I am embarrassed to finally be writing today... since it has been a little while! I fully understand my words are just a lot less powerful when it's so far between them. Please enjoy and hopefully you will return to read again, and the next time I will not be so long in my return!
After my amazing visit to O'ahu in September, I was fortunate to return to the beautiful Island of Hawai'i~ The Big Island. If you have not visited this island, or maybe just not lately~ you really must go back! Besides the obvious (a golfer's paradise) this island is simply saturated with the most amazing history! You will also experience the broadest range of activities; from beaches to water falls, and of course the powerful "Pele" at work in the volcano "Kilauea". Many people shy away from this special place, and that is a shame. But one day you must spend some time here and get an understanding of the spirit of this island.
My next adventure took me to... Disneyland in Southern California! It's like returning home for me, Disneyland and I sort of 'grew up' together. My time was intense and for great learning, as I was there for what we call an "Agent Education Program". Walt himself was concerned that Disneyland might not continue to evolve because of the lack of space. But I think he would be very proud to see it today! Walt always said; "As long as there is imagination, Disneyland will never stop growing!" It has not stopped, and is better than ever today!
The newly re-imagined California Adventure Park is spectacular! It took five years, but the newest edition of this park will amaze! Now 'themed' to be the Hollywood and Southern California that Walt Disney found in the 1920's and 30's. From the art deco style front entrance to the Red Car Trolley, and the Carthay Circle Theater (where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was premiered). The Buena Vista Street entrance is now presenting this park the way it should be. Then of course there is the all new 'land'... Cars Land! A huge success, which literally walks you right on to Route 66 and into the movie! You meet and greet Mater and Lighting McQueen, and it just could not be more fun! But of course Disney always trys to out do themselves, and Cars Land does not fail! Many (including myself) say the newest "E-Ticket" ride Radiator Springs Racers... is the best ride of all time! You really need to visit- return to Disneyland and the California Adventure Park and see for yourself!
My most recent travels took me back to Maui. I try and return each year (when I can) during the whale season! I never can get enough of these awesome creatures and this year they did not disappoint! My stays were in the Wailea area, and then Ka'anapali and Napili. It's always a strict part of my trips to experience different resorts and see as many as possible, so I am able to share these recent experiences with all my guests! The gorgeous and welcoming Fairmont Kea Lani- never disappoints, so very beautiful! But I re-discovered the truest and most important thing to me in all of Hawai'i in a place called Napili... the aloha spirit.
I must be honest; until I arrived for a site inspection at this very special place, I thought the 'spirit' had left Maui. I was sad and very disappointed in what I was seeing here. Then I arrived at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, and was re-introduced and spent time with a beautiful and loving woman named Faith. The history of this magical place is rich and long. The 'ohana' that takes care of it, they do it with love and life long dedication, and you do feel it when you are there. Like most people at the Napili Kai, Faith has been working there for lots and lots of years! But what was special; she saw I was sad, and asked me why. With the most sincere and heart felt words she asked me to come- stay with them. It was the most loving gift of aloha, and exactly what my heart needed. I was blessed that day, and did accept her gift. I spent the remainder of my stay at the Napili Kai Beach Resort... and can not wait to return 'home'. Mahalo Nui Loa to you Faith, and everyone at this special, special place in north Maui.
I hope this quick trip- but long blog- was fun and enjoyable for you. I know to some these two very different places are odd partners. But they are the two places in the world that always make me smile! Both are rich with history, and very special for very different reasons. But if you ever have questions, are muddled by the internet, or thinking about going... contact this Travel Professional and make every moment of your next vacation very special!
Thanks for sharing Teri, I learn so much from tour blogs, very well written and intresting. :)
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