Annnnnndddd we're back.

And in so many ways, are we back.
We're back in NY from Philly.
Back in NY from the honeymoon.
Back in...well, ok, I thought that was going somewhere, but it isn't.

We got back from Hawaii last Friday, but honestly, I just haven't had the energy to talk to you people. The last week was spent setting up our kickass apartment, dealing with all the wedding gifts we got, decompressing from the last many months and so on.

Let me just say some things about Kauai before I get into the present.
I know I've said it before, but it truly is the most beautiful place ever. This is coming from a guy who has been literally everywhere there is to go, so trust me.
The people are extremely chill. At least the people we met, which only included white folk - haoles, as they call them. Some are "local haoles" - born in Hawaii, but white, but mostly haoles - whites who moved there at some point. But they like to think they are locals. Imperialism at it's best, according to most Miriams.
It seems like most people drive around in pickup trucks, and everyone hauls around a surf board with them.
Oh yeah - we went to Poipou, this town on the south shore and went boogie boarding. Huge freaking waves, for real. It was pretty scary at times, but definitely awesome. The whole timing thing is very interesting - unless you get up on the wave at just the right second, you miss it. When you catch it, though, then it's an awesome ride. Getting caught up in a wave and getting sucked under and slammed isn't fun. Frightening to feel totally out of control, trying to hold limbs close to my body, thinking about hitting rocks and turtles (seriously - they get swept up in the big waves and you can see them as the wave crests.) Anyway, I totally could see living a life of surfing as much as possible. Good stuff.