Been humming “Midnight at the Oasis?’ Yearning for an exotic getaway? Morocco isn’t that far away. In fact, a combination of Morocco and the Mediterranean can be found via Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs.

Two areas — the Mediterranean Villas and the Moroccan Villas –  make up the charming pensione. The Moroccan Villa was built in 1924 by Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. Homesick for the years he spent in Tangiers and inspiration he found there, Coutts replicated his experience in Palm Springs. Just across the street is the Mediterranean Villa, with buildings like the Orchard House that date back to 1918.

Between the two properties, there are 28 rooms/suites. Each one has its own distinctive style.

As do their bath areas.

As the pensione is a bed and breakfast, each day starts with homemade breakfast in the courtyard. Fresh coffee, lemonade and tea can be found in the open-air lobby throughout the day.

Another way to start the day is with one of Korakia’s yoga classes or special retreats (check website for schedule). Nearby is the Spa Lodge for those who prefer to unwind in a more passive way.

Palm Springs is within easy walking distance, Korakia’s bikes, however, are free for guest use.

After a swim in one of the two saltwater pools, a game of bocce ball may be in order.

Afternoons are best spent in various nooks and crannies throughout the property just right for snuggling or taking a nap.

As night falls, Moroccan tea is served and the property’s come alive when firepits and candles are lit.

And for those guests missing the televisions and telephones not present in their accommodations, Korakia has another form of entertainment that’s far more romantic — canoodling under the stars while watching films like “North by Northwest.” Ah, bliss.

To learn more about Korakia Pensione visit www.korakia.com or phone 1-760-864-6411. For information about Palm Springs visit the Palm Springs Visitors Center at www.VisitPalmSprings.com or phone 1-800-347-7746.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Listen closely… I LIVE BY THE LA RIVER! Why the caps and exclamation point? Well, it took me a while to figure this out. Thanks to Jenny Price of LA River Tours, I now realize what a lucky Los Angeles County resident I am.

Like most Angelenos, I see the river every day. Heck, it’s literally right outside my door. As Price points out during her tours, the city’s collective subconscious, though we constantly drive over it or around it,  doesn’t really notice this 51-mile-long body of water running right through our very heart.

Photo by Bekah Wright

I met Price during MOCA’s summer-long Engagement Party with the LA Urban Rangers. She introduced a bevy of curious participants to the portion of the LA River under the Sixth Street Bridge. When asked if they recognized the spot, everyone in the crowd shot their hands up. Yes, it’s been featured in myriad films and television shows. Beyond picturing Grease’s Danny Zuko, Sandy and the Pink Ladies, my mind fixed on something else. In all the years I’d lived right next to it, I’d never given the LA River one iota of my attention. It was way past time.

Photo by Bekah Wright

As you can see, it’s clearly marked. No mistaking it. An entrance to a walking and biking trail alerted me there were adventures ahead.

Photo by Bekah Wright

I descended a set of stairs, excitedly anticipating what I would discover.

Photo by Bekah Wright

First up, a bit of history. As much as I wanted to run down the path taking in everything, I respected the river and read about its long, illustrious history. And thanks to Price, I was equipped with knowledge about the hopes for the river, including a massive series of pedestrian walkways and bikeways that could change the scope of how we live and interact within Los Angeles.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Soon, aspects of the river were calling, like this little fellow.

Photo by Bekah Wright

He wasn’t alone, other pops of color informed me.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

Declaring space of its own was street art.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

My museum/garden-like reverie, was disrupted by a whirring sound. Humans on two wheels! Dogs taking their owners for a walk.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Ducks, herons and seagulls, all of whom were camera shy, left evidence that they were teasing me from above.

Photo by Bekah Wright

And, as if knowing I wanted to sit a while, an amphitheatre appeared. I sat and reflected on the beauty around me. It had been there all along. Before leaving, I made a promise to always be open and aware to the treasures the LA River has to offer me.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Some people declare, “I love NY!” or “Virginia is for Lovers!”. Now, not only do I proclaim, “I LIVE BY THE LA RIVER!” –  I heart it, too.

To learn more about Jenny Price’s LA River Tours visit the following Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-River-Tours/145014985524137. Better yet, discover how close you live to the LA River and pay it a visit.

On Maui, back in June, I was dining with Sarah Burns aka Ohana Mama at Japengo restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. The photo above was the tiki-lit view from our table. To say it was heavenly would be an understatement. We wanted nothing more but to linger over the view. Alas, we had theatre plans. And not just any theatre. Maui Moon Theatre, home to Cirque Polynesia. Wistfully bidding the remnants of our meals adieu, we set off for our next stop.

