Rise and shine. Early. The bus picked up at 7:15 am to take us to the airport. Once checked in and pass security we still had 1 and a half hour to kill. In an ice cold building. We found a spot with a lot of windows and sun. It was bearable warm.

The flight to Kauai took, as usual, 30 minutes. We got our bags. Picked up our rental car and drove through Lihue, tree tunnel and just outside Koloa town and some more before we pass over a hill and see the view of Poipu beach below. It feels like home. And then we turn right onto the Poipu Plantation parking lot.

Jay Nai came to great us. He has been working at Poipu Plantation since we started to come here about 6 years ago. As mentioned, it feels like home.

What better place to go on our first day on Kauai in 2009 than to Kiahuna. Our favorite beach. Sunshine. Sand. Waves to play in.

And a monk seal. They told us that this particular monk seal was about 6 months old. She was born in November 2008. Now she was sleeping at the end of Kiahuna beach. And had done so for the last 4 hours.

When I got there she stuck her head in the sand. I guess my white skin was too bright in the sunlight. But I had no chance of asking her since I do not know sealish.

Later we had beef steak at home. With salad. And for desert we had Tutu’s anniversary. Our favorite ice cream. A mix of passion fruit, mango, and coconut.

I also decided to cut my hair. I have not had time to do this in Tokyo. Too much work. And I prioritized going to the gym rather than to the hair salon. So I cut it… 4 mm.

At 10 pm we were sound asleep.