Summer Reading

This post deviates slightly from the norm--rather than being about our lives as a married couple in Texas, I decided to post about my summer reading plans. I was an avid reader growing up, and for the most part I still am, but I have let it lapse of late. I could go on and on about the reasons I've identified, but I won't. Instead I'll focus on the solution: I've joined an online reading challenge. The theme of the challenge is travel, so I've selected six books (to be read between July and December) that are either about or are set in a place I'd love to visit. Those of you who know me best realize that no place is truly off limits... Here are my six choices:

1. Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald (India)

2. Maximum City by Suketu Mehta (India)

3. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (Cornwall, England)

4. Age of Iron by J.M. Coetzee (South Africa)

5. Ice Road by Gillian Slovo (Russia)

6. Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb (Ethiopa and England)

**Alternates: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria), Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies (Wales) and Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje (Sri Lanka).

By the way, this brilliant idea comes to me from a blog I visit regularly: A Life in Books. Thanks!

Hawaiian Vacation, Day 4: Haleakala National Park, Tedeschi Vineyard

On Sunday, our fourth day on Maui, we decided to drive to the summit of Haleakala, which happens to be encompassed by Haleakala National Park. I was a bit hesitant to drive to the summit because the previous day's drive to Hana left me exhausted and car-weary, but I knew Sunday was our last full day on the island. It was the last chance I'd have. As it turned out, the drive wasn't so bad--probably because the road wasn't quite so curvy. And it was well worth the time in the car. The journey to the summit (the depression/crater area of the East Maui Volcano) took us from the lush, overly-developed coastal lands of Maui to the remote, native, high elevation area protected by the federal government. At 10, 023 feet, summit of Haleakala features a landscape unlike any I'd seen before. I felt certain I'd left earth.
From the volcano, we drove to Ulupalakua to visit Tedeschi Vineyard. It was a beautiful side trip! The drive was scenic--we could see the ocean the whole time, yet somehow it seemed less tourist-driven and more "local". The papaya, mango, flowering jacaranda, or eucalyptus trees were plentiful, making the air smell sweet. We tasted four different wines, including a delicious raspberry dessert wine. But in the end we purchased a true novelty--pineapple wine. It's still chilling in the refrigerator, waiting until our taste buds need a reminder of Hawaii. Here are some pictures of the Tedeschi grounds:

Dinner that night was another delight. We dined at Nick's Fish Market at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui. Scrumptious! I had snapper, Mihir had mahi mahi. We're still thinking about that meal. Here's a picture taken at the restaurant:

Hawaiian Vacation Day 3: The Road to Hana

This picture depicts the reason we went to Hawaii: unspoiled natural beauty. Truth be told, Mihir and I don't consider ourselves "beach people". To us, Hawaii represented a place where we'd get views unlike any we'd see here on the continent. During the entire 5 day trip, we spent perhaps 2 hours on the beach and the rest of our time seeking opportunities to commune with Hawaii's nature. Having said that, I was surprised to see evergreens growing in Hawaii! His photo was taken as we drove along the Hana Highway, a journey that consumed most of Day 3.
Road to Hana: Hana Highway is a famous stretch of road travelled by most tourists who visit Maui. Just over 50 miles long, the road twists and turns (600 turns) and includes enough one-lane bridges (54) to require an entire day of driving. That, dear reader, is the beauty of it. You see, Hana Highway meanders back in time, to a slower-paced Hawaii. By taking our time and stopping every few miles, Mihir and I explored unspoiled rainforests and lava rock coastlines we'd never have seen otherwise. I can't adequately describe the scenery, so I'll post photos instead: