Kauai

Once upon a time [1996], an ordinary young woman [me] was invited to speak at a gathering of chief executives in an extraordinary place [Kauai]. When the organizers sent me the form to choose my room and an activity, my eyes popped at the price tag. “It's okay,” they assured me; “just pick one.”

The execs, you see, would be staying at the Grand Hyatt Resort and ... so would I. Not down the road in some ordinary hotel. In a palatial room with a full ocean view, just like the execs.

I could see whales from my room. Not being a golfer, I chose the helicopter tour.

There I found a level of luxury, of service, that I had never come close to experiencing. And expected I never would again. [Wrong.]

This week, I have no obligations other than to relax—a reward for a difficult job done well. This time, I could take the time to extend my visit—more modestly, I'll admit. [I'm the frugal type].

Stress evaporated the moment I stepped into the tropical breezeways at the airport. [That was easy.]

Tired and jet-lagged, I didn't stray too far from my home base. [I didn't have to.]

I found my way to Wailua Falls.

And a view of the Wailua River, which is across the road from ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls.

I walked to the nearest beach, pulled off my shoes, and ... ahh, I'd forgotten the feel of warm sand on bare feet.

Rain was pouring down offshore, in the distance.

I walked as far as I could, ending at Kukui Heiau.

There I watched a young feral cat dart into the rocks and peer at me before disappearing, leaving me to admire Wailua Bay alone.

Oh, how lucky I am!