James Hsu

I am writing this on my last day in Hawaii. It is almost time to head back home. My wife and I split time between Maui and Honolulu for this trip, and it has been great. (Is a Hawaii vacation ever NOT great? Inquiring minds want to know.)

Here is a list of things we accomplished:

• We drove around in a silver Mustang convertible. There are times in life when a Mustang with the top down is “worth it.” This is one of those times.
• We hiked gorgeous Haleakala national park in east Maui, and felt like travelers colonizing a new planet.
• We went to Manoa Falls and found the natural beauty of a waterfall.
• We surfed for the first time.
• We rode an ATV for the first time.
• I rode a horse for the first time! It was not her first time. I was a lot more nervous than she was. That, and my horse was a rambunctious one.

What did I learn?

• Communication with the wife is key. I must say that this has been one of the smoothest vacations we have taken together. Perhaps I have matured a little bit, or we are just more grateful about everything. It has been fun.
• The local food — an interesting blend of Western and Japanese sensibilities — was on point. Special thanks to my friend Anh for giving us a few pointers in that department. I have grown quite fond of ‘loco moco’ — beef patty with egg served over fried rice.
• There are a lot of Japanese travelers in Honolulu. I am not sure why, but it was interesting to see a tourist destination with more Japanese visitors than Chinese.
• Sunburn is a pain in the neck…literally. Apparently I do tan. Not easily, but it happens.

We are recharged and headed back to the daily grind. Time to get back in the proverbial saddle and kick some ass.

Peace,

James