Mon Mar 24 2008: Surf and a Show |
 |
We took a break from the motorcycles today. Neda booked us some surf lessons early in the morning in Lahaina! I've always wanted to go surfing and what better place than Hawaii to learn how to Hang Ten!
Maui Wave Riders took us to a small inlet where the waves weren't that big. Kind of like the
bunny hill when you learn how to ski. Very crowded though, one guy broke his nose when he
paddled out to meet his instructor and another student was surfing in!
Surfing is a little bit like snowboard in that you lean forward on your toes to turn right (if you're regular, not goofy), and lean
back on your heels to steer left. Other than, it's nothing like snowboarding. I think we're going to try this again!
Neda finding a path through the many beginner surfers in Lahaina harbour. There were so many surf schools
that they've all pre-arranged time-slots so the waters here aren't too dangerous with traffic.
As we had lunch, a guy who's Grateful to be Dead serenaded us. Then he proceeded to serenade the fire hydrant.
The view from the main boardwalk in Lahaina
Neda's favorite past-time. Shopping in Lahaina Market
Relaxing in the afternoon at Ho'oilo House. The house was originally owned by a local couple who decorated
it in a Balinese style, importing all the little statues and fixtures from Bali.
After surfing, we relaxed for the afternoon at Ho'oilo. We were returning the bikes to Island Riders this evening (*sniff*). We had such a good time seeing the island on two wheels. After dropping off the bikes, we went out for dinner in Lahaina and caught a show after.
'Ulalena at the Maui Theatre, using elements of modern dance and acrobatics. Shows the history of the people of Hawaii all the way up to the migration of Portuguese, Chinese and Philipino workers who worked the sugar cane fields in more recent times. I like how they didn't sugarcoat the arrival of the European conquerers bringing western illnesses and introducing guns to their society.
Men's washroom at the Maui Theatre. Sorry, MFV's washroom...
Sunset in Lahaina
Neda has a $60 worth of Buell souvenirs. Some guy in a cell phone cut her off as she was parking and she had to gently lay the bike down.
Hand brake lever end and right footpeg snapped off. She's okay though, nothing hurt but her pride.
We caught a cab back to Ho'oilo and got our bags packed for our flight to Oahu tomorrow. We also said our good-byes to Dan as our flight leaves pretty early in the morning. Apart from the beautiful surroundings, he really made the stay feel comfortable for Neda and I. He has that rare combination of being interested and interesting that makes for being quite an engaging person and a terrific host. And I finally found out how to pronounce Ho'oilo - huh-OH-ee-low. Rhymes with "uh-oh kilo". Mystery solved!
| 
