lava lava

We took an early morning trek to see the lava just down the street.

I have some incredible video of it for my untitled mini film project, but I will post some B-roll here soon.

Until then, enjoy the pics!

another perception...

This is a note from my sister, containing her perception of my reality...

Aloha!

I'm back on the mainland from year-round hippie summer camp for adults (Kalani) and wanted to give you a preview of my trip to visit Hawaii (err...Taylor). First of all, it was awesome and great to have a brother-sister trip for the first time since the only other one we've ever had (Costa Rica 2004). TP lives in paradise in an intentional community with a wide range of (mostly) wonderful people full of love and acceptance. Some of them have never even practiced yoga, and each one is a character in his or her own way.

I stayed in Taylor's A-frame, which I later found out is registered as a chicken coop to sidestep permitting issues. It was fine and has electricity and wi-fi-->a big step up from a tent. He built a loft so his bed is 'upstairs,' where he sleeps diagonally, while I slept on the inflatable sofa that folds out to a queen bed that took over the 'bottom floor.' It's been awhile since I've had to shower in sandals. The complaints at Kalani are ridiculous and minor compared to the complaints of those of us in 'the real world' (BTW- Kalani is the real world if you so choose for it to be).

I got to see the way things are behind-the-scenes at the rustic resort. I LOVE the way the community works (locals, guests, volunteers, and staff). Many of the volunteers lengthen their stay or just never go back to where they came from. We had communal meal times with a plethora of freshly prepared yummy food options. People range from 18 - 70 y.o. For example, there is a 60-something y.o. fancy pastry chef from Paris and London (who clearly never thought he would be volunteering anywhere).

I learned that the local residents have decided that the beach nearby is clothing-optional. And there is a clothing optional pool at Kalani. I saw more private parts than I've seen in my entire life--most of them were old and wrinkly or hidden from chubbiness. Strangely, it quickly became not-a-big-deal at all. I still declined to join in, but had to argue with TP a few times to convince him to keep his shorts on while I was there. He begrudgingly respected my boundaries.

We hiked on lava and crawled into a lava tube/cave that led out to the ocean in the middle of a cliff. We went snorkeling in tide pools and swam with fishies and a sea turtle. Ahh-mazing! I think I'm now obsessed with sea turtles. We even went through the 'free box'--a closet full of things left behind--and dressed up for a(n) (April) Fool Party. We went to beaches with black sand, white sand, and even green sand. We went up to the active volcano to see the crater and steam vents. We went to the southern-most point of the U.S. and up the coast to Kona. More beaches, gorgeous ocean colors, body surfing, and waterfalls. I will never tire of the sights of paradise.

I never thought I would be going to the CostCo Kona, but TP had to see what the fuss was about. He felt guilty for buying something (external hard drive and lots of beer!) from CostCo instead of Amazon, but couldn't beat the prices. I bought lots of macadamia nut goodies (you're welcome, Ry!). Before heading back to the airport, I ended up changing in the Walmart parking lot. Classy. At least I didn't have to sit next to a super fat person that squished me into the window on the plane (yes, that's happened before) during the red-eye flight back to Lala Land.

Ryan and Peanut are pretty much the only reasons I actually got on the plane back to LA. I think I'm still on Kalani meal times; however, I have to prepare my own meals again. And I still have sand in my hair (sandruff), ears, and belly button (eww!).

Anyways, Aloha and Mahalo!

If you get the chance to visit TP, DO IT! 

Much love,

kp

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