As if a mirage, the Maui Moon Theatre appeared in the offing. The unmistakable sounds of the circus lured us in its direction. Lights popping into the sky urged it was safe to run away from the day-to-day and escape to the circus, at least for the length of the 60-minute show.

Though speaking no words, Pepe the Clown’s (aka Peterson Jardim) presence was full throttle as he poked the audience into participating through his antics. By night’s end, he’d gotten several attendees to perform in a bell symphony. I must admit, I was a bit envious. Ringing those bells looked like a blast.

Pepe wasn’t the only performer to take the stage. Indeed, I’d already heard about the Wheel of Death and was anxiously awaiting for its appearance. First, though, there was a contortionist, Odgerel Oyunbaatar –

Odgerel Oyunbaatar at Cirque Polynesia

Ohana Mama and I turned to each other more than once questioning, “Can you tell if that’s her back or her front?” Teeth were involved in one move. I still shiver at that move, but won’t reveal what took place. You’ll just have to catch a show. As Oyunbaatar continued, I determined I’d give a few of the moves at a later date. More on that to follow…

There was still much to see in the show, including Morgan Oldham doing a bit of hand balancing.

Morgan Oldham of Cirque Polynesia

As someone who can’t balance when standing with both feet on flat ground, I was astonished by the poses Oldham could strike. Again, the thought came on… could I do that? The thought reoccurred when an act came onstage with a flurry of hoops. My favorite moment — when she transformed herself into a human Slinkee with said hoops.

Next up, the silks. I’ve been transfixed by the silks ever since seeing Pink perform from them during an awards show. Beauty in motion.

Antoly "Toly" Huaman of Cirque Polynesia

Such was the case when Antoly “Toly” Huaman took to the silks. My heart beat a little faster. The little girl inside me insisted the adult Bekah could pull this off. Yes! I would be running away to join a cirque!

Finally, the moment I’d been waiting for arrived — the Wheel of Death.

Cirque Polynesia photo via Maui Now

Here’s a close-up of Enrique Valencia as he performs this death-defying feat. And don’t take those words lightly. Death-defying would be an apt description.

Enrique Valencia of Cirque Polynesia

At one point, Valencia decided to jump rope his way around the Wheel of Death. When his foot got caught in the rope, Ohana Mama and I grasped each other while holding our breath. Had he really almost plunged to his death, or was this part of Valencia’s act? We’d soon find out…

After the show, Sarah and I were introduced to the performers, a troupe from around the globe from such far flung places as Mongolia, Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Hawaii, of course. Waiting for us backstage was Valencia, who, beyond performing on the Wheel of Death, is the producer of Cirque Polynesia. As Valencia chatted with Sarah and I, the troupe wasn’t packing up and heading home. Instead, they were honing their skills before calling it a night.

Valencia, a seventh generation circus performer, gave us insight into the workings of Cirque Polynesia. What I wanted to know, though, was this — had he ever fallen from the Wheel of Death. I was surprised by his answer, “Yes.” In fact, he’d just come back to Cirque Polynesia after a three-month recovery from knee injuries. The jump rope portion of the act came back fast and hard to my memory, Valencia doubly brave in my eyes now.

And though Valencia frankly recalled his Wheel of Death accident, his enthusiasm for cirque life was infectious. I had to give it a try…

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, I GIVE YOU, CIRQUE SCHOOL LA

Valencia wasn’t the only cirque performer I met while on Maui. Rick Andreoli and Steve Thompson were members of my media trip. It was love at first sight for me. Especially after seeing photos of their aerial feats from Cirque School LA.

Rick, Bekah and Steve

Rick, who teaches at Cirque LA, assured me that I, too, could be a cirque performer. Weeks of stretching commenced. I attempted some contortion movements. Did I mention I fall even when standing on two feet on flat ground? Yep, that was disastrous. Finally, my first day of Cirque School arrived!

Cirque School LA

Upon seeing the red curtains at the entrance my heart sped up in excitement. Would I be a natural as Rick had been? Should I give up my computer for a bag of rosin? Would my name someday be above these red curtains in lights?

Rick, my friend now teacher, gave me the biggest hug in the world. The message it was telegraphing, “You can do it, girl!” Steve assured me he’d been nervous his first day, too. Not to worry, I thought. I was born for this.

