A delightful lunch at the Princeville Westin with friends...Many new photos...A year ago, a special visitor awaiting us...

One of three pools at the Princeville Westin, where we met Elaine and Richard for lunch on Friday.

Seldom dining out in an effort to keeps costs at bay and to avoid foods not acceptable to my way of eating, we were pleasantly surprised when the Nanea Restaurant at the Westin Hotel not only had numerous options for me but also, served quality meals at affordable prices.


Entrance to the restaurant at the Princeville Westin.

We'd invited Elaine and Richard as our guests as a small token for all the kindness they've shown us since we arrived in Kauai, in introducing us to many of their friends and including us in social events.  A small token, a lunch but, they both expressed a preference for going to lunch as opposed to an evening meal.



The lunch menu at Nanea, the Westin's main dining room.

Although I rarely eat lunch, on occasion Tom may have a light breakfast or lunch to hold him through the day.  Based on my way of eating, I'm seldom hungry until dinner time.


My delicious lunch included a grass fed burger with cheese, grilled onions and bacon and a side salad.

However, there's an exception.  When an appetizing platter of befitting food is set in front of me, the sight and smell certainly fire up my appetite allowing me to enjoy a midday meal on a rare occasion.



Tom orders whatever he'd like when dining out.  Here's his burger with both fries and onion rings which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Such was the case  yesterday at the Princeville Westin, an upscale resort and hotel popular attracting many travelers to the area with most rooms starting at the low $400 range.  Rated a 4.5 stars out of 5 at TripAdvisor, we decided a walk on the grounds may prove interesting and entertaining after our lunch with friends.


Elaine and Richard shared a meal of fried fish, fries, onion rings and a fruit plate.

We weren't disappointed as we wandered the grounds with fantastic ocean views, three luxurious swimming pools, outdoor massage area and lots of space for relaxing in the balmy trade winds.


Fresh orchids on display at the hotel.

The food at lunch was fresh and delicious with the chef totally complying with my dietary request of no starch, no grain, no sugar and low carb, allowing me to enjoy a full meal in a restaurant.


Our friends, Elaine and Richard, have been wonderful to us.

With beverages (Tom ordered a beer, the three of us had iced tea) and entrees (Elaine and Richard shared an entrée and ordered a side fruit plate) our total bill with tax and tip came to $88.66, not bad for the upscale environment.  We anticipate that dinner for two with a few drinks could stay under $100, not bad for the otherwise pricey Princeville.


After lunch Richard showed us the koi pond near the restaurant.

After over three weeks on Kauai to date, this was only the second time we dined in a restaurant.  Having access to most of the ingredients we usually use to make our favorite meals has kept us content to dine at home, as opposed to a few times a week at some other places we've lived.


Wandering the grounds after lunch we spotted this outdoor massage hut.

Dining out is no novelty to either of us, nor has it ever been.  Since I continue to enjoy cooking to some degree, I never feel burdened to whip up a good dinner for only the two of us. 

Add more people to the mix and cooking becomes more challenging when others don't necessarily eat as we do which includes a protein, a few veggies and a salad which I can usually pull together in 20 minutes or less.  With the expectation of a starchy side dish, bread or rolls and a dessert cooking for "company" is an entirely different undertaking.


There was a variety of waterfalls and ponds on the grounds.

As a result, I've somewhat lost interest in having dinner parties, especially when we're living in a small condo such as this that simply doesn't have the space for entertaining.


This lounge area is located in the center of the main pool.

As we make more and more friends on the island, we'll have no choice but to do entertaining in public venues such as we've done today.  One might think taking friends out for a meal is more costly. 

Considering the cost of groceries in the Hawaiian Islands, having even a few guests for a meal could easily cost $200 or more for the food and wine.  Dining out may prove to be a more efficient alternative to reciprocation in several ways. 



Another beautiful pool overlooking the ocean.

Also, with the shortage of the many basic ingredients we don't use with our way of eating, filling in the blanks for guests coming for dinner could result in even a higher expenditure.  We simply don't have the inventory of many everyday products in the cupboards used in making meals with grains, starches and sugar.

Back home by 2:30 pm, we found ourselves back into our lounging clothes with a plan to stay put until our daily happy hour foray across the street to whale watch, often meeting new people or gabbing with the locals we've already met who seem to frequent the same spot with the similar goals in mind.



At the edge of the grounds of the hotel, the views were familiar.

