38. Travel: Hawaii

My husband and I arrived just as the sun was setting.  We were equal parts giddy and exhausted.  “Oh, and I see from the notes here that you’re here on your honeymoon?” queried the front desk clerk, mustering reserves of faux enthusiasm after his millionth time of delivering that identical line to other newlyweds.  “Congratulations.  We have upgraded you to an ocean front suite.  Enjoy your stay.”

I wasn’t sure if he was congratulating us on our marriage or on our room upgrade.    

When I saw the room, I knew it was the latter.  The bathroom was bigger than my first apartment, and held a deep soaking tub and separate marble shower.  The towels were thick and fluffy.  The suite itself had dark hardwood floors, a yellow hibiscus print bedspread, and bamboo furniture.  The entire front wall was made of glass and offered a 180 degree, uninterrupted view of the glorious sea.  “I’m moving in,” I said to Tim, “like, permanently.” 

I’d been smart enough to book a package for the week, a package that included kayaking, horseback riding, snorkeling, and last but not least, hiking in a rock garden high above the ocean.  Every day brought a new adventure, along with perfectly prepared seafood and endless fruity cocktails with names like “Hawaiian Volcano” and “Thirsty Parrot” or “Maui Swirl.”  We lounged at the pool, slept too late, and basically had a wonderful vacation. 

Two children and 12 years later, we recently celebrated another anniversary.  I look back at our vacation photos in Hawaii, and realize it was a wonderful start to a wonderful marriage. 

MOV