It was during the warm-up that I realized I was in trouble. Um, those knee problems I’m always dealing with kept reminding me of their existence. “Cut it out! I’m going to fly high like Pink and you’re not going to have any say so in the matter!” I warned them.

My knees weren’t the only problem. Turns out, I have no upper body strength. Core muscles? What are those? And didn’t know my hands had muscles that hadn’t been flexed in a while. Ouch!

Rick Andreoli teaches at Cirque School LA

You’ll note there are no photos of me below. I did attempt this move, the Mermaid…

…and Mermaid Angel.

Thought all those years of spinning would have done more for my gluteal muscles. Nope, I slid right off the bar. Still, the silks awaited. I could still spin above a crowd and sling water from my wet hair (left intentionally soggy from my morning shower for this very purpose).

Steve was merely stretching here.

Steve Thompson at Cirque School LA

Sigh. I am no Rick.

Rick Andreoli at Cirque School LA

I am no Steve.

Steve Thompson at Cirque School LA

I am no Pink. According to Rick, though, just being Bekah is okay. Of attending Cirque School LA he says, “All it takes is a willingness to try.”

Look out Cirque School LA! I’ll be back to try again!

To learn  more about Cirque Polynesia visit http://www.cirquepolynesia.com/. Ready to run away and join Cirque School LA? Visit http://www.cirqueschoolla.com.

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

In the dream, I’m riding my bike through Century City, my eyes peeled for the bright green awning that announces — Greenleaf Gourmet Chop Shop! Visions of what I’m going to order once I arrive cause me to pedal a bit faster. There’s no need to worry about parking. After all, Greenleaf is known for its own bikes, parked just outside the front door. And then… I wake up.

Cursing so early in the morning upon discovering you haven’t reached your destination is never a good way to start the day. Knowing Greenleaf is within driving distance, well that makes the unfolding of the day an adventure. But I digress. Let me start from the beginning.

A friend who knows me well recommended I check Greenleaf out. Not only is the menu chockfull of local green goodness, but Executive Chef Kristi Ritchey’s story was one my friend knew would inspire me. You see, Ritchey lost 110 pounds in less than a year by eating healthfully and working out with Barry’s Bootcamp. Greenleaf, which she co-owns with Executive Chef Jon Rollo, is her way of giving back to the masses. Of letting them know that healthy doesn’t mean boring. Apply that attitude to a personality and you’ve got the vivacious enthusiasm of Ritchey.

Executive Chef Kristi Ritchey and Bekah Wright

What kind of food is Greenleaf serving up? How about this for a starter — a truffle/parmesan tortilla pizza topped with fresh herbs. The pizza’s aroma is intoxicating. It’s flavor fulfills every promise its presentation hints at. Delicious. And guilt-free. The entire pizza is about 350 calories.

“But what about the gourmet salads?” I’m glad you asked. They’re the perfect follow-up to pizza, that is unless you want to make a meal out of either of them. I was sampling various dishes with a friend, so got to taste many of Greenleaf’s menu highlights. Like this little beauty — the Antioxidant Orchard Salad.

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

Two salads tickling my tastebuds were the Lemongrass Chicken and Chef Ritchey’s favorite, the Kitchen Sink Cobb Lite. So difficult to choose a favorite here. The lemongrass kick left me craving this salad (yes, in the dream aforementioned, I was striving for this dish and the tortilla pizza). The Cobb Lite, however, has bacon in it and I love me some bacon.

Next up, a turkey burger with sweet potato fries dipped in, wait for it… guacamole aioli sauce. Are you swooning yet? You should be.

My lunch mate and I quickly dispatched of the burger we split and many leftovers were packed. Why the restraint, you ask? Dessert, of course! I’d read about the Not My Muffin Tops and had to try them. They did not disappoint.

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

Three of the five flavors — Chocolate Chip, Banana Walnut, Carrot & Grilled Pineapple, Cranberry Pecan and Lemon Blueberry — were available that day. Lemon blueberry has woven its way into my subconscious. That flavor of muffin top was another highlight of my dream; a driving force that kept me pedaling towards Greenleaf. And what’s not to love? Each healthy morsel only racks up between 175 and 270 calories a piece. Take that Snickers bar!

