Take me back!

I have been blessed to have taken some pretty amazing trips in my life.  My grandmother was a globetrotter and certainly instilled her love of traveling in all four of her grandchildren.  While my grandmother was alive, the two of us traveled internationally to Belgium, Rome, Portugal, France, Norway, England, Denmark, The Netherlands, and many other fascinating locations!  We spent a lot of quality time traveling the world.  I'm so happy that we were able to squeeze a large amount of "living" in before she died in 1997.

I've also had the privilege of traveling internationally with Jas.  About 5 years ago, we headed off to Europe with Jas's brother, his wife, and their best friends.  We had an absolutely marvelous time hopping our way through Europe with a EurRail pass, a backpack of clothes, and a camera.  Oh, the stories that are still told to this very day about our adventures abroad!

All of these destinations were far beyond what I ever imagined them to be.  But, if I had to pick a spot to travel back to again and again, I would stay in the United States.  There really is no debating about this one.  In an instant, I would go back to Hawaii. 

I've only been to Hawaii once.  I went with my older sister, two older cousins, grandpa, and grandma (the same grandma that would take me on my world adventures as I grew a little older).  We went to Hawaii when I was only 7 years old, but the beautiful islands and friendly people stole my heart even at such a young age.  I remember so much of our time in Hawaii.  I remember the beaches, the volcanoes, Rainbow Falls, a ride on a glass bottom boat, making leis with Gramps, a fishing excursion, a luau.  The luscious trees, bold colored flowers, the accommodating and laid back attitudes of the locals.  All of this is still fresh in my mind, some 28 years later.

I long to go back and experience it all again.  In fact, I am planning a trip for my little family of four to visit Oahu.  We promised the girls several years ago that when we got out of debt (which was accomplished 2 years ago -- Debt free except for the house!) we would celebrate with a big trip.  I set my sights on Hawaii and we are almost in a spot financially to do just that.

I can't wait to visit again!  I'm even more excited to watch Jas and the girls discover Hawaii for themselves.  I'm certain that Hawaii will steal their hearts the way it has stolen mine.