The last few days my Ambassador for Aloha, Jamie, and I have been cruising around the Big Island. On Sunday we cruised up the east coast checking out some of the lush jungle rain forest and spectacular natural sights such as Akak Falls and the Waipi'o valley. Though they don't do them justice, photos are probably the best way of getting a feel for these sites but unfortunately I still haven't found a decent wireless network or computer that accepts a USB in Hilo. Yesterday was spent cruising around Hilo hanging out on a black sand beach (this is a bit different when you're used to good calcium carbonate based beaches) and chilling in the hot springs at Anaiani ponds (which I highly recommend).

One Hawaiian speciality that Jamie insisted I tried is shaved ice. I was a bit sceptical at first, thinking that this is just a glorified slush puppy. After the first bite I was converted. It consists of basically a paper cone backed with freshly shaved ice with flavour over the top and the option of ice cream in the middle. In humid 85 degree (note change to silly, non-convertible measurements) this thing is orgasmic. Methinks when I get home I'll open a chain of shaved ice shops in Byron, Bondi and Airlie and put Boost Juice out of business!

Anyway Jamie's off today to Kaua'i so I'm left to my own devices for a couple of days in Hilo. I'm off to Kaua'i on Thursday but if I don't catch up with her there then I'll catch up with her in O'hau next week. For me its beach and recovery from the frantic sightseeing pace of the last few days.