So with the holidays upon us, I encourage you to check out one of Greenleaf’s two locations (Beverly Hills and Century City), to look for their fare in select Los Angeles health clubs or at the weekly Century City Farmers Market (1800 Avenue of the Stars; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Whether indulging in the breakfast, lunch or dinner menu, you’ll definitely get ideas of great healthy fare that can become an everyday fixture in your life. And if Chefs Ritchey or Rollo happen to be in the restaurant, don’t be surprised if they don’t stop by your table to lend some holiday fixin’s advice. That is if they aren’t competing in a push-up contest in the kitchen. So those excuses you had for not being able to fit exercise in, throw those out with the junk food. Greenleaf has launched a healthy revolution. It is, indeed, the stuff of dreams.

For more information visit http://www.greenleafchopshop.com.

Photo from Maui Card

The moment my Facebook post was up about arriving at Maui’s Maalaea Harbor for the Ali`i Nui’s Sunset Sail comments began pouring in. The eagle eyes of Ali`i Nui fans singled out the 65′, custom-built, catamaran’s name in an instant and congratulated me on my good fortune. It didn’t take long to see why.

Photo by Bekah Wright

A warm welcome awaited, replete with cocktails and refreshing, bite-sized chunks of pineapple.

Photo by Bekah Wright

The friendly crew made sure guests settled in comfortably. Loved chatting with them, especially Gwen and Nick, who shared their own travel and sailing experiences.

Recently, young Nick has been globetrotting to locales like Switzerland and Brazil. He’s chosen to experience these destinations by volunteering and sharing his skills.

Especially, loved hearing Gwen’s story about how destiny brought her together with the Ali`i Nui. I was impressed by her determination to dive into the opportunity, uprooting her life in Washington state to move to Maui. She let me know a good part of journey came from making connections with guests on the Ali`i Nui. I felt so honored to have met her.

Photo by Bekah Wright

As the sun dipped into the ocean, we all jockeyed for our favorite position on board to soak in the view.

Photo by Bekah Wright

I loved gazing back at Maui and seeing the island’s gentle edges dipping into the Pacific.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Before long the call came, “Dinner is served!” Truth be told, they called this spread appetizers, but it sure felt like dinner to me. Laid out around the bar were platters and platters of fresh fare, much of it from Ali`i Nui’s own farm.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

I passed on the shrimp due to allergies, but loaded up on veggies, Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, hummus pita and beef stuffed with mango. Delish! As for dessert, that came via a birthday cake in Paul Steele’s honor. There were hot, chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, too. Okay, maybe they weren’t hot, but in my memory, they were fresh out of the oven.

Photo of Paul Steele by Bekah Wright

Paul wasn’t the only one being honored that night with the bestowing of special leis by Keli`i Brown of the Maui Visitors Bureau. I got one composed of the sweetest pink rose buds for my birthday. Rick and Steve got leis for their 10th anniversary.

Photo by Bekah Wright

We were definitely a happy bunch. As the sun went down, we headed up top for a group photo. The wind made for some interesting photos.

Photo by Nancy D. Brown

Speaking of interesting, this was about the time seasickness got the best of me. It doesn’t take more than merely looking at a photo of light, rolling surf for queasiness to strike me. Earlier, Gwen had pointed out the boat’s sweet spot for when the stomach starts roiling.

Turns out, getting seasick on the Ali’i Nui comes with perks — the captain lets you steer the boat! Um, my steering wasn’t the best, I must admit. Probably the reason this person was sharing the sweet spot with me.

After introductions were made, we learned fate had, like with the Ali`i Nui and Gwen, brought us together in our seasickness. Jovelyn and I had been working together via email for years, but never met face-to-face. In getting to know each other in person, I forgot my queasiness and marveled, yet again, in Maui’s magic.

Photo by Bekah Wright

To learn more about the Ali`i Nui or to book a sailing expedition (snorkeling, tradewind and sunset sails available) visit http://www.aliinuimaui.com. For information about Maui visit http://www.gohawaii.com/maui.

Photo courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

I firmly believe you get what you need at exactly the moment you need it. Well, most of the time. This was proven to me during my recent visit to Maui.

Photo courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

I was due to meet my friend Sumithra Balraj at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa to check out Heavenly Spa by Westin’s Hawaiian Meditation treatment. Sadly, the person who was to lead the treatment was called away due to a sick child. No worries. Sumithra and I headed to Tropica’s martini bar to catch up. I dubbed the drinks we’re holding here Orange Meteorites due to their cayenne pepper kick.

I would like to blame the humidity on what my eyebrow is doing in this photo. Alas…

Nancy D. Brown joined us for dinner at Tropica, where the three of us watched the sunset.

Photo courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Photo courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Capping off the perfect evening — Sumithra telling me I was scheduled for a different treatment at Heavenly Spa the next day. Hello lomilomi!