The remainder of the day and evening were spent in the pleasurable activity we call "mindless dribble" including online perusing, reading books on our phone and, into the evening, relaxing with a good movie on my laptop.

Not unlike many of our worldwide readers, the mindless relaxation in the evening is an ideal way to "get outside our heads" allowing ourselves to wind down after an otherwise busy (or not) "day in the life."


The Nene Goose, Hawaii's State Bird, has experienced a resurgence in population over the past years when extinction was long a possibility.

There's no complaining from us two, somewhat retired, world travelers always able to entertain ourselves one way or another.

Have a fabulous weekend.  See you again soon!
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Photo from one year ago today, February 7, 2014:

Upon opening the drapes in the master bedroom in Khaya Umdani on this date one year ago, Mr. Kudu was awaiting us, wondering what plans we had for the day.  Moments later, we opened this door and yet he didn't run away.  For more photos, please visit us at this link.






 

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Healthcare while traveling the world...What type of insurance pays abroad? Check out the precious photo from one year ago!

A Cattle Egret we spotted while driving.

Its been a long time since we've written about our health insurance, a relatively boring topic as far as I'm concerned.  Nonetheless, its a topic we must address at least once a year.



A drove along a beach road at low tide.

People we meet often ask about the type of health insurance we have and how it works when we're traveling the world.  Three years ago when we began to plan our travels, we asked these very same questions:

1.  Will Medicare pay for my medical expenses while aboard?  NO
2.  Will Tom's health insurance, still in effect until he's 65 (he's 62 now), cover him outside the US?  YES
3.  Are any prescriptions covered?  NO
4.  Are doctor visits covered? NO FOR EITHER OF US.



Many sunbathers are out on cloudy days.

I'm reminded of these questions this morning when I called the UK from which our travel insurance generates (calling at only $.023 a minute on Skype) to give them a new credit card number (an old card number was stolen and since replaced while we were on the Big Island) instructing them to go ahead and charge the annual US $3462.00 due at the end of this month for the policy that covers both of us.

Why have coverage for both of us when Tom already has insurance?  His insurance doesn't include emergency evacuation.  Our combined policy with Healthcare International covers emergency evacuation for both of us and the cost for either of us to travel back to the US in the event of the death of an immediate family member (up to $5000). 


Snorkeling on a sunny day.

When I turned 65 in February 2013, I qualified for Medicare and now have a Medicare card for Part A which only covers a portion of major medical.  Since Medicare doesn't pay while outside the US, I waived Part B (via a document to the US govt.) and also the purchase of a supplement.  Why pay $250 a month (for Part B and a supplement) for insurance we can't use while we're traveling? 

With a plan to be outside the US for years to come, health providing, and with little need for doctor visits at this time (neither of us have visited a doctor in 26 months) it made no sense to pay for anything other than major medical and travel insurance for me.


Each night we wander across the street to check out the whales and the waning sun.

In actuality, Tom is double insured for major medical when he joined me in the policy for the emergency evacuation and family member death features which includes major medical (hospital stays). 

If and when we need to visit a doctor in her/his office, we'll happily pay out of our pocket when costs in most countries are considerably less than in the US.  Many would say this plan is foolhardy.  For us and our unique circumstances, it makes the most sense financially and otherwise.


The trek down to the beach across the street from us is treacherous.

Of course, the policy with Healthcare International covers 100% of any hospital stays including surgeries and other procedures if necessary.  In other words, as referred to in the US, we have "major medical" coverage, all we feel we need at this time. 

In 10 years, we may feel differently but for now, this plan works for us.  It may not work for others, if they frequently visit their doctor for prescriptions and medical checks.

Healthcare International has a wide array of other policies including more comprehensive coverage that includes doctor visits but for us, at this time, it is unnecessary. 


A solitary orange leaf amongst green other leaves.

Tom no longer takes any prescriptions and I take only a few which I purchase online from BBB approved ProgressiveRX buying one year's worth at a time, paying out of our pocket without the use of any insurance. The total annual cost for these three meds is under US $500, less than we previously paid for co-pays for these same drugs.  Go figure.

If any of our readers have further questions regarding our insurance please feel free to click the included links, post a comment at the end of today's post or ask us a question via our email posted on our site at the top of the page, on the right side.  We'll answer your questions within 24 hours at most.

Its always easy to find a beach at the end of any road heading in any direction.

This can be a complicated topic.  For us, we like to keep it simple, like everything else in our lives when possible.  In all probability, we may be traveling for the remainder of our lives.  Should we settle somewhere if health requires, we'll address the issue at the time.  In the interim, while continually on the move, we're comfortable and at ease with our current solutions.

