Our Anniversary in Maui

Monday, August 22nd

Because our earlier summer trip to Orlando was so highly scheduled with non-stop activities, the girls requested that we make sure this trip had plenty of down time interspersed with our planned outings. With that in mind, we spent much of the day today at the beach.

Unlike yesterday, we had plenty of sun, evidenced by our "sun-kissed" skin upon arriving back at the ship. Our shuttle took us to a beautiful golden-sanded beach in Wailea, complete with palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise water, beach chairs and umbrellas. We watched kayakers and paddle boarders, as well as the novelty of a water trampoline. Who knew?

 

Arms of lava rock on either side protected this beach from too many people. Two resort hotels overlooked the beach, and across the water was a view of a red-tinged volcano. What a view!

  

Relatively calm when we arrived, the wind picked up and within an hour the surf became rougher, though still quite swimmable, accompanied by blowing sand. Adjusting our chairs took care of the latter problem, though we did find sand in surprising places later on! The water was cooler than I expected at first, but it didn't take long to acclimate, especially as the day grew warmer. Sarah and I enjoyed reading, taking in the view, and the occasional romp in the waves. Larry and Emily were more active, Larry alternating between water and walking about; Emily lived in the water the entire time.

A lovely, relaxing way to start our anniversary.

That evening, we sent the girls off to find their own dinner and entertainment, and Larry and I had a romantic dinner in the Jefferson Bistro. The ship's French restaurant, it was suitably special for our 30th anniversary celebration.



I enjoyed a delicious four-mushroom soup and Fruits de la Mer: a puff pastry filled with scallops, shrimp, and lobster in a silky cream sauce. Larry declared his swordfish beyond reproach, as well. We shared chocolate fondue for dessert, dipping strawberries, bananas, pineapple and melon chunks, grapes, and pastry rounds into liquid dark chocolate. Healthy and sinful all at once! LOL!

Just as we finished, we were presented with a cake while three waiters serenaded us with "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Very sweet! There was a lot of singing going on that night. This was clearly the place to celebrate special occasions! Stuffed, the cake accompanied us back to our stateroom, where we enjoyed it over the next few days - and shared it with Sarah and Emily, of course...

In an attempt to walk off some of those decadent calories, Larry and I walked around the ship's upper decks, as we made our way to the Big Island. Admiring the stars, so apparent in the ink-black sky, I witnessed a shooting star for us to make a wish on! A perfect ending to a pretty perfect day.