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Published: February 20th 2015
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Our last day at The Kahala Hotel was too short. Though both Deke and I were both suffering from one physical affliction or another, it was still difficult to leave. I tried to soak in views from our balcony, and remember details—the humidity in the air---the dolphin lagoon below, and the leisurely and pleasant breakfasts. Deke liked the breakfasts most of all; he really loves great service.
I learned from people who live in Hawaii that there is something called the “VOG.” Apparently, the VOG is a volcanic fog created by volcanic ash; it can cause respiratory distress and sickness. A couple of people thought that maybe my cold symptoms had come from the VOG. When our driver took Deke and me to the airport, he stated that the longest word in the English language is a disease one gets from living around volcanoes—a kind of black lung disease. One of the Hawaiians with whom I spoke stated that Hawaii does not like to advertise the VOG because it might keep some tourists away. Though I may have been affected by the VOG, I don’t think that there is much that could keep me from returning to Hawaii; in fact,
Deke has already booked our vacation at The Kahala for next year. Of all of the places that Deke and I have travelled, we are most in accord with loving Hawaii.
Instead of a direct flight back to Salt Lake, Deke booked us through LAX. In the first-class section from Salt Lake to Hawaii, first-class offered no bed service. For some reason, planes going through LAX to Hawaii offer bed service. The strange thing is that first-class costs the same whether you have a bed or not. If you want to fly first-class, this fact is worth researching.
On our flight from Hawaii to LAX, a well-known realty star who has his own TV show boarded the plane. Besides Deke and I, we saw others recognize him. It seemed for the most part, people left him alone so that he could enjoy a peaceful flight. Deke said that this particular man unbuttoned his shirt nearly to his navel exposing a non-washboard stomach. It was way more than Deke wanted to see. Deke suggested that I take a photo of him with his shirt open and sell it to TMZ, “Reality Star Grosses Out Fellow Passengers.” In the end,
I left the realty TV star alone, but perhaps it would have been yellow journalism worthy.
On our flight back from LAX to Salt Lake City, former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt was seated in the same row as we were. I thought about saying hello but in the end I decided against it.
I’m excited for our trip to Hawaii and stay at The Kahala again next year. Hopefully, both Deke and I will be affliction-free, but even with our ailments, Hawaii was wonderful—a subtle seductress who lures her willing guests back again and again.
Aloha for now and mahalo for reading my blog,
Monique
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Mrs. Schmidt
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Well written. We enjoyed the comments.