Today, we're off for our lunch date at the Westin Hotel in Princeville with Elaine and Richard where we'll take more photos of the exquisite luxury resort and perhaps of few of ourselves while we languish in delightful conversation with our new friends.

Have a fabulous Friday!
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Photo from one year ago today, February 6, 2014:

Its hard to believe it was a year ago that we took this photo of a Vervet Monkey and her baby as they looked down at us while we sat on the veranda at Khaya Umdani.  What an amazing start to a day.  We love the baby's super thin pinkish ear which eventually will be close to the head.  For more photos from that date, please click here.

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A fabulous party...Meeting new people with common interests...Are we driven by money?

Tomorrow, we're taking Richard and Elaine out to lunch at the Westin Hotel.  In our typical "senior style" we drove to the Westin yesterday to check out its location and grounds.  While there, we encountered a steep treacherous path down to the beach.  With improper shoes on, we only walked partway down, planning to return when my new walking shoes arrive in an upcoming package from the mailing service.  I'm using crazy glue to hold my current shoes together in the interim.

Last night's "Full Moon Party" couldn't have been more enjoyable.  We met many locals, most of whom live in the neighborhood of our hosts, Louise and Steve.  We were not only appreciative of Richard for inviting us but also for Louise and Steve welcoming strangers into their home.


The edge of the golf club reaches the sea.

As most cocktail type parties often work, we find ourselves in a huddle with three or four different people, one at a time, chatting on endlessly.  Much to our surprise, many of the guests were frequent travelers, not only to Hawaii and back to the mainland or other countries but, from all over the world.

It was interesting to hear the suggestions of places we should visit, not only here in Kauai but also in other parts of the world.  As mentioned in a recent post, we seriously pay attention to suggestions especially when we hear one repeated over and over in our travels.


This was the easy beginning of the path to the beach.

One couple has spent 40 years traveling to Australia where a son lives and they love traveling.  They've been to each of the popular cities, states and territories and many remote areas, offering numerous suggestions as to the areas we should visit.


Stopping along the path provided excellent views of the treasure below.

As we listen to the various suggestions throughout the world our minds are spinning interpreting our personal tastes with those of others.  Many travelers enjoy the big cities, the popular tourist spots, snorkeling and scuba diving. 


It was at this point the path became extremely steep as can be notes from the left in this photo.

With our tastes leaning toward culture, vegetation and wildlife, some of ours and their interests coincide.  Another lovely couple had been to Kruger National Park and other areas on safari in South Africa and we all reveled in sharing our endless stories of wildlife adventures.


We moved closer to the edge for more shots.

Most assuredly, we made new friends and will see these people again in our remaining months on the island of Kauai.  The one commonality we all share is our love for Kauai.  Several asked why we don't settle in Kauai sometime soon before housing prices get any higher than they are currently.


On the way back down from the steep path to the beach at the Westin Hotel, we were in awe of the views.

Its not easy to explain why we have no interest in settling.  Some of the travelers we've encountered in Princeville can easily afford both frequent travel and home ownership.  For us, the budget prevails. 

If we had a permanent home and it resulting expenses, we would be like the majority of the middle class, an annual vacation of one or two weeks would be all that is affordable.  That life, for us, at this point holds no appeal. 


Perhaps one day while in Kauai the mountains won't be hazy.

Do we really love the wanderlust or are we merely driven by financial reality?  In our case, we really love the wanderlust but, we accept that the only way its possible is to not have a home, storage, cars, etc. 

Our candor on this topic sometime surprises people we meet.  One party guest asked last night, "If you could have both, would you?"


As we walked back up to the level areas of the path, we turned around to note the uneven and steep path.  Turning an ankle was a real possibility when the ground was covered with acorn like nuts that had fallen from the trees.

Emphatically, the answer is NO.  We don't want to be worrying about the upkeep and maintenance of a property from which we're gone all the time.  Why, bother?

The party, intended to end at 8:00 pm, continued on and finally we were on our way home.  The clouds were too dense to get a good shot of the moon once we returned home.  

What a view from our lounge chairs at the Makai Golf Club's pool.

Unfortunately, none of the food at the party was appropriate for my way of eating.  As a result, I scrounged around eating leftovers, nuts and cheese.  Tom, still on his "24 hours of eating bad when we're out" ate the remainder of a bag of tortilla chip including a brownie at the party.  Today, we're both back to our healthy diets.


