They used to say...

"A hearth makes a home", referring to the Kitchen - but maybe it's all about the FOOD! 

This is the 6th time I have arrived back on Kauai... and there is something about the rituals of reconnecting to a community that make coming back feel like coming home. Rituals that tend to feed my senses, particularly my taste buds...

I begin by driving straight from the airport to Wall Mart to buy sunscreen, bug spray, water, Haupia (coconut) Yogurt and Anahola Tropical Granola for breakfast... Funny, I have never been to a Wall Mart in Vancouver - but here it's my 1st stop!

Next I pop into Lihue's Costco to pick up my favorite "inexpensive" Australian red wine: Rosemount Shiraz for only $7.99 a bottle ($19.99 CA). 

When driving north, I roll down the windows just before Kealia Beach to smell the salty surf breaking on the reef - it's the most amazing aromatherapy, and always makes me exhale, my shoulders drop and I remember to be present...

Over the next few days, I slowly pick away at my Island to-do list: 

I make a point of stopping at ONO Charburger on the Kuhio Hwy in Anahola and having Auntie Momie make me the best Local Girl Burger with fried onions and their special teriyaki sauce - Oh So... ONO!

On Saturday mornings I joining Skip Rush for Tai Chi class at the Pavilion on Hanalei Bay.

Followed by a trip to the Hanalei Farmer's Market to find the freshest organic fruit & veg.

Next stop is at the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market... for some fresh AHI to sear for dinner...

Which reminds me, I can't miss a visit to the local Fish Taco Van at Anini Beach... The BEST homemade salsas!

I squeeze in a Bikram's Yoga class at the Hanalei Yoga studio followed by a Nestea style plunge into the Bay.

Oh and let's not forget a visit to my local coffee haunt to Tina's smiling face behind the counter at Java Kai, where I go in the mornings for a cup of Kona to take with me on my Bay walk and where you will find me in the afternoon connecting to WIFI sipping a steamy Coconut Dream Latte while finding shelter from afternoon showers - in the winter that is... 

To end a perfect day, I take a drive to the end of the road to watch the sunset at Ke'e Beach with the other romantic sun worshipers. 

And before the week is out, I must make a trip to the South Shore to visit the Kauai Coffee Company's Plantation to pick up my favorite Hawaiian Spice Blend, only found here - not sold in stores!

This is my Kauai... I hope one day you have the privilege of creating memories of your own. xo P.