I feel the need to lie very very still

I haven't been on a beach to do absolutely nothing since the end of August. This is not a good thing and must be corrected as soon as possible. Since Vancouver is still covered in white stuff and hasn't seen the sun in days, I will wait until I arrive in Hawaii to do some remedial lounging. On a sandy beach, in a hammock, or on a deck chair on our lanai - it does not matter.


The last beach that I found myself on was Cavendish Beach with my friends, Alyssa, Andrew, and Jen. It was our afternoon break after a long day of doing all things Anne. However, our stay on the beach was short as we were quickly pushed off the soft sand by dark clouds, rain, wind, and cool temperatures.

PS. For those of you with a keen eye and a curiosity for obscure flavours of potato chips, the bag on the beach blanket is (unfortunately) not filled with lobster-flavoured chips. The chips in the bag were made with PEI potatoes -- delicious! -- but were not crustacean seasoned.

A big decision

Today I am faced with having to make a difficult choice. At Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage, will I soak in the hot tubs for the first 30 minutes, have a massage, and then soak again for another 90 minutes, or will I explore around the area until later in the afternoon, have a short soak in the hot tub, and then have a massage? I need to consider that this will all take place on December 23, Christmas Eve eve, and that the plan is to enjoy drinks and dinner after spa-ing.

Our trip

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - Departing Vancouver, arriving Honolulu (est. duration 6h10); departing Honolulu, arriving Kona (est. 45 mins).

11 nights in a furnished oceanfront beach home.

Saturday, December 30, 2006 - Departing Kona, arriving Honolulu (est. 45 mins).

3 nights in ocean view hotel rooms.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 - Departing Honolulu, arriving Vancouver (est. 5h30).

Ryan

I met Ryan over two years ago. I have been to a few of his performances as the lead singer-entertainer of his band, Fidgital. During my most recent trip I met up with Ryan in Charlottetown. I find it funny that it is more difficult to meet up with Ryan in Vancouver than it is to meet up with him on small province/state islands. This is Ryan's first trip to Hawaii.

Ryan will not have navigation responsibilities during this trip.

Jo-Ann

I met Jo-Ann at the start of this year. I don't get to see Jo-Ann frequently, but when I do there have always been good times. The Eastside Wine Swilling Society's Inaugural Jamboree and the Post-Easter Potluck come to mind immediately. Jo-Ann is another seasoned veteran of travelling to Hawaii, and was key to making sure that everyone has a ticket to get to the Island.

Tamas

I met Tamas three years ago in Whistler. We regularly eat, drink, laugh, dance, shop, work-out, and hang-out together. This is Tamas's first trip to Hawaii.

Andy

I met Andy over four years ago when I worked at Angiotech. We regularly eat, drink, laugh, dance, shop, work-out, and hang-out together. Andy is a seasoned veteran at travelling to Hawaii and was the ringleader in bringing our merry troupe of travellers together for this trip.

Me

Hi, my name is Ryan. Right now, I am in (cold and snowy!) Vancouver, but very soon -- three short weeks -- I will be blasting off with my friends to visit the Hawaiian islands for a winter vacation. What better way to say "'tis the season" and to bring in a new year full of promise and wonder than to be under the warm sun surrounded by tropical plants and spending the time with friends? Last year I visited Hawaii (Honolulu and Maui) for the first time. It is an incredible place and I can't wait to experience it again.

Want to contact me? E me!