Catching Up

I wanted to write about more of my trip to the Big Island. We all had a turn to choose where we would eat dinner. The first night was my dad's choice and he picked a local plate lunch restaurant. It was really good. The portions were huge. I should have known that this would be a precursor to all of the dinners. Sara had been talking about a Luau for about a month before we went. So for her choice we entered the world of dinner and a show. We were able to see the men take the pig out of the ground and see them remove the hot rocks and banana leaves. Makhail thought that was the best part and while we waited for our turn to enter the line for the food all she would say was, " I want to have some pig!" They also of course served poi. However this time they explained that you needed to eat it with something. The girls didn't get that and they tried it alone. Their faces were so funny. They have vowed never to eat it again. I had it with the pork and it wasn't bad. It is something that I could eat often with very salty pig. The show was wonderful. They didn't make fun of people and you could feel the love they had for their traditions. We found that one of the male dancers was in the ward that we attended the Sunday before this event. It was just something you don't see on the Main Land. He was gracious to take a picture with our family. My choice was a place called The Big Island Grill. This is another local restaurant, but this one is owned by members of the Church. They are closed on Sundays and they even have a picture of the Kona Temple up when you first walk in. They are really nice and you could truly feel the Aloha Spirit. Once again the portions were gigantic. We only ordered three plates and shared among the six of us. And then the dessert. How do I explain that one.......HUGE !!!!!! It was this B.I.G Pie, however it is the best ice cream pie I have ever had. The first place that we stopped at on the way to the Hotel when we got off the plane was to the Local Farmers Market. We met this lady who was selling fruit that she had grown, the first few people that we talked to they bought theirs and they are just reselling them. She was one of the best sales people, next to my Dad. I was interested in trying something very local so she sold me some Leechee fruit. At first when I tried it I wasn't to sure about the taste or texture, but they grew on me. I love them. They are a lot like grapes, but you have to work at getting to the fruit. It is a messy job, but worth it in the end. I have so much more to write about. So keep checking back. Mahalo