We Met the Nicest People

This kind family from New York insisted that we turn that convertible around and visit the Garden of Eden; we had passed it on the Road to Hana thinking it wasn't worth the admission price. It actually was gorgeous and we were grateful to have run into them, even if they were Yankees fans.
Could that dress be any shorter? I had no idea and, since you know me, I am pretty sure I didn't handle myself in the most ladylike of manners all night. Which means there was probably a ton of accidental underwear flashing. No wonder these guys are smiling and encouraging me to show off my shaka. These gentlemen were playing music throughout our opening reception and were absolutely darling and fun. I wanted a picture with them -and the bassist in particular - for Keane.

Needless to say, Keane's not impressed.
In Paia at the Fish Market, we ran into this adorable couple on their honeymoon from Germany. They'd actually gotten married in Hawaii, which I still don't quite understand. (Of course, you know that marriage isn't my specialty.) Claus and Nadia live about 30 minutes from Munich. We'll probably hook up with them when I take Keane to Europe next summer. Nadia is Swiss.

The Paia Fish Market was the first place I drove more than an hour to just for fish tacos with a good reputation. I had them as often as I could while in Maui. Most were mahi fish tacos, and most were grilled. They weren't San Diego/Baja style, but were still awesome.

I have actually had two (!!) dreams about them since I got home. Dreaming about food is just one of the many reasons I'm not a size 4.

This is Dave. He is the friend I will visit in Melbourne, soon enough. He's in hospitality, liquor, restaurants, and bars. Food and booze...no wonder I got along so well with him! I honestly could have hung out and talked with he and his wife all afternoon - except that we both were on a mission to get some banana bread down the road.

We met them at the shave ice place. This is the shave ice ladies back yard. Dave owes me my picture, but hasn't e-mailed it to me yet. Later, I will add it. (I'm counting on you, Dave.)

We ran into Dave and his family again back in Ka'anapali, which was cool, but I was running to catch the boat for parasailing and by the time we got back they were done with their Hula Grill meal. We were bummed! You know how I love a fun (foodie and boozy) Australian family.
I feel awful because I have forgotten this young lady's name. She sold me an adorable dress - not the too-short black one; I clearly purchased that one without any professional assistance. Thanks a lot, Nana!

She was working at this boutique for the summer, but goes to school in Washington. She hopes to get a job at a tasting room when she returns to school in the fall! Loves wine. Eliminates any need for me to shop for myself. We need her on the team!
Possibly my favorite picture from the whole trip. We didn't encounter a single staff member at the Sheraton who wasn't cheerful, friendly, funny, and kind. We bonded especially with the maids in our section. We would see them piling onto the elevator each morning...and one day we hopped on with them. It was that morning that we snapped this picture.