Month: January 2018

This is our third day in Kauai. We went coastal hiking trail in the morning and went to a farmers’ market after that, then went to the light house, then the night market. It was a pretty good experience. I found in the north part of island, the houses and environment are much nicer. Surprisingly, a lot sunshine too.

On our way back from the hike we saw a backpack and sandals abandoned on the trail. What a mystery, there is nowhere for the person to go.

Another surprise is that we saw one hen with nine baby chicks at the light house. They were eating on the slope of the mountain. David told me that during a hurricane, many home chickens got chance to escape and they survived in the wild. So, they were home chickens originally. It is interesting to see chickens in airport, street, wild…and crowing here and there. Especially in the morning, I was woken up every morning. I call it natural alarm.

* Macadamia nuts are growing locally in Hawaii, we bought one bag at farmers’ market and they are very fresh. But we worried we can not bring that to New Zealand.

* Noni is a kind of fruit and has many nutrients benefit. There is a free tour of the farm. If we stay longer, I will go there.

* Almost bought the handmade basket in the night market, but how can I take it in my luggage…then, gave up.

Yanmei

Today is our second day at Kauai Island. Unfortunately, I did not see this island is well protected naturally.  On the contrary, I feel the conflict between local people and foreigners and the tourism are destroying the beautiful island.

We went to a farm tour near the airport and a beach in the resort area, also the local farmers’ market. The farm we went originally abandoned by some local people in 1970s, the major house contains many shops today was a halfway house(homeless and ex-convicts home). A smart entrepreneur who used to do IT company in California bought the property in 1980s, right now, this house is worth 12 million dollars. He also built shopping areas with Safeway, Costco and restaurants to lease it out. I like this story as a good investor should take the risk and see the potential in the future years, but not just follow most people.

When we were stuck in traffic, I took a picture on the side of road, a sign in front of a property. I was shocked when we figured out the meaning. Haoles means people come from other places but not local.

I can tell the hostilities from the local people from this sign. What has happened? …unfortunately, I have not got chance to chat with local people yet…

In the farmers market, I got a chance to interact with the local people, all the farmers there are look Asian. I wonder if they understand me well. I saw a big bag of Longan and asked the price. David told me “too much” as we only stay here 2 more days, there is no way I can finish all of them and new Zealand will not allow me to bring them into the country. The local woman asked me to try it. It was fresh and tasty. I want to buy it then asked “can I get 2 dollars”? She shakes her head and seemed not happy. Later, I realized she might have thought I was bargaining but I meant to buy a quarter of the Longan. Anyway, the local food is pretty cheap and fresh at the farmers’ market. Avocado is only 1 dollar…

*In the kitchen at the hostel, I talked with a Canadian girl who is working in the hostel. She told me a lot of useful information. I still enjoy the interaction with other travelers. Unfortunately, sharing a bathroom does not make me comfortable…

* I put a few pieces of purple potato in my noodle soup today. It was so tasty!

* We also saw shy plant today. It was fun to touch the plant and see how they quickly shrink.

Yanmei