So far, So Great!

Sorry, It has been a few days since we last updated the blog, but it is only because we have been having a bunch of fun.  Last week's weather was terrible. We experienced a few intense rain storms and parts of the island shut down due to the weather. Schools closed, businesses closed, and flooding closed numerous roads across the island. After a couple of days the rain finally ceased and thankfully the sun has been out ever since.  We have mixed up the past few days with a great balance between relaxation and activity.  Below are some of the highlights:

Haleakala: This has to be the highlight of the trip.  After reading and hearing so much about this volcano and its majestic and perfect sunrise,  I thought I was going to be disappointed since I was starting to believe it was being overhyped.  We drove for two hours to Haleakala and got there at 5:40 AM (giving us plenty of time before the sunrise).  No matter how much the guide books emphasize how cold the weather is at 10,000 FT you just have a tough time believing that you need to wear your winter gear to visit Haleakala.  We are in Hawaii! Are you kidding me!?! Below freezing temperatures and it sometimes snows. It's true, it was FREEZING!

We could not have asked for a more pristine morning for the sunrise. The sky was lit by the thousands of stars that seem to be a hand reach away. We were standing 10,000 FT above sea level and above all the clouds. As you stare into the horizon all you see are the contours of the infinite number of clouds that seem to span the entire sky below you. Then it begins. It is 6:35 AM and the horizon slowly starts to get brighter and brighter. For the next 20 minutes I am practically speechless and in awe. There is something very special and spiritual about Haleakala.  Even though you are freezing and your extremities feel like they are going fall off, you can't help but to keep staring into the horizon as the sun starts to rise.  As the sun comes up, you realize you are also standing in front of a gigantic crater and slowly the sun's rays start lighting up the entire scene.  I loved every minute of this and I highly recommend you all visit the largest dormant volcano in the world someday.

Pre sunrise

more pre sunrise...photos don't do justice

Moe, Court, and Celesta con mucho frio!

Sunrise

More sunrise

Haleakala Crater

Revisiting the engagement spot: Here is where we got engaged 19 months ago!

Cooking: Miguel and I have been the house chefs. We have tried to add more recipes to our repertoire of dishes. We are average cooks, but I like to think of us as adventurous and willing to try anything. We have cooked pork ribs, gourmet burgers (with a fried egg on top), and steak with homemade Chimichurri.  I must say, I most proud of my arepas! Arepas are a South American food that can be eaten with any meal. They are a cross between a mexican tortilla and corn meal like pancake and are incredibly delicious! We ate them for breakfast with cream cheese, avocado, and eggs. Andrea, our sister in law, taught me how to make them in San Francisco and I had to try. Andrea is a wonderful teacher and my first arepas came out beautifully!

Courtney getting her hands dirty

Arepas