Enter Thursday. In record time, I was ensconced on a massage table. Using Hawaiian massage techniques, my therapist, Richelle, lulled me into a stupor.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Feeling particularly chatty, I asked Richelle what had brought her to Maui. I love hearing about mainlanders who heed the island’s siren song. Richelle mentioned that her journey had begun through meditation. I was immediately intrigued. Seemed I was going to get a schooling in meditation from Heavenly Spa after all.

Richelle and I both agreed that when we pay attention, we get a lot of answers to our questions, or even suggestions, compliments of the universe, ether or whomever and wherever you receive daily taps on the shoulder. After all, hadn’t I just recently headed to Ireland and was now on Maui due to keeping my ears alert?

I, of course, was chomping at the bit to experience the CD Richelle used when meditating. Those capable hands that had unlocked my knotted muscles were waiting outside the treatment room holding this for me.

I had visions of meditating at sunrise the next day to the voice of Edie Van Hoose. Flash forward to an hour later…

Back at my hotel, while waiting for lunch, I was struck by an asthma attack. Lunch was suddenly to go, as I headed  to my suite post-haste to find my inhaler. It was then I realized — um, I’d left my rescue inhaler back in LA to save packing space. After all, I’d only used it twice in my lifetime. I wouldn’t need it.

The voices of numerous doctors echoed in my head, “Always carry your rescue inhaler.” “Whether you feel like you have asthma or not, you do. Stay on your regime.” These messages hadn’t been whispered or suggested, they’d been firmly delivered. I, however, had chosen to ignore them. After all, what’s sexy about the universe reminding you to use your inhaler?

Panic rising as I hoped my regular inhaler would do the trick, it occurred to me that a bit of meditation might come in handy about now. I popped Edie Van Hoose’s Hawaiian Meditations To Expand Your Inner Journeys into my computer. Darned if there weren’t breathing exercises on the CD along with meditation. Thank you Sumithra and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa for putting me in the right place at the right time! Thank you Richelle, for making the CD available! Bless you, Edie, for recording it! In no time, I was feeling back to normal as my stress was alleviated and the inhaler kicked in.

The message from Maui — pay attention to all those little signals you get. Even the ones staring your right in the face –

Yes, this one has been hanging above my desk for years. Message received!

To learn more about Edie Van Hoose visit her website at http://www.ediesmassagemaui.com

To learn more about Heavenly Spa by Westin and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa visit http://www.westinmaui.com/.

I’ve been wanting to visit O’o Farm on Maui for a while now. Especially after eating Chef James McDonald’s food at the 2010 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. Outstanding! And though I’m sure his dishes derive their flavor from his culinary skills, I also wanted to check out where their ingredients hail from — O`o Farm in Upcountry.

And what better place to try out these Adidas tennis shoes from the Fairmont Kea Lani’s Fit program. Purple and orange laces — what’s not to love!

Wanted to hop on this swing and investigate the yurts on the eight-acre property. But the smell of food cooking sent me in another direction.

Hard at work preparing our lunch was Chef Caroline Schaub, who recently relocated from the CIA in Northern California to Maui for, and I quote, “My boyfriend and the windsurfing.” Thank you boyfriend and Maui waves. Lunch wouldn’t have been the same without her. Though the tour was still ahead of us, we got a sneak peek at the menu.

As you can see from the ax above, this is a working farm, and there are no exceptions, especially not for guests. It was time for us to go out and gather more elements for our lunch. We were happy to oblige.

Future Farmer of America, Autumn and her mom Emily were ready to dig in.

Of course we got to taste as well. Rick proclaimed this edible flower a dead ringer for garlic fries.

Our guide, Richard Clark, showed us the ropes, along with Ludwig Baker and Denver Henry. This is an example of what their compost accomplishes. Rich, rich soil.

Something else rich was tickling my nose. I’d already tasted these straight from the vine (I don’t recommend this) –

So followed my nose up to where the farm’s coffee beans were being roasted.

Ancil Clancy was all about the beans and told us about their journey to our coffee cups.

Hard to believe these would be transformed into something warm hot and delicious.

Dinner bell! Lunch is served.

The thinnest sliced beets ever.

My plate with the tofu and roasted veggies and freshly baked foccachia. Bless you, Chef Caroline!

This potato dish made the rounds.

And for dessert, too!

Not to be left out — coffee, of course!

And a table circled by new friends. Thanks for bringing that bottle of wine Rick & Steve. Perfect pairing!