The pool's temperature is maintained at a cool 80 degrees, perfect for a dunk or swim on a warm day.

Soon, I'll head to the club to workout while Tom stays behind enjoying time on his own, a rare occurrence.  Its somewhat rainy and very cloudy today which will keep us from lounging at the pool, although a walk may be in order. 

In our lives there's no urgency to pack everyday with activities.  We have all the time in the world.

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Photo from one year ago today, February 5, 2014:
There was no photo posted one year ago today.  However, please click here for the story.

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A social event...A dish to make and bring along...It's been a long time...Easy party recipe...

 

The mountains, although always hazy, are a sight to behold.

Its difficult to remember the last time we attended a house party.  During our travels over the 27 plus months, we've had to few dinner parties and attended a few dinner parties but only for small groups.

The full moon at dusk when tonight we attend the "Full Moon Party."

Tonight's party in Richard's neighborhood, the "Full Moon Party" usually has an attendance of 30 or so guests.  How pleased we are to have been invited! 

Living in Kauai is starting to feel like it would feel if we were permanently living somewhere; a warm climate, new friends, lazy days at the pool, a walk in the neighborhood and a leisurely drive to explore the area. 



A distant ocean view.

Add the working out, the trips to the grocery store, an occasional dinner out and our pleasant evening forays across the street to the ocean at "happy hour" often meeting new people, mostly tourists and a few locals, and it really begins to feel like "home."

But, for us, the reality lingers that nothing in our daily lives is permanent (except one another) and however comfortable and familiar an area may begin to feel, in no time at all, it will be over.  We'll be on the move again.  Oddly, we love this fact.


Snorkeling is a favorite pastime of bathers.

Yes, it may seem odd to some that the wanderlust we carry in our hearts is genuine and liberating.  We never wish we could stay longer.  We're always ready to move along, appreciative for the time we've spent, anticipatory and enthused for the next upcoming adventure. 


A new house is being built beyond these trees.

Yes, it was sad to leave Marloth Park.  But, it was a result of leaving the living ones behind, the people and the animals.  The place, wherever that may be, like most places has its ups and downs, pros and cons, none of which we seem to become overly attached.

As for a place, Kauai is certainly the most beautiful place in which we've lived thus far.  No matter how close one may live to the ocean, its still the predictable, albeit exquisite view. 


Ants on a budding orchid.

But, here in Kauai, its the ocean, the mountains, the hills, the greenery, the smells of exotic plants, the sounds of the never ending crowing of the roosters and the friendly people.  And of course, there's the perfect weather. 

There's not much in the way of wildlife in Kauai.  However, if 12 giraffes visited us in our yard here, yes, we might never leave.  But, they don't, and we'll carry on as usual, living in the moment while at the same time looking forward to the moments yet to come.


As the day come to an end.

There's no sadness attached to leaving, only joy as a result of the experience.  Even, the time is Morocco which was our least favorite, almost one year ago, there were aspects we did find memorable and interesting. 


When I was putting on my shoe while sitting on the bed, this little character wandered out from inside my shoe.  I picked him up and put him outside for a more appropriate environment. 

Unfortunately, we were both ill while in Marrakech, Morocco; me twice, Tom once, due to the constant exposure to risky food in restaurants and germs flowing about the souks outside our door. 

Inside, the furniture was uncomfortable and it rained inside the open courtyard in the house. Although beautiful, the riad had many dangerous steps and stairways, definitely not suitable for the unsteady.  We were relived to finally leave.


Each strip of beach has its own unique appeal.

Other than that one experience, we've been happy at each location finding wonder and beauty, in a myriad of ways, that each locale uniquely provides.

For today, I'll make the "dish to share" and as promised, leaving the recipe at the end of this post.  Its definitely a gluten free recipes but not one I can eat due to the sweet salsa included.  Its a recipe from dear Sue, our wonderful neighbor and most of all, friend in Minnesota whom amongst others, we miss dearly.  Thanks Sue!


Any strip of beach is beautiful.

We'll be back tomorrow with photos and stories from the party and of another fine day spent in the glorious island of Kauai.  Be well.  Be happy.

Here's the easy recipe which I doubled for the large group:

Sue’s Lone Star Grill Salsa Dip

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 to 1 jar Lone Star Grill Raspberry or Pineapple Salsa*

1/2 to 3/4 C. cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 to 3/4 C. Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

2 green onions, sliced

1/4 to 1/2 C. sliced black olives

Spread cream cheese in a baking dish or 8" pie plate. Spread salsa over cream cheese. Combine the grated cheeses and sprinkle over salsa; top with onions and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes.

