A day of shopping

Tuesday in Hawaii we decided to dedicate to shopping. We needed to get some souvenirs and other minor things and also wanted to see what was there that we might like. 

Alex saw us all reading on the lanai every day and he got the idea! He was "reading" a book there too. I have to say I miss reading a book while listening to waves, birds and being just comfortable enough: not too hot and not too cold. It's a magical environment there. The wind doesn't let you get too hot and the temperature consistently stays at 85 during the day and 69 at night. We didn't have air conditioning in the units and it was the best possible solution. I think air conditioning there would make it too cold due to high humidity. When we went to tour Maui Marriott the air conditioning in their units made me miserably cold. 

We went to the Front St of Lahaina to do our shopping. The first thing we did was buy some fresh flower leis since we realized that we only had 2 days left in Hawaii and we still hadn't bought any leis! The lady who sold them was so nice that she gave Alex a lei for free!!! I noticed that people who live in Hawaii are very nice, friendly, care-free and always appear to be happy. How do they do it? I guess I'll have to move there to find out. At least this is the impression I got from my 3 trips to the Hawaiian islands so far. They're not by any means rich, they sell souvenirs on the streets that they often make themselves right then and there but they appear to have no cares in the world. Amazing!

This wooden sculpture was made by one of these sellers. He spent 5 weeks making it. The details on it are incredible! The quality is 100% better than any "made in china" souvenir you could ever buy. I think that souvenirs like this one make most sense, they are real, authentic, made in front of your eyes by people who live in Hawaii. He was asking $4500 for it. You can put a lamp behind it to create a magical effect (the eyes, nostrils and mouth are cut out so the light would shine through). I really did wish that I had that kind of money. First, I could help this amazing artist and second, I could have this one of a kind, authentic souvenir in my home to remember of my trip forever.

We had lunch at Dave's favorite restaurant- Cheeseburger in Paradise. He had one of those, I ordered a portabello sandwich (which was delicious!) and my mom said she wanted anything as long as it didn't have any bacon in it. So what did we order for her? BLT! I don't know how it happened but when she got her food she just looked at piles of bacon with disbelief. Sorry, mom! I don't know what happened... Nevertheless, it was delicious and she fully enjoyed her meal.
This is a little beach next to the restaurant and it had little crabs that would come out of their houses, run quickly towards water but as soon as they saw any human being they would quickly run back to their homes. We watched them for a while. So cute!

Koi pond at the Wharf's shopping place. Alex played there for a while while Dave and I talked to a Marriott guy.

This is my mom's new dress that she bought on Front St. We also got her a flower (for her hair) that was made by a local out of soft clay and looked just like a real flower (I got one too). He gave us an incredible deal. People in Hawaii are very kind.

The first time during our stay it started pouring rain. The sun was still shining bright.
It didn't stop Alex from going swimming. Dave had to drag himself there with him. Although later they told me that it was the best swim of the week- water was very warm and the rain didn't bother them at all. 

After a short but powerful rain storm we all went outside. I walked on the rocks looking for crabs and little fish (and I found plenty), Dave snorkeled with turtles, Alex and babulya sat on the shore watching the ocean.

Tomorrow is our last day in Hawaii. We leave here in the late evening so more pictures and adventures are coming!