. Resorts. Drinks. Shows. Food. Crowds. Shopping.  Add those together and you've got the recipe for stimulation overload.  "Paiiiii GOW!"

As it turns out, four days seems to be the perfect amount of time in fabulous Las Vegas.

After a layover in NYC, we time traveled via Delta Airlines and arrived at The Flamingo Las Vegas around 1pm PT on Monday.  Starving and super excited to start our vacation, we headed straight for Margaritaville, which was conveniently connected to our hotel lobby.  Our fruity frozen Margaritas were precisely what the doctor ordered after 8 hours of flight time.  The island-style Jimmy Buffet themed decor and music were the perfect way to ease ourselves into vacation mode, and the service there was fantastic! 

It was just about dusk as we headed outdoors to the Strip.  We headed north -- hitting up Paris, Bellagio and Caesar's Palace first. 

Paris is a favorite.  Just walking through the doors under the gigantic replica of the Eiffel Tower is enough to set this all-things-French-loving-gal's heart all a flutter.  It's by far the most romantic setting under a starry-lit sky on Las Vegas Boulevard.  If you think it's impressive during the day, you have to see it at night.  Someday, I hope to see the real thing in person.  For now, the replica will have to be enough.

Stepping into the casino was no disappointment either.  The ceiling is decorated and lit to look like you're walking through Paris, France in the evening.  The chandeliers, fountains, statues and music take you back in time and overseas as you walk past the dinging penny slots and poker tables galore.  One thing we noticed -- the ratio of bilingual speakers goes up considerably when you step foot into a foreign-themed casino.

Venturing across the busy street, we headed for the Bellagio.  It's daunting from afar, but even more impressive up close.  The pathways around the famous Bellagio fountains are just high enough above street level to offer a beautiful backdrop view of the Strip.  You must pause for a pic or 2, or 8!

It's truly awe-inspiring how much detail and workmanship goes into creating a hotel such as this.  While we were there, the atrium was filled with a gorgeous botanical exhibit that makes you feel like a kid again.  Giant ants, bees, lady bugs and animals made of flowers hang from the ceilings and crawl up from the ground.  Truly great.

While we were there we just had to stay for the Bellagio fountain show.  This time the choreographed water dance was to Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon.  It never fails.  I always get teary-eyed.  The next night we stopped to watch again -- standing side-by-side with an Elvis impersonator -- this time the show was to Chicago's All That Jazz.  It's a larger than life experience that sucks you in.  I would stand there all night and watch the fountains pretending to be Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven, if there weren't millions of other things to see and do. 

The pool at the Flamingo was a nice getaway during the day.  Just make sure you get there early to claim a good spot!  It was a little windy while we were there in April, but the sun was still plenty hot.  The only complaint we had about the pool was the trees -- too much shade.  We were sunseekers who kept having to pick up and switch chairs multiple times as the palm shadows crept over us.  The pool was a fun atmosphere -- top 40ish music hits were loud enough to cover-up the screams of kids playing in the waterfalls.

Day 2, we decided to try someplace new for dinner.  After scouring the Vegas Restaurant guide, we chose Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar (located in Planet Hollywood).  Prices range between $15-30 per entree, but as long as you stick to the specials, it's a pretty good deal.  The Jambalaya was my favorite of all the pastas -- perfectly spicy and a good portion.  And the smoked salmon was flakey and tender -- lots of flavor!  We called ahead, so there was no waiting, and the service was great.  Definitely recommended. 

After dinner we headed back to the Flamingo to meet our relatives who were also in Vegas for some gambling.  Tonight was the night I was determined to play Pai Gow!  The search for a mostly-open table was on.  Flamingo was full.  Paris was full. Finally, Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon came to the rescue.  We sat at a 1/2 open $10 minimum table and placed our bets.  Immediately, we were served double drinks and the excitement began.  I was up, then down, then even, then down, then even, then down, down, down ... that's just the way Pai Gow usually goes.   I lost my $50, but the rest of us left just about even (with some free drinks and the memories, of course!) 

The next morning, we hit the breakfast buffet at The Flamingo.  Apparently if you go right at the end of breakfast, they start putting out the lunch food as well (crab legs, shrimp cocktail, roast beef!), so you can sit for a little while and have both meals for the price of the cheaper.  Niiice.  Plus, they serve cotton candy and chocolate fondue during all meals ... pie and cheesecake for breakfast?  No complaints here!

After a late night of pai gow, the pool was calling our names again.  It's tough to fall alseep with all the commotion, but we managed to get a few Zs anyway.

We gussied up and set out in the opposite direction on the Strip that evening - hitting up the Venetian, Plazzo, Wynn and Encore.  OK -- So this is the point when we realized a few things:  1) All of things resorts are amazing; 2) They all consist of the most incredible malls you've ever seen, filled with things we cannot afford to buy; 3) If I had to walk through 1 more gigantic mall in my new sandals my feet just might fall off.  

Venice was my favorite of these hotels.  I've never been to the real Venice, Italy, so I'm always overwhelmed by the gondola rides through the inside of the resort.  It's unbelievable!  The drivers (boaters?) serenade the riders as they wind through the twists and turns of the river.  The designer shops, Italian restaurants, music and street performers all play a role in setting the romantic mood of the hotel. 

After a few hours of sight-seeing, we headed back to our hotel to pack up our suitcases and spend the rest of the night gambling!  We took our seats at our favorite penny machines -- Goldfish and Mermaid -- where we sat and played, drank for free and laughed.  Ultimately losing the small amounts of money we were betting, we decided to call it quits. 

Sometimes I swear I can still hear the ringing bells of the penny slots or the ridiculously exciting "bonus" music they play when you get lucky.  They're so entertaining, you never want to stop!  But I digress...

It was time to head back to Ohio.  Thanks for a fun time, Vegas!   We had a blast, but next time I think we'll opt for the beach!

Vegas ... pai gow?

Pai Gow?  Texas Hold'em?  For the first time in my entire life, I think I might be ready to sit down at a table and play.   

I've never been a "lucky" person per se. When it comes to games of chance, you can confidently put all your money on me losing and you'll double your money 99.8% of the time. When it comes to games of skill, I like that I at least have a fighting chance.  As long as I play my odds correctly and make the right calls, I should at least come out even.

My cousin, Jim (an expert at all things poker), sat down with me last weekend for a teach session.  I have to admit that I had never even heard of pai gow poker until that day, but it turns out it's my favorite!  I love that you have two opportunities to win (or lose) and that you "push" about 50% of the time ... meaning you don't lose your money as quickly as when playing blackjack. 

As of yesterday, Michelle and I booked our trip to fabulous Las Vegas!  It's an impromptu trip this time -- my favorite.  We're staying at the Flamingo located in the center of the strip, meeting up with some of my extended family while we're there.  My parents, brother and Michelle are first-timers, so we'll have to go see the sites, for sure!  I'm mostly excited for the sunshine ... gotta pull out the flip flops, sundresses and suntan lotion.  Hooray!! 

I just wish my hubby could come :(  It'll be a long 3 days without you, Adam!  Hopefully I'll bring back some winnings for us!