Post 101, February 17, 2013
A Trail of Grace
Hello All,
Thank you for returning to Bloomsinthegarden where behind the scenes, I have migrated to a new address and with it, a few changes.
You will notice the larger font which I hope makes it easier to enjoy! Later on, I will do some other format changes but for now, let us resume our island trip!
Today's shots are around Lahaina, Maui; a shopping and historical area near the docks. It is also home to one of the oldest Banyan trees in the world. The tree joins its neighbor, limb by limb and over the years, becomes fully attached to each other. This one at the Welcome Center at Lahaina was planted in April of 1873 and today, is a gathering spot for musicians, tourists, and locals. The shot was taken from the second story of the historic Welcome Center.
If you visit, do go through the Welcome Center, see the original flag, read the historical and pictorial hangings and see a topographical map of the island. Most interesting, and a free water closet that is very clean! The gift shop has fine art, pottery and jewelery from local artisans and just down the row of shops, coffee beans and macadamia nuts also grown in Hawaii
Just around the corner is a local market named "Take Home Maui, Inc" that will do the required inspections and Department of Agriculture stamping for pineapples, papaya and coconut and the famous Maui (Kula) onions. You cannot just go to the store, buy a pineapple and put it in your suitcase. Illegal; everything must be prewashed and be stamped by a certified packer because of parasites. The extra effort of shipping fresh is a life's not-to-be-missed experiences!
You have not enjoyed a true pineapple until you taste one fresh out of the field! Not only will they pack what you buy, the airlines will allow you to ship it home free, which is better than your own luggage! This means that you have to pick it up on the other end like luggage but I tried it and everything was great. You can order from them at www.takehomemaui.com
A little further down the block at the docks is where we caught the Scottish Mist II for our sailing day. There were also charter boats for deep-sea fishing, submarine rides, catamarans and pleasure boats for dinner cruises. Oh, and leave your Cinderella slippers on the quay; you can pick them up after your sail.
We ate seafood as much as we could and enjoyed all the local color while shopping and people watching. The scent of Plumaria wafts on the breeze along with true Hawaiian ukulele music.
Still on Eastern U.S. time, the first morning I was awakened before dawn at our hotel by someone raking which I could not imagine what or why? Once daylight arrived and I went down for breakfast, I decided if the man who had been raking the Plumaria blossoms off the closely clipped lawns at the hotel wanted to retire, I would volunteer for that job.
I am posting a few more pics from the Kula Botanical Gardens in the mountainous "Upland", as the locals say.
Just when I needed it, I found a trail of grace left just for me a few days ago. Thank you, thank you!
I encourage, that when you are tired or do not feel like extending grace and mercy to someone else, remember how good it feels when you come upon it yourself!
Until next time and the black sand beaches on the way to Hana, Aloha!
Up the Main Sail
