In addition to writing, I did many things that a typical traveler would do in Maui. Snorkle, scuba diving, eat, play in the water, play in the sand, drive to Hana, visit local farms, watch whales, and….yet.

If I had never traveled to South Thailand or Palawan in the Philippines…and so many other beaches in the world, would I feel different about Maui? I have seen majestic beaches and swam in warmer waters (even a beach where the water was boiling hot). I have seen coral and fishies (although this was quite nice). But I wonder too is it because the love of nature never was grown inside me. That when I see hiking trails, when I see the opportunity to camp, the trek across beaches…all I can think about is how uncomfortable it is. I want to view it from the comfort of my own home and the pleasure of my own mattress.

Having trekked across almost ten countries in the last two years, have I just gotten to the point where everything blends together? And it’s the comfort of sleep and the ease of travel that drives me?

Although I have to admit that the best thing that I loved was that English was the common language. American culture was the norm…and expected (even if it’s practicing Aloha).

After a 2 hour whaling trip off the coast from Lahaina, we trekked and found a trendy noodle restaurant…completely off the beaten path, discovered only because many of my foursquare friends visited. We played on the beach in the north, covering each other in sand. Then we looked at the coral. Then we tried our best to wash the sand, sneaking into parking lots and showers where we weren’t supposed to be. We went up to the top level of the mall, poking our head into shops…and walking out. Then walking into a museum asking each other…hey is this worth it? then we backed out. Like a typical weekend. Wasn’t it?