Shouldn’t you be seated at this table, too? Next time you’re in Maui pay O`o Farms a visit. They’ll welcome you with open arms and foccacia. For more information visit http://www.oofarm.com/.

A while back, I had the pleasure of hearing Jake Shimabukuro perform live. I’ve been obsessed with his music ever since. My friend Shana has learned how to play the ‘ukulele. I’ve been waiting to transport my father’s baritone ‘ukulele from Virginia. On this trip to Maui, however, I saw my chance…

Enter Robert Keller. He’s been teaching music for 40 years. He met The Ohana Mama, aka Sarah Burns, and I for a lesson in the Fairmont Kea Lani lounge. He asked what our expectations were. Both of us said we’d be happy to plunk out Mary Had a Little Lamb by the end of the hour. Robert had other visions for us — 10 songs. Gulp.

Think I look like I have the hang of it here? Look closer. There’s a bit of, “What the?!” behind those blue eyes. Nevertheless, when we were doing single strumming and counting 7, 5, 7, 0, I got it. Add some chords and I was a goner. Robert had faith, though. My fingers would submit to my will. I was across the table from Sarah, but I’m pretty sure she’s a phenom. And, indeed, by the end of the lesson, she and I were trying out our best Jake moves. And, yes, my ‘ukulele is gently weeping, just not for the reasons you think.

Robert was extremely patient and encouraging. Think I might just have to visit the Maui Costco. I hear they have great ‘ukuleles for sale…

To schedule a class with Robert Keller phone 1-808-875-2773.

Good morning takes on a whole new meaning on Maui. First up — breakfast buffet at the Kea Lani Restaurant via the Fairmont Kea Lani resort.

In keeping with my intentions to eat as much locally produced/grown food as possible, I grabbed some papaya, pineapple and Kula strawberries. Oatmeal with brown sugar for a base. A hard-boiled egg (not pictured, I massacred it while peeling) for protein. Pork bao because I love them so much. Banana and peanut butter to be eaten later as a snack. Next up… workout Maui style!

Our fearless leaders showed us the proper way to navigate an outrigger canoe. FYI — guests at the Fairmont Kea Lani can partake in this activity for free. Yep, you read right. Book prior to arrival to ensure you get a boat, though.

Can you see the head of the dragon in the lava rock outcropping. It protects Polo Beach. We also saw three honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles. They were quite photogenic. Sadly, my trigger finger didn’t hit the Samsung series 200 waterproof camera I was trying out quickly enough.

Our motley crew. Oh yeah, we surfed that baby right into shore! Shower, then off to O’o Farm. Will report back.

To learn more about the Fairmont Kea Lani visit http://www.fairmont.com/kealani. To learn more about Hawaii and Maui visit www.gohawaii.com.

Aloha from Maui! Made it to the Fairmont Kea Lani despite my Tom Tom trying to get me to turn into people’s driveways. Who knows? I’m sure the Maui locals would have invited me in for Sunday brunch, but I had another destination planned. Checked into the resort and explored a bit. After all, I have two new Samsung cameras to try out. Decided to take the SH100 out for a spin.

Saw a kid crouched by this koi pond with his hand in the water, then became convinced he was one of those freaky statues that looks lifelike. He wasn’t a statue. Luckily, he moved before I poked him.

Did come across some great statues, though. This was one of my favorites. The path I was on curved straight to the beach.

There was something so friendly about happening upon this swath of blue umbrellas on the beach. My eye, however, had been enticed by another blue source of shade. The pool cabanas.

Wanted to dive right into the pool. However, a cocktail reception was close at hand. Time to meet new friends.

And get hugs from old friends. Aloha, Keli`i!

Ambience came by way of slack key music.

And the sunset.

Chef Richard Hoang made sure we were well-fed with kabobs (chicken, steak, veggie) and dim sum. Was definitely impressed that he knew who had allergies and who didn’t. He planned for each and every one of us. Mahalo, Chef Hoang!

Intention to eat as much locally produced fare as possible during this trip definitely underway. It’s not pictured here, but the Mango Cobbler was to die for. Delish!

As the night drew to an end, I let the moon light my way home. It was the kind of moon one makes wishes upon. I didn’t, as it felt like mine were already coming true.

Adventures aplenty on tap for tomorrow. Talk to you then!

For more information about the Fairmont Kea Lani visit http://www.fairmont.com/kealani. To learn more about Hawaii and Maui visit www.gohawaii.com.