Jim and I are comfortably settled into our beach house in Kailua after two weeks. It did not take us long to make ourselves at home here and we have adjusted well to the more relaxed lifestyle and slower pace. I smile as I look over at Jim passed out on the couch...oh, yes, we like the beach island lifestyle...you betcha!!!
The sandy shores and turquoise waters of the sea have followed us here, a familiar welcoming gift from Waikiki only better! We can hear the roar and pounding of the crashing waves from our beach house...a constant reminder of how close we really are to the ocean, our playground for this month of October.
Boogie boarding this weekend was our highlight! And although New Hampshire beaches are no comparison to Hawaiian beaches, Jim and I were reminded of our boogie boarding adventures with Brendan and Adam at North Hampton back in the day. We look forward to our visit with our boys in December...excited to share Hawai'i with them.
The wind is always blowing here on the "windward" side of the island but is a welcome relief from the hot sun. I usually get my outdoor activities in before noon time and limit my time in the sun after noon. Dusk is especially serene on the beach where we have enjoyed "cocktail hour" on several occasions. I have made a couple favorite meals and homemade brownies with real butta as we finally have a decent kitchen with pots and pans, something the penthouse was missing.
I rented a bike for the week and took the bike route to Lanikai, a nearby beach town with gorgeous houses along the shore, one being Don Ho's house. Lots of the more expensive homes have these elaborate metal, copper and/or rich wood gates coraling their property to keep us regular people out! Still quite a sight to see even from afar. Lanikai beach has public access paths as does Kailua but no real place to park your car...best if you ride a bike in or a motor scooter.
Today I took my bike into Kailua town, a 5 minute ride, and found the pilates studio where I begin sessions tomorrow. Zumba and yoga classes are on going daily at another studio also an easy bike ride away....hoping to frequent a few of those classes too, as "walk ins" are encouraged at $10 a class. And I had my first massage last week with a gal I found before I left NH with the help of my massage therapist from home and I love her...she is great...booked my next massage in November!
Our friends, Karen and Dick arrive on Saturday afternoon for ten days...we are looking forward to their visit. Jim will take a couple vacation days while they are here...hoping to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, take a drive around to the Northshore and Haleiwa town, a hike to Manoa Falls and some boogie boarding here in Kailua!
FYI: Jim has been offered and approved to stay on the job here in Hawai'i until the end of March so we are here for the winter...confirmed! We are both happy with this news and look forward to the adventure continuing. Fortunately we found a great realtor, now friend, who has helped us secure our November house and our house for Jan-March stay. November house is her home that she rents out and the Jan-March house we will rent is her brother's home. Both gorgeous places with exquisite tasteful Asian decor, gourmet kitchen, beautiful bedrooms...cannot wait to get into them. The November house is in a neighborhood in Kailua, a 10 minute walk to the beach but it has a pool! The Jan-March property is in Kaimuki, about 10 minutes from Waikiki, also a residential neighborhood setting...not near the beach but a short drive away.
I have included a video of Kailua beach so be sure to scroll all the way down.
Love and miss you all....Me Ke Aloha,
Robin & Jim
