just google 'bentos' or 'kids bentos' and you'll be off and running!

Hey there. We were in Kalihiwai for a while and Princeville on the north shore. We knew some people there already and met a few lovely people. All kids were in school that we were friends with so I don't know what the homeschool situation is... But there are definitely some super fun families living there. It is a Western culture though, so the same kind of busy-ness exists there as does the mainland- even though it is an island. People running to Costco and Home Depot to 'get things done.' It's not at all like a tropical island in Asia or the Caribbean where hanging out and getting to know people is more important than running errands. So, even though it is island life, it's the western version of it. And super pricey-most groceries at the health food store ran about double of what i pay here back on the mainland. Also, we are not a big ganja family and were pretty isolated in that arena. Something to keep in mind for your soon to be teens if you're not into the herb... The beauty of the island is unsurpassed, but personally i definitely prefer non-western cultures for living and becoming part of a community... just my 2 cents. There is also a fair bit of animosity from the locals to white folk. rightfully so, but my girls were called, 'fucking bitches' on quite a few occasions by locals as we passed them on the streets. not to say that this will be everyone's experience, but it is not uncommon. Not to sound down on the island at all. we had a great time while there and cherish the beauty of the place and the friends we did make. Each family and what they are after is so different. the thing i can say is that if you are an 'herb' loving, well to do family that want to garden and go to beautiful beaches every day, you will love it and fit in beautifully. and if not, the challenges will be there...

ya, totally! how far away are we from each other?

Oh, my, that party was about 8 years ago now, so I doubt the same ones would be available. But I got them at one of those party stores. Good luck!

Definitely.

Definitely.

it is sooo far and sooo expensive and soooo worth it! :)

wow! what a great adventure! i love that you were so bold as to go on such a trip with an 8 week old! and yes, i found traveling with children far more fun than before i had kids. they are such a fantastic 'bridge to connecting hearts,' as you so eloquently stated.

oh, i sooo need to figure out a way into your baggage! we have had our eyes on those canal trips for quite some time- also in france. i think they'd be much like the horse caravan in ireland except maybe a little less stressful since there's no honking cars and trucks passing at high speeds. but the same, slow pace of exploration. please report back with pictures!! or links to where we can see pics!

haha... maybe. or maybe me just looking for some good referrals!

this sounds outrageous! we only made it to the lake district in england but my girls absolutely adored it and constantly beg to go back to england- and preferably stay forever!

that's the great thing about traveling with kids- they are such great ice-breakers!

of course. what a remarkable trip!

that's so crazy! OMG!!!

this sounds sooo amazing! i still have nepal on my bucket list but am not so found of high altitudes... did it bother you when you went? i'm such a 'sea level' kind of gal!