Hawaii

One of our many trips to Hawaii was several years ago in August one year. We spent 10 days on Maui and stayed at a small local hotel. The lobby was full of people all hours of the day and night from local writers to foreign visitors. We ate, played and shopped with the locals, even ended up at an urgent care center waiting room. I have to say we spent much of our free time just hanging around the lobby learning much of the Hawaiian culture and native language.

On a suggestion from a young local boy, we tried the beach at Big Beach, just south of Makena State Park. He warned us it would have big waves. That was an understatement! Since we are good swimmer we went anyway. My husband and I got caught in deep swells and undertows. We made it back but collapsed at the shore, exhausted. After catching our breath, we high fived each other, flat on our backs, “We did it.”

Here is a picture of us just after the wipe out.

Birth of a nation

On a trip to the east coast, I took a side trip to Philadelphia to view the old town. As usual, side trips are never long enough! But I stopped by Valley Forge, 25 miles northwest of Philly, to see the place depicted in my favorite painting, Prayer at Valley Forge by Arnold Fribere.

It’s a historical site, with beautifully grassy knolls dotted with cannons and plaques. But in December 1777 it was a military camp for the American Continental Army a poorly fed, ill-equipped army in the middle of a difficulty winter. Things looked bleak by all accounts of the war. Though no documents prove Washington got on his knees to pray, one can imagine him seeking guidance with a heavy heart.

At this time of celebration and picnics, we need to remember the struggle this young country went through so we can celebrate July 4^th today.

The Hermitage

The Hermitage

On my trip to Russia in May/June, 2001, I was in St. Petersburg during what’s called the White Nights. Because of the high latitude of St. Petersburg, night never becomes completely dark. This time of year the sun begins to set about 11:30pm and breaks the horizon about 3:00am. Around 10:00pm the sky is painted with cool hues of pinks and blues.

My hotel overlooked the Neva River. The riverbanks, which add to the charm of the city, would be full of people spending quality family time walking, talking, and bonding late into the evening. That is, baby carriages, strollers, young couples, old couples arm in arm, enjoying the stroll. My walks along the river included marvelous picture taking opportunities.

Spring in San Francisco

  

My first trip to San Francisco was when I was twelve, fresh from New York I marveled at the sights, tastes and smells of this amazing city. It was not a stretch to pick this romantic place to be our honeymoon destination. Since it was May 20, 1972, just about everywhere we went, spring flowers dotted the city and its buildings. Someone once told me that San Francisco is one of the top destinations for people visiting the US. It’s hard to imagine anyone not taking the city’s hills, vintage buildings, flowers and overall charm to heart.

Guatemala

April 2006 I made an unexpected trip to Guatemala with my sister, and my husband. It was special because we went to bring my new niece home. My sister adopted the most beautiful girl in the World! She was 11 months when we were finally allowed to take her home.

               Guatemala is a beautiful country, the food amazingly flavorful and the people very nice and accommodating.  We were privileged to be in Guatemala City Easter Week during the Semana Santa Procession. It was amazing to experience the pageant, parade, carpets of color made with fruits and vegetables of many colors, and designs on the ground and hotel lobby floor in colored sand.

After five special days in the country we came home with a special bundle that has been the light of all our lives.