I enjoyed writing the Coldplay entry so much that I am officially taking over for Shandi, well, at least for one more entry. This is the first entry, in a forthcoming series, detailing the events of our recent trip to Maui-- a vacation this good can’t be given justice with a single entry.
Saturday afternoon saw us make our way to SLC airport, carry-on bags in hand and us fully expecting to be denied a seat on the plane. This vacation was only made possible by my friend Ben Kent. He provided the buddy passes, (a wonderful benefit of being an airline employee) and the travel experience that made this trip so enjoyable. Anyhow, rewind to the airport, flying standby has its ups and downs, but this time luck was with us and we were on-board for a quick hop to LA.
When we landed in LA, luck was with us yet again, Ben and his wife Jamie were bumped to first class and Shandi and I were also cleared for the flight to Maui. Being the stand up guy he is, Ben adamantly offered his first class tickets to Shandi and me, insisting he had “been there and done that” and that we needed to experience it for ourselves. I sheepishly declined a few times before accepting his gracious offer.
I contest, I have the best friends in the world, I just don’t know how better people could exist.
So as we boarded the plane, Shandi and I made our way to the front, huge childish grins on our faces. The other passengers must have thought we won the lottery, and indeed, we felt like we had-- we were about to travel to Maui in first class for less than $200.00 each.
So we were off, the sun setting in LA. Apparently, when you’re traveling at 550 mph to the west, it takes considerably longer for the sun to submit to the darkness, before it did, we snapped a few pictures.
A nice view from 35,000 feet:
For anyone wondering, first class isn’t a bad way to travel, a full meal in our case, and more soda than we could drink. Ben gave up a lot to let Shandi and I take his seats, and I was reminded of it every time the flight attendant leaned over to me and said “Is there anything else I can get for you Mr. Kent”.
We touched down in Maui, and stepped 5 hours into the past, as we walked off the plane I immediately realized I no longer needed my jacket. We made our way to our hotel\time share, where we were duly impressed by our accommodations. Although we tired from traveling, we were excited enough to be in Maui that we stayed up to have a good chat and walk across the street to the beach.
Shandi will resume the next entry, undoubtedly full of days at the beach, Iao Valley, Dragon's Teeth and other incredible experiences from Maui. Until then...
This first picture is of all of us in Lahaina. For those of you who don't know, Lahaina is full of little stores to shop, restaurant's, and a gorgeous view of the ocean. It was so much fun to hang out there and to visit all of the little stores. In the middle of Lahaina there is a HUGE tree. I couldn't help to take a picture with all of us hanging out in it.
This is taken on the balcony at the condo where we stayed. We couldn't have stayed at a better place. It was the perfect size for the four of us.....plus, look at the perfect view we had of the ocean. It was truly amazing to see the sun set behind the water. It was so relaxing to watch, not to mention how beautiful it was.
Ben and Jamie knew of a cool place for us to snorkel. I do have to say at first I was a little worried about where they were taking us. (in the shade, climbing all over huge rocks, far away from where we started) but little did we know that they had the perfect spot picked out. The ocean is so amazing and beautiful. While we were snorkeling, my mask kept filling up with water, so Dan told me to follow him to a place where we could sit on some rocks while we adjusted. When we got over to "the spot" the waves were crashing in like crazy, and we were unable to just "sit there" to fix my mask. While the waves were trying to take us away, one hit Dan pretty good and when he grabbed a rock for balance his wedding ring came off. (first you have to know, Dan kept yelling and telling me over and over to make sure I take my wedding ring off before we go in the water so I don't lose it.) Dan let us all know that he had lost his ring, and both Dan and I basically said..oh well, we'll never find it in the OCEAN and especially with all the waves crashing in where he lost it. Ben thought otherwise and started looking. After each of us saying our silent prayers to find the ring, I finally went in the water to look for the ring also. Not even 5 min went buy and as I was looking in the lava rock I saw something huge and shiny, as I got closer I realized it was Dan's wedding ring. I couldn't believe it!! It was a miracle that we found it. I'm sorry that I was the one to find it Ben...I know how much you wanted to be the one to find it. :)
Iao Valley. It was gorgeous there! Dan kept saying he was worried the theme song to "Jurassic Park" was going to start playing and then a TRex would come stomping over all the trees. haha. Needless to say, it was completly beautiful!
I loved this view, the water was perfect too! I also love this picture....we put the camera on timer. :) (gotta love that) Maui is just so relaxing!!!
Boogie boarding on Big Beach!!! This was a blast!!!! Daniel and Ben were able to enjoy the water first with the boards. It was fun watching the boys out there. I got a few good pictures of them. After Ben had his fun he let me enjoy the boogie board. I had so much fun. The waves kept rolling me up onto the shore. I got plenty of mouths full of salt water and sand. :)
Ben had a cool place in mind for us to go see, so he pulled off the side of the road and we started walking.....this is what we found...a jungle!! Everyone was swinging from vines off of the trees. Ben had the great idea of playing a game of hide-n-go-seek, maybe next time we'll play! It was amazing there. It was so green and beautiful, and we were the only ones there! There were little lizzards everywhere too. GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS!
This picture is taken on our first day at Dragon's Teeth. As you can see, there are lava rocks everywhere. We walked down the side of a golf course to get to this place. We took so many pictures at this place. I know I say this about every place...but it was so beautiful there. Daniel and Ben wondered off...so it was fun to just hang out with Jamie for awhile. She is so much fun to be around. Thank you Jamie for letting me come on your vacation. :) I loved getting to know you better. Also Thanks Ben for planning everything. I'm sorry none of us are good at making choices of what to do. haha. We loved going to Maui with you....I hope we can do it again someday. :)
