criplomats

We had a short week due to MLK birthday, but we packed a lot into it. For starters, I worked last Saturday and Monday, just trying to dig myself out of the hole of being gone for two weeks. On Sunday morning, though, we loaded up the bikes and enjoyed the Via Recreativa and GDL’S excellent weather. Afterward we went to our favorite place for breakfast.

Tuesday at work we had a little party to celebrate the return of one of our local staff who volunteered to work at the embassy in Afghanistan for a few months. He had a great time, but also recounted a few dangerous moments when missiles were launched toward the compound. We’re glad he’s home safe and sound. We have several friends still there – stay safe, y’all!

John took me out for a very good dinner at our favorite restaurant on Friday night, then Saturday my team was back in the office for a “Super Saturday,” an extra work day where we saw about 35 families – just trying to get our wait time for appointments down a little.

I was saddened to hear my Aunt Louise passed away this week. I spent a lot of time at her and Chesley’s house growing up. She was the one who always sewed my uniforms for pep squad or choir. Lord knows she put up with a lot from me and my cousins! She and Mom were very good friends and, as night owls, they had lots of late night phone calls. She had been ill for several years now and I hope she is at peace.

Today I’m en route to Nuevo Laredo to TDY for a couple of weeks – I’ve never been there before, so it’s a little adventure!

Mailing coconuts

We had to leave lovely Molokai last Sunday after a fabulous two weeks there. We left the island in the late afternoon and arrived in Guadalajara the next day. As always, it’s sad for vacation to be over, but I’m also glad to be home with Flavia again. She was a bit pouty at first, but then Velcro’d herself to me.

One thing I didn’t write about last week was mailing a coconut to John’s parents because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Mary and I spent about an hour at the post office with postmaster Gary while we used Sharpies to decorate the coconuts he provides. As we decorated, he talked about the island. We learned some gossip, and even met a guy from Arkansas who lives there now. And we found out that another postmaster in another town on the island is a retired foreign service officer. (Gary tried to call him so I could talk to him, but he’d already gone home for the day.) We had a fun time – Gary even gave us cookies and bananas!

Mary decorating

The finished product

Postmaster Gary

Click here to see all of our photos from Molokai!

The weather in Guadalajara is lovely. A little chilly in the mornings, but otherwise sunny. We hung an oriole feeder a while back, and they really discovered it. We’ve been getting both Scott’s and Baltimore orioles, plus the hummers use it, too. Fun!

Paradise!

Wow! This has been one our best vacations ever! We love this laid back little island! The house has been the centerpiece of our stay – the view never gets old and we’ve begun to spot whales from the lanai. Mary arrived Monday and brought fantastic weather with her – no more rain or clouds!

Monday morning, John and I chartered a fishing boat to go whale watching – we even caught a small tuna! (OK, truth be told, we were supposed to be fishing, but nothing was biting! So we just say we went whale watching!

Whale Tail!

Afterward we picked up Mary at the airport . For dinner, John grilled us some great grass fed beef that we bought at the co-op.

Mary enjoying the lanai

Tuesday we drove up the coast about 10 miles past our place to the Hawala Valley where we had a picnic. The views were incredible!

Turtle Island on the way to Hawala Valley

Roadside Art

The highlight of the trip was Wednesday when we took a tiny plane over the sea cliffs to the peninsula of Kalaupapa, the former leper colony. It was nothing short of breathtaking. We were on a guided tour (the only way you’re allowed there) and it was fascinating to think about how horrible it would have been to be ripped away from your family and be exiled there. I had just read a book about it before we went, which really added to my enjoyment of being there.

Flying to Kalaupapa, sitting behind the pilot!

Peace

Some folks ride mules down the sea cliff!

What a view!

Lighthouse

This view!

One of many graveyards

Father Damien’s grave

Thursday I took Mary to the overlook where you can see Kalaupapa from Molokai “topside.” John and I had gone earlier and loved it. From there we also took a short walk to aptly named Phallic Rock. We saw these beautiful chickens there. We also stopped by the coffee house where a couple of guys were playing music on the porch.

Roy Horner on ukulele

Showy rooster, a spot of color in the forest

Friday we went into town for music and sunset at Molokai Hotel, very laid back. Afterward we had pizza in town, then sat in the alley behind the bakery to wait for the hot bread to be ready – yep, it’s a thing. And totally worth it! Pro tip: get the taro glazed donuts. So good your eyes will cross.

The Friday night band of ukuleles

Hot bread – come and get it!

And today, we hit the farmers market in town, then we drove all the way over to the other side of the island to see what’s over there. (Answer: not much except a gorgeous beach.) It’s so weird…the town of Moanaloa over there is literally a ghost town.

We met the nicest guy on the trip to Kalaupapa! His name is Tom, and, with his trip to Kalaupapa, has visited every single county in the United States!

Tom’s County Project

Ah, Molokai! How we love you!

View from the lanai

We flew to the sleepy island of Molokai on Christmas Day. Molokai is a tiny island a few miles off the north coast of Maui – we can see Maui from our porch. It’s as if time completely passed the island by and hard to believe a place like this still exists. The island is basically two parts – the dry sunny west and the wetter, lush east side that reminds me of Costa Rica. The main town sits in between. We’re on the east end. We’ve had some sunny days but a lot of rain, too. Luckily we have a lovely covered lanai (porch) with comfy rockers and view of the ocean, so it’s not too bad. It’s given us plenty of time to read and relax!

We’ve gone to town a couple of times, and drove up to a scenic lookout, but most of our sightseeing will happen next week after Mary arrives. Until then, we’re just taking it easy and enjoying the view!