Serve with taco chips or crackers.

 

*Here in Princeville, Kauai I was unable to find raspberry or pineapple salsa at the local grocer, Foodland.  As an alternative, I purchased a savory chipotle salsa and a jar of pineapple/apricot jam which I'll combine with the salsa for a similar affect.
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Photo from one year ago today, February 4, 2014:
My broken screen laptop officially died one year ago today.  As a result, Okee Dokee and I headed to Nelspruit to the computer store to make a purchase resulting in a short post.  Please click here for the post on that date.

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A world of wonder...It never ceases to amaze us!

What's more beautiful than an orchid?

A few days ago while sitting across the street staring at the ocean I spoke to a woman who was well traveled.  She spoke of endless places we must take time to see in our travels. 



The shapes and patterns of exotic flowers astounds us.

All I could do is smile, taking mental notes of those that may appeal to us down the road, appreciating her well intended suggestions.  Many suggestions we receive we document and research incorporating some into our travels.  But, the world is a big place. 

And, if we had a lifetime, which we don't with our advancing age, we still couldn't see all the points of interest other enthusiastic travelers often suggest.  There's simply too much too see, in too short a time.


More gorgeous orchids.

People often ask us when we'll stop traveling.  Our answer remains the same today as it was over 27 months ago, we'll continue on until we can't anymore, always striving to see those places in the world that appeal to our tastes the most. 


Exotic flowers are eprevalent in Hawaii.

Many travelers enjoy the hustle and bustle of big busy cities.  We do not.  We've seen enough historic buildings to last a lifetime.  That's not to say we haven't appreciated them at the time.  But now, as time passes, we only recall one building that was life changing...the Treasury in Petra.  Click here for the link of our visit to Petra, truly one of the most exciting experiences in our travels.




An orange tree on the side of the road.

Thus, if the buildings of the world pose little interest for us, what shall we see? All the rest; the people, the wildlife, the vegetation and nature in its full glory.  That's the rest.

When we land in Sydney in three and a half months, we'll spend only hours.  At other times in our travels in the South Pacific we'll return to Sydney on numerous occasions, surely having ample time to see a little of the biggest city in Australia. 


Vodka tonic anyone?

Certainly, we'll relish in the experience in seeing Sydney but in no time, take us to the country or to the outlying ocean towns where the remaining majority of the population reside. Few Australians actually living in the center of the continent, the Outback, a vast and dangerous land we definitely plan to explore to some degree.

What does the future hold after our over two years in the South Pacific?  All the continents we've yet to visit; Antarctica, Asia and South America all of which will be included in the next leg of our journey. 


Even the common bougainvillea has flowers growing within.

Health providing, after traveling to these, we'll return to the continents where we feel we have more to see, such as in other parts of Africa and perhaps, a return visit to my favorite place thus far on the planet, Marloth Park, South Africa. By no means does Tom object.


A tangerine tree along the road.

However, I must admit that as far as the beauty of nature is concerned, Kauai tops the list.  Of all the many islands we've visited with many more to come, we doubt anywhere will be able to top the beauty of Kauai.  It keeps giving and giving.


Yesterday, we drove to Richard's neighborhood to see if we'd be able to see any hatched chicks.  Not yet, but we'll be checking weekly.

After our many road trips so far in Kauai with many more to come including other parts of the island, we have no doubt that we'll easily be able to post new photos of Kauai's beauty day after day, for the remaining time we'll be on the island.


A large tree with this colorful blooms.

As soon as I'm done here, I'm off to do my workout at the club and then off to the local grocer, Foodland.  Tomorrow night, we'll be attending our first house party on the island and will be bringing an appetizer and a few bottles of wine, one for Tom to drink and another for the hostess.


Roosters hanging out on the side of the road.

Tomorrow, I'll make the hot appetizer for the party and perhaps, post the recipe here.  Its a delicious, easy to make dish (not my way of eating friendly but, its gluten free).  Check back tomorrow!

Happy day!
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Photo from one year ago today, February 3, 2014:

Louise had suggested we put out a bowl with fruit flavored yogurt for the nocturnal bush babies while we were living in Khaya Umdani.  Alas, as we wandered outdoors to spend our day, we saw the monkeys had the bowl and were lapping up the yogurt.  For more photos, please click here.

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